IMMIGRATION TO REUNION, GUADELOUPE
OR MARTINIQUE

DROM: KEY ADVANTAGES

There are many benefits living on a French island. They include: 

1. 1. A tropical climate giving each island a beautiful weather year-round : the average temperature throughout the year is 25°C;
   2. Access to the French culture in a exotic environment;
   3. Delicious cuisine : tasty, rich of French, African and Indian influences, the Creole cuisine is known all around the world;
   4. An exceptional diversity of landscapes such as breathtaking waterfalls, huge volcanoes, scenic hiking trails, white sandy and turquoise water beaches, etc;
   5. Many different activities to do like diving, hiking, kite surfing, jet skiing, etc : it is practically impossible to get bored;
   6. All transactions are done in Euro currency;
   7. The people living on the islands are known for their hospitality, warmth and generosity.

DROM: MAIN CONDITIONS

In order to qualify for a residency permit under the financially independent person to one of the three islands, the applicant must: 

1. 1. Justify sufficient financial income to reside on one of the French island without working there;
   2. Acquire or rent a property on the selected island;
   3. Subscribe to a medical insurance company that covers any health risk for the duration of the stay.

DROM: PROCESS

Below is a typical process for a long stay visa application in one of the islands from the start to the citizenship granting. Inimex will assist you at every step in order to guide and prepare your file and maximize your chances of success. Therefore, here is the approximate process to immigrate to one of these French islands: 

1. 1. Preparation of all documents required for the application;
   2. Legalization of the documents or apostille according to the provenance of the documents;
   3. Translation of all documentation into French by our certified translators;
   4. Renting or acquiring of a property in Martinique, Guadeloupe or Reunion Island; 
   5. Submission of the long stay visa application for the chosen island at the French Consulate or Embassy in your residence country;
   6. Granting of the long stay visa valid for 12 months. This visa is only applicable for the island and not for France or any other country from Schengen area;
   7. Trip to the chosen island for the visa validation and application for a residence permit; 
   8. Performance of a medical exam with the French Immigration and Integration Office (OFFI);
   9. Granting of the residence permit valid for 12 months and renewable with the prefecture of the Island or the place of residence;
   10. Exchange of the foreign driving license for a local driving license within the first year. This exchange is possible only if there is an agreement between the island and the country in which the original driving license was issued;
   11. Possibility of applying for permanent residence after living in the island for at least of 5 years. The new residence permit will be valid for 10 years. Once you receive it, you may be eligible to apply for French citizenship.

DROM: LIST OF DOCUMENTS

All supporting documents must be translated into French. Inimex team can assist you in the documents preparation, translation and legalization. Moreover, we can help you find the appropriate property or medical insurance according to your specific situation. You can find below the list of documents required for the application: 

1. 1. Passport (copy of each page);
   2. Civil status document (marriage or divorce certificate);
   3. Birth certificate;
   4. Family record book;
   5. Police certificate;
   6. Diploma(s);
   7. Bank certificate;
   8. Bank statements for the last 6 months;
   9. Proof of income and its accumulation;
   10. Tax statements;
   11. Proof of accommodation on the chosen island through a rental contract, a deed of purchase, electricity bills, etc.;
   12. Evidence of medical coverage for the entire length of the stay.

DROM: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Real estate investment

The Inimex team can support and guide you in the process of acquiring a property in the DOM/TOM. Our real estate experts will provide assistance to find an accommodation that fits your needs and we may also evaluate the property you select. Afterwards, we will assist you in the price negotiation so that you are ensured to pay for the accurate property value. In every case, our main duty is to protect our clients interests. We are even available to check the property while our clients are not present on the territory to make sure that everything is fine.

Usually, the whole process takes place at the notary : the property price is negotiated when the offer is accepted. At this point, a promise to purchase is signed and 10% of the property price is transferred to the notary. The amount remaining is paid once the purchase is completed. 

Regarding the notary fees, they are fixed at 8% for an existent property and they include the governmental fees as well as the registration fees. For a new property, the notary fees and all other costs are fixed to 3% of the purchase price.

If you would like to acquire a yacht, a ship or a boat, we can help you register and park your craft

Property management company 

Typically, individuals with a long stay visa for visitors are not allowed to work in the country. Therefore, they should not set up a business on the territory. However, if you would like to own a company on one of the French islands, it is possible to invest in real estate. Our team can assist you in the registration of your property management company as well as in all administrative procedures. We will also help you to register for the taxes and with the register of companies.