Looking to secure European citizenship through investment? France offers a compelling but often misunderstood pathway. Unlike some countries with instant "golden passport" programs, France takes a more measured approach that balances economic benefit with genuine integration.

If you're considering France as your gateway to EU citizenship, it's crucial to understand that the French model works differently. Rather than selling citizenship directly, France provides investment-based residency options that can eventually lead to full citizenship rights.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through France's investment immigration framework, from initial visa options to the naturalization process. We'll explore the financial thresholds, timeline expectations, integration requirements, and how recent legal developments might affect your journey.

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to launch a business in France or an investor seeking to diversify your global presence, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your path to French citizenship successfully.

Overview of Citizenship by Investment in France

When people talk about "citizenship by investment" in France, they're actually referring to a two-step process: first securing residency through investment, then eventually applying for citizenship after meeting naturalization requirements.

Unlike programs in some other countries where citizenship can be directly purchased, France maintains that meaningful connection to the country must be established before citizenship is granted. This approach aligns with broader European values about what citizenship truly means.

France does not operate a direct citizenship-by-investment program. Instead, France provides residency-by-investment pathways that can eventually lead to citizenship through naturalization. These pathways fall under the Talent Passport scheme, introduced in 2016 to attract international talent and investors to France.

The French approach prioritizes active economic contribution over passive financial investment. By requiring actual business activity, job creation, and personal integration, France ensures that new citizens have genuine ties to the country.

For investors and entrepreneurs, this means planning for a longer-term commitment rather than a quick transaction. The upside? The pathway is clear, legally sound, and leads to one of the world's most powerful passports with full EU citizenship rights.

France's Stance on Direct Citizenship by Investment

Let's be crystal clear: France has no official CBI program that grants citizenship outright in return for an investment. French nationality law requires a genuine connection to France (usually through residency and cultural integration) for naturalization.

This position isn't unique to France, but it is particularly firm in the French context. The government consistently maintains that "European citizenship is not for sale" – a stance that has only strengthened in recent years.

Exceptional Cases: French law does allow expedited or discretionary naturalization in rare circumstances for individuals who render exceptional services to France (which could theoretically include extraordinary economic contributions). For example, Article 21-19 of the French Civil Code permits waiving the usual residency period for those who "can render important services to France given their talents". This is not a formal program and is decided case-by-case.

However, don't get too excited about these exceptions. In reality, they're rarely applied to investors and are more commonly granted to notable scientists, artists, or foreign legion members who have provided unique services to France.

The bottom line is that France respects its citizenship as something earned through genuine connection and integration, not purchased through financial means alone. This approach may require more patience than some other programs, but many find that the end result – becoming truly French – is worth the journey.

Residency-by-Investment Pathways

While France doesn't offer a direct route to citizenship through investment, it does provide several attractive residency options for investors and entrepreneurs. These pathways, primarily under the Talent Passport framework, serve as the first step toward eventual citizenship.

Let's explore the main investment-based routes that can put you on the path to French citizenship.

Talent Passport – Business Investor Visa

The Talent Passport – Investor (Passeport Talent "Investisseur économique") is France's closest equivalent to a "golden visa." It targets high net-worth individuals who will invest significantly in the French economy.

To qualify for this visa, you'll need to meet several key requirements:

Substantial Investment: A minimum direct investment of €300,000 in French business assets (tangible or intangible) is required. This investment can be made either by establishing or acquiring a business in France that you will personally manage (and in which you own at least 30% equity), or by investing personally in an existing French company (with at least a 10% equity stake acquired).

It's important to understand that not all investments qualify. Passive investments like buying real estate or government bonds do not qualify; the funds must support business activity. This reflects France's focus on active economic contribution rather than passive capital placement.

Job Creation or Preservation: The investor must commit to creating or safeguarding jobs in France within four years of the investment. This requirement underscores the program's goal of tangible economic benefit (e.g. expanding a company's workforce or preventing layoffs).

You'll need to provide a solid business plan demonstrating how your investment will generate employment opportunities in France. The authorities want to see concrete economic impact, not just financial injection.

Clean Background and Funds: As with all French visas, the applicant must be over 18 and have no serious criminal record. They must prove the legal origin of investment funds and a sound financial plan. This includes providing a police clearance certificate and comprehensive documentation of your financial means.

