In 2026, tourist visas to Europe have become insufficient for Russians: requirements have tightened, and multiple-entry Schengen visas are nearly impossible to obtain. France offers three real paths to long-term residency with a prospect of citizenship: the ‘Talent Passport’ program for business, a startup visa for innovative projects, and studying at a university.

How Europe’s Migration Policy Has Changed

Europe hasn’t closed off entirely to foreigners, but it has become more selective. Tourist visas are now issued mostly for short periods, and multiple-entry Schengen visas are nearly impossible to get. Checks on finances and travel purposes have intensified.

It has become harder to obtain long-term residency in countries where status is tied solely to an employer and involves heavy bureaucracy. In contrast, programs for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers remain relevant. Attempts to live long-term on tourist visas or in visa-free countries are practically impossible now.

Instead of the ‘come and just live here’ strategy, the approach that works now is: come with specific grounds and goals. Tourist visas are only suitable for one-time trips, so a residency permit with a clear justification is the working strategy.

The ‘Talent Passport’ Program: Starting a Company

The first way is the ‘Talent Passport’ program (renamed from ‘Talent Passport’) for company founders. This is one of the most stable and popular routes.

To obtain a 4-year residence permit, you need to:

  • prepare a business plan for the project;
  • deposit an investment of €30,000 per founder;
  • get approval from the Ministry of Economy;
  • obtain a D visa to enter France.

The investment is refundable — the funds are returned to the company’s account immediately after the legal entity is registered in France.

With this status, you can work in France on behalf of your own project. Spouses and children get the right to reside in France without restrictions. Spouses can work either as employees or self-employed.

After 4 years, the residence permit needs to be renewed once, and after 5 years of residence, you can apply for a passport and permanent residency.

Startup Visa: For Innovative Projects

The second path is the startup visa, also part of the ‘Talent Passport’ program. The conditions are practically the same: a 4-year residence permit with the right to open a company, work, and bring family.

The difference is that the project must be sufficiently innovative, and investment is not currently required. The choice between the first and second program depends on the nature of the business and development plans in France.

Studying as an Accelerated Path to Citizenship

The third way is studying at a French university. This is one of the most popular routes to faster citizenship.

After graduating from a French university and obtaining a French diploma, if you work officially for a company for 2 years or start your own business, you can apply for citizenship after 2 years of residence instead of the usual five.

Not the entire period of study counts toward the qualifying period for a passport, so the sooner you get a job after graduation and start earning officially, the sooner you can apply for citizenship.

Mandatory conditions for obtaining a passport: integration into society, residence in France, passing a language exam and an exam on knowledge of French culture.

Why France Stands Out Among European Countries

These are legal and functioning routes that don’t require exorbitant investments or promises of a passport in 6 months. The French passport is considered one of the strongest in the world, and you can obtain it without buying property or getting married.

France actively welcomes foreign specialists. In 2023, the country issued 336,000 first residence permits, and economic and professional categories are among the fastest-growing. France ranks in the top five EU countries for accepting highly qualified specialists.

The Reality of Choice: Where to Go, If You Can

In 2026, the choice of country is dictated not by preference of where to live, but by the availability of an opportunity to move. Russians can no longer rely on tourist visas and must choose countries that offer favorable access to residency.

France remains accessible and welcomes innovative projects and businesses that will benefit the French economy. You can move by starting a company, using a startup visa, or enrolling at a French university. All these methods are completely legal and provide a path to citizenship.