At Blue Bridge Law, we specialize in creating tailored migration strategies for families looking to relocate to France, particularly when their plans involve complex elements such as business ventures, real estate investments, and family reunification.
This anonymized case study demonstrates how our network of legal and business experts analyzed various options for a UK family seeking to make France their new home.
Background
A British family, consisting of a retired couple and their two adult children, reached out to Blue Bridge Law for assistance with their migration to France. Each family member had specific circumstances and goals:
- The retired parents wanted to live in France without the need for employment, relying on their pension.
- The elder son, a successful entrepreneur with significant funds from a business sale, was interested in continuing or starting new ventures in France.
- The younger son, also a business owner in the UK, was exploring the possibility of expanding his operations into France or investing in new opportunities.
Our objective was to evaluate the best visa options and business strategies that would meet each family member’s unique needs, while ensuring legal and financial compliance in France.

Migration Options and Strategic Considerations
Our team, led by Managing Attorney Yuliana Colorado, along with our network of external specialists, carefully analyzed the visa options for each family member:
- For the Parents: We recommended the Visitor Visa, which allows long-term residence in France without the right to work. This visa was well-suited for their needs, as they had sufficient income from pensions and adequate healthcare coverage to meet the requirements.
- For the Elder Son: With his entrepreneurial background and financial resources, we explored both the Standard Entrepreneur visa and the Talent Entrepreneur visa. While the Standard Entrepreneur visa is less stringent and renewable annually, the Talent Entrepreneur visa, requiring a €30,000 investment, offers longer residency and family reunification. Both options would allow him to continue his business ventures in France.
- For the Younger Son: While he was not eligible for the Talent Entrepreneur visa due to the lack of required degrees or professional experience, we considered the Standard Entrepreneur visa. However, this visa does not allow family reunification and is only valid for one year. Given his financial stability, we evaluated the Investor’s Visa, which requires a €300,000 investment and allows long-term residence for both him and his family. This visa also aligns with his business expansion goals.

Corporate and Investment Considerations
Given that both sons are business owners in the UK, a key part of our analysis was determining whether their new ventures in France should be structured as subsidiaries of their UK companies or as independent entities.
We emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough accounting and tax analysis to understand the fiscal impact of these choices. Our external collaborators in fiscal law can assist in evaluating the best structure from a tax optimization perspective, ensuring compliance with both French and UK tax laws. This analysis is crucial for determining capital flows between the companies and anticipating cross-border financial obligations.
Additionally, we explored the possibility of the family acquiring a château in France as part of their investment strategy. If the château is intended for business purposes, such as operating as a gîte or maison d’hôtes, it may qualify as a legitimate investment under the Investor’s Visa. To manage this, we suggested the creation of a management company to handle renovations and operations, ensuring the investment complies with French regulations. Our external experts in corporate law and real estate management would be instrumental in guiding this process.

What We Have to Offer
At Blue Bridge Law, our network of experienced attorneys and external specialists is dedicated to providing a comprehensive approach to migration, business, and investment planning. Here’s how we can assist your family in making a smooth transition to France:
- Visa Solutions Tailored to Your Needs: Our attorneys carefully assess each family member’s situation to recommend the most suitable visa, whether it’s a Visitor Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, or Investor Visa. We ensure that all applications are aligned with both personal and financial goals, providing clarity and guidance at every step.
- Strategic Business and Corporate Structuring: Our network of corporate law experts provides advice on the best way to structure new ventures in France, whether as subsidiaries or independent companies. This includes an in-depth analysis of the tax implications and capital linkages between businesses in the UK and France, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition.
- Investment Consulting for Real Estate: If you’re considering real estate investments, such as purchasing a château, our team can assist in evaluating whether the property qualifies as a business investment. We provide guidance on setting up management companies to oversee operations and ensure compliance with local laws, offering a profitable and strategic approach to property ownership in France.
- Expert Legal and Fiscal Support: Our external collaborators in fiscal law are available to conduct detailed accounting and tax analyses, ensuring that all business and investment activities are tax-efficient and legally compliant. We also offer comprehensive legal support across areas such as real estate, corporate law, and business investment, ensuring that every aspect of your move is carefully managed.

This case exemplifies the level of detail and strategic thinking that Blue Bridge Law and our network of experts bring to each migration case. By carefully analyzing the unique needs of each family member, from visa applications to business structuring and investment opportunities, we ensure that every option is explored and optimized for long-term success.
Whether you’re looking to retire, expand your business, or invest in French real estate, our team is here to provide tailored solutions and expert guidance every step of the way.
For more information on how we can assist your family in moving to France, feel free to reach out to us.