If approved, investors receive a multi-year residence permit valid for up to 4 years (often initially issued for the 4-year maximum). This Talent Passport – Investor permit allows engaging in all commercial or managerial activities related to the investment project.

One of the significant advantages of this visa is that it also confers the right to work in France without a separate work permit, and the holder's immediate family (spouse and children under 18) are granted accompanying residence permits with full work authorization. This makes it an excellent option for relocating your entire family.

The permit is renewable if the investor continues to meet the conditions (e.g. the business is still active and the investment and jobs commitment maintained). This provides a clear pathway to the five-year residence period required for permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

For tech investors, France promotes this investor visa as part of its French Tech Visa initiative for attracting tech sector talent. Under the French Tech Visa for Investors, an applicant investing €300,000+ in a tech startup or innovative company can enjoy an expedited process if their project is endorsed by the French Tech Mission.

Talent Passport – Business Creator (Entrepreneur) Visa

If you're not ready to invest €300,000 but still want to establish a business presence in France, the Talent Passport – Business Creation (Passeport Talent "Créateur d'entreprise") is geared toward entrepreneurs starting a new venture in France.

This pathway requires a smaller financial commitment but has other qualifying criteria:

Qualifications and Business Plan: The applicant must hold at least a master's-level degree or have 5 years of comparable professional experience. They also must demonstrate a "real and serious" business project in France.

You'll need to prepare a robust business plan with multi-year financial projections to prove your venture's viability. The French Ministry of Economy will review the business plan and issue an official favorable opinion if the project is deemed credible. This vetting is a prerequisite before the visa application.

Investment Requirement: The entrepreneur must commit a minimum investment of €30,000 into the new enterprise. This capital can be the entrepreneur's own funds or a combination of personal funds and loans.

You'll need to provide proof of this funding through bank statements or loan agreements as part of your application. While €30,000 is significantly less than the investor visa threshold, it ensures your startup has a solid financial foundation.

Supporting Documents: Besides the business plan and funding proof, applicants provide evidence of their qualifications/experience, a clean criminal record, and (if applicable) any license or permit needed for the business sector.

Successful applicants receive a multi-year Talent Passport residence permit (Business Creator), also issued for up to 4 years initially. Like the investor visa, it is renewable as long as the business remains active and the criteria continue to be met.

This permit authorizes you to carry out the commercial activities related to your business project and, like the investor visa, family members are eligible for residence under the same favorable terms (spouse with work rights, etc.).

For innovative startups, France offers additional benefits. If a startup project is labeled by a public agency or tech incubator as an "innovative economic project," the founder can obtain a Talent Passport under the "project innovant" category. This can provide additional support and recognition for your venture.

Beyond the primary Talent Passport options, France offers additional pathways that might be suitable for certain investors or entrepreneurs:

Outside the Talent Passport framework, France has a self-employment visa category (Carte de séjour "Entrepreneur/Profession Libérale") for those who wish to work as self-employed (e.g. freelancers or small business owners) and can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.

This option typically provides a one-year renewable permit and requires proof of a viable business plan and income at least equal to the French minimum wage. While less advantageous than the Talent Passport, it can be a stepping stone: after establishing in France on a one-year entrepreneur visa, a person may later transition into a Talent Passport if their business grows to meet the investment or innovation criteria.

The key takeaway about France's investment pathways is that they prioritize active entrepreneurial activity and economic contribution over passive investment. The thresholds (€30k for entrepreneurs, €300k for investors) and ancillary requirements (education, business vetting, job creation) reflect a policy of attracting genuine business activity and talent, rather than offering residency in exchange for mere capital influx.

The Journey from Residency to Permanent Status

Once you've established residency in France through one of the investment pathways, your journey toward citizenship involves two key steps: obtaining permanent residency and then applying for naturalization. Let's explore this progression in detail.

Obtaining Permanent Residency

After several years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent resident status in France. This is typically granted through a 10-year residence card, which provides much greater security and fewer renewal requirements.

Foreign nationals on a Talent Passport or other long-stay visas can generally qualify for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous lawful residence in France. Permanent residency is typically granted through a renewable 10-year residence card (Carte de résident).

