When it comes to global mobility and legal protection, understanding which countries don't have extradition agreements with your home nation can be critically important.
Whether you're exploring options for a second residency, considering international business ventures, or simply curious about the complex web of international legal cooperation, knowledge of extradition treaties offers valuable insight into how nations interact on matters of justice.
France, like most developed nations, maintains a network of extradition agreements with countries around the world. However, there remain significant gaps in this network – sovereign nations that, for various reasons, have not established formal extradition protocols with the French Republic.
This comprehensive guide explores the landscape of countries without extradition treaties with France as of 2025. We'll examine what this means in practical terms, highlight key "safe haven" jurisdictions, and outline investment migration options for those seeking legal residence or citizenship in these locations.
It's worth noting that extradition is a complex legal matter influenced by political relationships, diplomatic negotiations, and evolving international agreements. While this guide aims to provide accurate information, legal realities can shift as governments forge new relationships or revise existing policies.
Understanding Extradition and Its Limitations
What Is Extradition?
Extradition is the formal process by which one country requests another to surrender an individual accused or convicted of a crime. This process is typically governed by bilateral or multilateral treaties that outline specific procedures and qualifying offenses.
France participates in several multilateral extradition frameworks, including the 1957 European Convention on Extradition and the EU's European Arrest Warrant system. These agreements streamline the extradition process among member states, defining extraditable offenses and procedural requirements.
When no treaty exists between France and another nation, extradition becomes significantly more challenging. French authorities must rely on diplomatic courtesy and case-by-case negotiations – a process that often proves unsuccessful without the binding force of a treaty.
Why Extradition Requests Can Fail (Even With Treaties)
Even when France has an extradition treaty with another country, several legal principles can prevent a successful extradition:
Political Offense Exception: Most treaties explicitly bar extradition for political offenses. If the requesting state's charges are viewed as politically motivated, the requested state can refuse surrender. France's Code of Criminal Procedure, for example, prohibits extradition for offenses of a political nature.
Dual Criminality Requirement: Nearly all extradition arrangements require that the conduct in question be criminal in both countries. If an act isn't considered a crime in the refuge country, extradition can be refused on this basis. For instance, French courts once refused a U.S. extradition request because the specific American charge (contempt of court) had no direct equivalent in French law.
Nationality Protection: Many countries constitutionally or statutorily refuse to extradite their own citizens. France itself follows this principle – it will not surrender French nationals to face trial abroad. Similarly, if a fugitive obtains citizenship in a safe haven country, that country may shield them from extradition under the same principle.
Human Rights Concerns: Extradition can be denied if surrender would potentially violate fundamental rights. A requested state may refuse extradition due to risks of unfair trial, political persecution, torture, or inhuman punishment in the requesting country. France, for example, will not extradite someone to a country where they would face the death penalty.
Diplomatic Unwillingness: Even with a treaty in place, a country might be reluctant to extradite if relations with France are strained or if the individual has local influence. High-profile cases can become diplomatic contests rather than straightforward legal proceedings.
These principles aren't mere loopholes – they're core tenets of extradition law designed to protect sovereignty and prevent abuse. For those seeking legal protection from French prosecution, understanding these principles helps explain why certain countries are considered relatively secure havens.
Major Countries Without Extradition Treaties with France
As of 2025, a significant number of nations have no bilateral extradition treaty with France. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the most notable countries by region:
Middle East and Gulf States
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has no extradition treaty with France despite the two countries maintaining diplomatic relations. Saudi law explicitly prohibits the extradition of Saudi nationals, and the kingdom's approach to international legal assistance is highly discretionary. Even for non-nationals, extradition from Saudi Arabia is extremely rare.
The country offers a "Premium Residency" program (informally called the Saudi Green Card) with two options: a permanent status for a one-time fee of approximately $213,000, or a renewable one-year residency for about $26,600 annually. This provides a legal pathway for foreign nationals to establish long-term residence without a sponsor.
Saudi Arabia's strict interpretation of law and distance from Western judicial standards means it's highly unlikely to surrender anyone to France, especially for offenses it doesn't recognize or considers minor.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE has an extradition treaty with France (in force since 2008), but it's notable for selective implementation. The Financial Action Task Force has observed that while the UAE has the legal framework for extradition, in practice it has often been "uncooperative and ineffective" on criminal extraditions not related to terrorism.
Dubai, in particular, has developed a reputation as a haven for wealthy fugitives due to its combination of luxury lifestyle, zero income tax, and discretionary law enforcement. The UAE offers a Golden Visa program for investors who deposit approximately $545,000 in a UAE investment fund or own UAE real estate of similar value, granting 5-10 year renewable residence permits.
While some high-profile extraditions have occurred (like gang leader Leon Cullen's return to the UK in 2021), the UAE's willingness to extradite often seems to hinge on political expediency and the specific nature of the alleged crimes.
Qatar
Qatar has no extradition treaty with France. It offers a Real Estate Investment Residency program, with a remarkable option for Permanent Residency for those investing approximately $1 million in designated real estate. A lesser investment of around $200,000 in property can secure a renewable 5-year residency permit without requiring a sponsor.
Qatar's legal system grants considerable protection to residents, particularly those with significant investments. The country values its sovereignty and has occasionally provided sanctuary to controversial figures, making extradition highly improbable unless the case involves an Interpol-sanctioned major crime.
Oman
Oman has no formal extradition agreement with France. Its Investor Residence Visa program offers 5-year visas for investments of around $650,000 in Omani companies or property, or 10-year visas for investments of approximately $1.3 million (or creating 50+ Omani jobs).
As a neutral Gulf state with a policy of non-interference, Oman typically handles extradition requests on a case-by-case basis and often refuses if the person has legal status in the country. An investor resident would likely receive significant political and legal protection, especially if bringing substantial capital into the Omani economy.