The primary requirement is completing five years of uninterrupted residence in France. 5-Year Residency Requirement: French law usually requires five years of uninterrupted residence in France to be eligible for a 10-year resident card. Time spent under the multi-year Talent Passport (investor or entrepreneur) counts toward this.

Beyond the time requirement, you'll need to demonstrate integration and financial stability. Applicants for a carte de résident must show they have integrated into French society and have stable economic means. For Talent Passport holders, the integration requirement is partly met by their business or investment activity.

Language skills are also increasingly important. Starting in 2024, France has tightened language requirements for long-term residency: first-time 10-year card applicants will need at least A2 French proficiency (elementary level), a step up from merely attending language orientation classes before. (Note: The 2024 immigration law raises this further to B1 level in the near future, effective by 2026.)

One crucial aspect that many investors overlook is the actual residence requirement. A recent legal update introduced the concept of "résidence habituelle" – essentially requiring that the person genuinely lives in France. If an investor-resident spends most of their time outside France and cannot prove France is their primary residence, the authorities may refuse renewal of the multi-year permit or deny a 10-year card.

This means you can't simply make the investment and visit occasionally – Talent Passport holders are expected to maintain a home and spend a substantial part of the year in France to be considered habitually resident. This requirement ensures that those on the path to citizenship are truly making France their home.

Obtaining the 10-year residency card is a significant milestone. Acquiring a 10-year resident card is highly beneficial: it grants more security (fewer renewals) and rights almost on par with French citizens (except voting). It also facilitates residence in other EU countries under EU long-term resident status rules.

Many investors choose to maintain this status even if they ultimately decide not to pursue full citizenship, as it provides substantial rights with fewer integration requirements than citizenship.

The Path to French Citizenship

The final step in your journey is naturalization as a French citizen. Naturalization is the primary route for an investor or entrepreneur to obtain French citizenship. By law, a foreigner can apply to become a French citizen by decree after a qualifying period of residence, provided they meet integration criteria.

The standard residency requirement for naturalization is 5 years of continuous residence in France. Time in France under a Talent Passport counts towards this. This aligns with the timeline for permanent residency, meaning that once you qualify for permanent residence, you're likely also eligible to apply for citizenship.

In certain cases, the residency period can be reduced. The residency period can be reduced to 2 years in certain cases – for example, if the person has earned a degree from a French university after at least 2 years of study, or has provided "exceptional service" to France.

You might wonder if significant investments qualify as exceptional service. French authorities have the discretion to consider significant economic contributions or job creation as grounds to waive the 5-year rule. Indeed, the law explicitly allows a reduced residency requirement for those who "have rendered important services to France or whose naturalization would be of exceptional interest for France".

However, in practice, this is rarely invoked purely for investors; it's more commonly used for cultural figures or scientists. Most investor immigrants should plan on residing at least five years before citizenship.

Language and cultural integration requirements are substantial. To naturalize, one must demonstrate proficiency in French (currently B1 level on the CEFR scale, i.e. intermediate) and knowledge of French history, values, and culture. Applicants attend an interview where their language and integration are assessed, and must pass a French civics test.

Be aware that these requirements are becoming more stringent. The new 2024 law will raise the language requirement to B2 (upper-intermediate) by 2026 for naturalization, a higher bar indicating a strong command of French. This underscores the importance of beginning your language learning journey early.

The naturalization process itself involves several steps and can take considerable time. The process involves submitting a detailed application to the local prefecture or French consulate (if abroad, though residency in France is normally required). Processing can take 6 months to 2 years, as files go through security checks and approval by the Ministry of Interior.

If your application is approved, the applicant attends a citizenship ceremony and takes an oath of allegiance to France. Upon naturalization, they become an EU citizen, gaining the right to vote in France and to live or work anywhere in the EU. You can then apply for a French passport and national identity card.

It's important to understand that naturalization is not automatic; it's a discretionary act of the French state. A well-prepared application that clearly demonstrates the person's economic contribution (for investors), integration (employment, language, community ties), and commitment to France will have the best chances.

For those concerned about their original citizenship, France generally allows dual citizenship, so investors can often retain their original citizenship while adding French nationality (subject to the other country's laws). This makes the French pathway particularly attractive for those wishing to maintain ties to their home country.

In summary, the fastest realistic timeline for an investor to become a French citizen is about 5 years of residency (since France doesn't shortcut the residency requirement in most cases). This is on par with many other countries' naturalization periods and is significantly longer than instant passport schemes, reflecting France's policy that citizenship must follow a period of integration.

Investing in residency and citizenship isn't just about meeting financial requirements. The legal and political context is equally important, as it can affect both the stability of your status and the value of your eventual citizenship. Here's what you need to know about the broader environment in which France's investment immigration operates.

EU Restrictions and Compliance

France's investment visa programs exist within a broader European context that has become increasingly skeptical of "citizenship for sale" schemes:

France's investment-based residency schemes operate within the broader EU legal and political context, which has become increasingly skeptical of outright "citizenship for sale" programs.

Recent developments have reinforced this stance. In April 2025, a landmark ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) struck down Malta's CBI program, declaring that granting EU citizenship without any genuine link to the country "violated EU law" and represented a "commercialisation of citizenship" contrary to the principle of sincere cooperation among Member States.

This ruling has significant implications for citizenship programs across the EU. Following the ruling, the Commission's stance is unequivocal: all EU member states should abolish any existing CBI schemes. (Cyprus and Bulgaria had already terminated their golden passport programs by 2023 amid corruption scandals.)

For France, these developments reinforce its approach. Since France never offered citizenship in exchange for money, it is already in line with EU expectations. The French model of requiring physical presence, economic activity, and integration before citizenship fulfills the "genuine link" criterion that the EU deems essential.

However, the EU's scrutiny isn't limited to direct citizenship programs. EU-level scrutiny also extends to residency-by-investment (RBI) programs, albeit in softer form. The European Commission's 2019 report on investor schemes flagged risks like security, money laundering, and tax evasion in golden visa programs across the EU.

France addresses these concerns through comprehensive due diligence. France's compliance in this area includes: thorough vetting of applicants (criminal record checks, verification of investment funds source), inter-agency cooperation for security screening, and alignment with EU anti-money laundering directives.

The geopolitical environment can also impact investor immigration. In March 2022, following EU sanctions, France (with other EU states) tightened issuance of visas to Russian and Belarusian nationals under investor and other schemes. This highlights how global events can affect the accessibility of investment pathways for nationals of certain countries.

It's also important to understand the limitations of residency permits versus citizenship. Holding a French residence permit allows travel in the Schengen Area (up to 90 days in 180 in other countries), but it does not grant the right to settle in other EU states. Only once the person becomes a French/EU citizen can they enjoy full freedom of movement.

Domestic Political Climate and Controversies

Within France itself, the political landscape around investment immigration is relatively favorable compared to some other European countries:

Within France, immigration – including investor immigration – is a subject of political attention. However, compared to family immigration or refugees, investment visas have not been a major point of contention in public debate, largely because of their scale and design.

One reason for this is that France's investor visa program is relatively modest in numbers and focused on job creation, which makes it less controversial than the property-based "golden visas" of some other countries that were blamed for inflating real estate prices.

The French government continues to refine these programs to ensure they deliver genuine benefits. The new Immigration Law of 2024 (loi n° 2024-42 du 26 janvier 2024) introduced reforms aimed at "controlling immigration and improving integration".

For investors, this means some structural changes but no fundamental shift in philosophy. For investment pathways, the law simplifies the Talent Passport categories (merging some sub-categories) and renames "Passeport Talent" to just "Titre de séjour 'Talent'" for clarity. The investor and entrepreneur permits are being consolidated under a broad "Talent – Project Leader" category along with innovative project founders.

These changes aim to streamline the process while maintaining strict standards. Crucially, none of these changes dilute the requirements; on the contrary, they uphold or tighten them.

France's approach to investor immigration reflects specific policy choices that have helped avoid controversies seen elsewhere. Unlike Spain or Portugal, France never offered a real estate investment residency route of the type that drew criticism for driving up housing costs. By requiring business investment and job creation, France avoids some controversies seen elsewhere.

This approach has helped France avoid many of the scandals that have plagued other programs. France's investment visa program has not been marred by notable corruption scandals or security breaches in the way some other countries' programs have (e.g., the Cyprus "golden passport" scandal of 2020).

Nevertheless, French authorities remain vigilant. Applications can be and have been refused if doubts arise about the source of funds or the bona fides of the investor. The balance struck by France – requiring meaningful economic contribution and residency before citizenship – has proven to be a sustainable approach.

Recent Developments as of 2025

Several recent developments will impact investors considering the French pathway:

EU Court Judgment (2025): As discussed, the CJEU judgment against Malta's program in April 2025 is a defining development. France publicly supported the principle behind this ruling. The French government's position is that nationality cannot be simply purchased, aligning with the court's view that citizenship requires a genuine connection.

This EU-wide stance effectively eliminates the possibility of France introducing a direct CBI scheme in the future, reinforcing the stability of the current approach.

Administrative changes are also coming. Implementation of the 2024 Law: Administrative decrees are expected in 2025 to implement the new structuring of Talent permits (merging investor/entrepreneur into broader categories). Investors applying in late 2025 or 2026 may find the application forms or category names changed.

While these changes will affect the bureaucratic process, the underlying requirements (invest €300k, jobs, etc.) should remain as codified in CESEDA (French immigration code), with possibly minor adjustments by regulation.

Language requirements are becoming more stringent. Raising of Language Requirements (2026): As noted, from 1 January 2026 the new law's language provisions come into force. This means naturalization applicants will need B2 French, and 10-year card applicants B1.

This timeline is important for planning purposes. Investors planning long-term should be aware of this timeline – those applying before 2026 are under the current B1/B0 requirements, but after 2026 the bar is higher.

At the EU level, further changes may be on the horizon. EU Long-Term Residence Directive Revision: At the EU level, there are discussions about reforming the Long-Term Resident (LTR) status to make it more attractive or more harmonized. If changes occur, it could slightly impact France's rules for granting 10-year cards or the rights attached.

The European Commission continues to monitor investor residence schemes across the EU. While not banned, the Commission in 2022 recommended common due diligence standards for golden visas and even suggested phasing them out if risks can't be mitigated. France's scheme, being already strict and smaller in scale, hasn't attracted negative attention from the EU.

Practical Considerations for Investors

Beyond the legal requirements, there are practical aspects that investors should consider when pursuing the French pathway to citizenship.

Timeline and Planning

When planning your investment pathway to French citizenship, realistic timing is essential. The total journey from initial investment to citizenship typically takes at least 5-7 years, broken down as follows:

  1. Application processing for the initial Talent Passport: 1-3 months
  2. Initial residency period: 4 years (the maximum duration of the Talent Passport)
  3. Application for permanent residency: 3-6 months processing time
  4. Naturalization application and processing: 6 months to 2 years

This timeline requires strategic planning, especially for the five-year continuous residence requirement. You'll need to establish genuine roots in France, including a primary residence, and spend sufficient time in the country each year to maintain your status.

The "habitual residence" requirement means you can't simply invest and visit occasionally. Plan to spend the majority of your time in France if citizenship is your goal. This may require restructuring your business affairs and personal life to accommodate regular presence in France.

Language and Integration Requirements

Language acquisition is perhaps the most significant practical challenge for many investors. The French language requirements are substantial and increasing:

  • For a 10-year residency card: A2 level (elementary) currently, rising to B1 (intermediate) by 2026
  • For citizenship: B1 level (intermediate) currently, rising to B2 (upper-intermediate) by 2026

Reaching B2 proficiency requires significant commitment – typically 500+ hours of study for English speakers. It's advisable to begin language learning immediately upon deciding to pursue this path, ideally before even arriving in France.

Integration goes beyond language. You'll need to demonstrate knowledge of French culture, history, and values. This includes understanding the principles of the Republic, such as laïcité (secularism), and being able to discuss them in your naturalization interview.

Establishing social and professional networks in France helps demonstrate integration. Join local organizations, participate in community events, and build relationships with French citizens. These connections not only support your citizenship application but enrich your experience of living in France.

Financial Planning and Tax Implications

The financial aspects of this journey extend beyond the initial investment. Consider these factors in your planning:

  1. Living costs in France, especially in prime locations like Paris, can be substantial
  2. You'll become tax resident in France if you spend more than 183 days per year there
  3. France has wealth tax (Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière) on real estate assets above €1.3 million
  4. Income from global sources may be taxable in France once you're resident

Consult with tax advisors familiar with both French tax law and your home country's system before making the move. Proper tax planning can significantly impact the overall cost of your citizenship journey.

Remember that while the initial investment must be maintained throughout the visa period, your financial strategy can evolve over time. Once you've secured permanent residency, you have more flexibility in how you manage your investments in France.

Pros and Cons of the French Pathway

Every citizenship-by-investment pathway has advantages and drawbacks. Here's a balanced assessment of the French approach:

Advantages

  1. A prestigious passport with full EU citizenship rights
  2. Access to one of the world's largest economies with strong business opportunities
  3. Excellent healthcare, education, and quality of life
  4. Lower investment thresholds compared to some other programs (€30k for entrepreneurs)
  5. Family inclusion with full rights for spouse and children
  6. Dual citizenship allowed
  7. Legal stability and compliance with EU rules (avoiding potential future challenges)
  8. Clear pathway with defined steps and requirements

Challenges

  1. Longer timeline to citizenship compared to direct CBI programs
  2. Substantial language requirements that increase over time
  3. Genuine residence requirement (cannot be a "passport investor" with minimal presence)
  4. Active business management/involvement required rather than passive investment
  5. Regular renewal requirements until permanent residency is achieved
  6. Complex tax implications for global investors
  7. Administrative processes can be bureaucratic and time-consuming

For those seeking quick citizenship with minimal engagement, France is not the ideal choice. However, for investors looking for a sustainable path to EU citizenship with strong legal foundations and genuine integration, the French model offers an excellent option.

Comparison with Other European Programs

How does France's pathway compare to other European options? Let's briefly examine the alternatives:

Malta previously offered a direct citizenship program, but the 2025 CJEU ruling has declared it incompatible with EU law. While Malta is adapting its program, the legal questions hanging over it create uncertainty.

Portugal has been a popular golden visa destination, but recent reforms eliminated the real estate option that most investors used. Their program now focuses more on job creation and productive investments, similar to France, but with lower physical presence requirements.

Greece offers residence permits for property investments of €250,000, with a path to citizenship after 7 years. This is a longer timeline than France for a comparable investment amount, though with lower active involvement requirements.

Spain provides a golden visa for various investments (including €500,000 in real estate), but the path to citizenship is longer (10 years for most nationalities) and Spain has stricter rules against dual citizenship.

The French pathway stands out for several reasons:

  1. Its focus on productive investment aligns with EU preferences, making it less vulnerable to policy reversals
  2. The investment thresholds (particularly the €30k entrepreneur option) are competitive
  3. The timeline to citizenship (5 years) is reasonable compared to many alternatives
  4. The legal foundation is solid, with no court challenges or major controversies
  5. Dual citizenship is permitted, unlike in some other EU countries

While the language and residence requirements are more demanding than some alternatives, these same factors contribute to the program's sustainability and acceptance within France and the EU.

Conclusion

France's model of "citizenship by investment" is indirect and grounded in traditional immigration principles: an investor can become a citizen, but only by first becoming a resident and integrating into French society. There is no direct citizenship fast-track for cash in France.

Instead, France offers the Talent Passport investor and entrepreneur visas, inviting economically beneficial investments and granting residency rights under clear conditions. These visas provide a stable status and a route to both permanent residence and citizenship, as long as you truly settle in France, contribute to the economy, and embrace the French language and culture.

Legally, France's approach is robust and up-to-date. The recent EU court decision against golden passports underscores the wisdom of France's policy of requiring a genuine link – France avoids the legal conflicts that plagued Malta's program by not offering nationality for sale.

For investors seeking European citizenship, the French pathway offers a balanced approach: significant but not excessive investment requirements, a reasonable timeline, and a legally sound process. While it requires more personal engagement than some "golden passport" programs, it delivers something more valuable: not just a document, but genuine membership in French society and the European Union.

Aspiring investor-citizens should therefore view France as a jurisdiction where one must invest not only money, but also time and effort to integrate. The reward for doing so is the opportunity to become a citizen of France and the European Union, with all the rights that entails, under a process that is transparent and anchored in law.

For those willing to make this commitment, the path to French citizenship offers not just legal status but a true second home in one of the world's most vibrant cultures and dynamic economies. It's not just about obtaining a passport – it's about gaining a new dimension to your global identity and opportunities.