Bahrain
Bahrain has no extradition treaty with France and only maintains a few bilateral treaties globally. Its Golden Residency Visa program grants a 10-year renewable self-sponsored visa to investors who own Bahraini real estate worth approximately $530,000 or invest around $265,000 in a Bahraini business.
Bahrain's judiciary operates under monarchy control, so political will plays a significant role in legal decisions. A well-connected Golden Visa holder would be relatively secure from extradition requests, as the kingdom would hesitate to jeopardize its pro-investor reputation absent compelling evidence of serious crimes.
Asia and Pacific
China
China has no extradition treaty with France. Chinese law prohibits the extradition of its nationals, and China is generally unwilling to surrender individuals to Western nations, especially for cases with political or financial dimensions.
While China doesn't offer an official investor visa program comparable to some other countries, it does have various business and investment visas that can lead to long-term residence. The challenge for foreigners is that China rarely grants citizenship to outsiders, though long-term residence is possible.
China's stance on extradition reflects its emphasis on sovereignty and its often tense relations with Western powers. Even with Interpol Red Notices, China has been known to ignore requests that don't align with its interests.
Russia
Russia has no active extradition treaty with France. Previous limited cooperation via the European Convention has been suspended amid deteriorating relations. Russia's Constitution explicitly forbids the extradition of Russian citizens to foreign states, and in practice, Russia often declines to extradite non-nationals as well.
While Russia doesn't offer a formal "golden visa" program, it can grant citizenship or asylum by presidential decree for strategic reasons. Fugitives who bring capital or propaganda value may find protection. The country also has relatively low taxes on foreign income and a culture of protecting wealthy expatriates aligned with the regime.
Notable cases like the Alexander Litvinenko murder investigation demonstrate Russia's absolute refusal to extradite when it doesn't align with Russian interests. With diplomatic ties between Russia and France at their lowest point in decades, extradition cooperation is effectively frozen.
Indonesia
Indonesia has no extradition treaty with France. While it sometimes cooperates on extradition via Interpol channels, Indonesia often favors deportation over formal extradition, especially for less serious offenses.
In late 2022, Indonesia introduced a "Second Home Visa" program, offering 5-10 year residence permits for those who maintain approximately $130,000 in an Indonesian bank as a fixed deposit. This visa is particularly popular among those looking to base themselves in Bali.
While Indonesia doesn't offer the same level of official protection as some Gulf states, its size and bureaucracy can make it a place where fugitives effectively "hide in plain sight." If pressured by France, Indonesia might cancel a visa and expel the person – but often to a third country of the person's choice rather than directly to France.
North Korea
North Korea has no extradition treaty with France (or with almost any Western nation). It operates completely outside the normal international justice system, with minimal diplomatic contact with European powers.
There is no investor program or straightforward way for foreigners to relocate to North Korea. The country occasionally grants asylum to individuals with propaganda value, but living conditions and restrictions make it an impractical haven for most.
Any extradition request from France would almost certainly be ignored, as North Korea prides itself on "juche" (self-reliance and sovereignty) and rejects Western legal demands as a matter of principle.
Vietnam
Vietnam has no extradition treaty with France despite the historical connections between the two countries. While Vietnam can cooperate on criminal matters via Interpol, there is no binding extradition agreement.
Vietnam doesn't offer a formal investment residency program, but foreigners can obtain long-term visas through business investments or property purchase. Historical instances show Vietnam has occasionally ignored French extradition requests, especially for those with Vietnamese citizenship.
The lack of a treaty means extradition would require special diplomatic negotiations, which Vietnam might entertain or reject depending on its political calculations and relationship with France at that moment.
Africa
Algeria
Despite close historical ties with France, Algeria has no extradition treaty with its former colonial ruler. Algeria's constitution bars the extradition of Algerian nationals, and extraditions of foreigners are rare.
Algeria doesn't offer a formal investment migration program, but residency can be obtained through business establishment or property ownership. The lack of a treaty, combined with sometimes strained Franco-Algerian relations, means extradition requests face significant hurdles.
Somalia, South Sudan, Eritrea
These nations have no extradition treaties with France and lack well-defined extradition mechanisms entirely. Their fragile governance structures make formal international legal cooperation challenging.
None of these countries offers structured investment migration programs, and security concerns make them impractical havens for most. However, the absence of functioning extradition frameworks effectively places them outside the reach of French justice.
Caribbean
Several Caribbean nations offer attractive Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs while having limited or no extradition obligations to France:
Dominica
Dominica has no extradition treaty with France. Like France, Dominica does not extradite its own nationals, meaning a naturalized citizen is generally protected from extradition.
Dominica's Citizenship-by-Investment program requires a one-time donation of US$200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund or a US$200,000 investment in approved property. The processing time is typically 3-6 months, and applicants must pass strict due diligence checks.
The program's threshold doubled from $100,000 to $200,000 in mid-2024, reflecting stricter standards being implemented across Caribbean CBI programs.
Grenada
Grenada has no extradition treaty with France. Its Citizenship-by-Investment program requires a donation of US$235,000 to the National Transformation Fund (for a main applicant and up to 3 dependents) or a real estate investment of US$270,000.
Notably, Grenada is the only CBI country with a USA E-2 investor visa treaty, making it attractive for those who may also want access to the US market. Grenada generally would not extradite its citizens and has no formal obligation to cooperate with French extradition requests.
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda likely has no extradition treaty with France (as of 2007, France was negotiating with Antigua but no treaty appears to have been finalized). Its Citizenship-by-Investment program requires a US$230,000 donation to the National Development Fund or a US$300,000 real estate investment.
Uniquely, Antigua requires new citizens to spend 5 days in the country within 5 years of obtaining citizenship – a minimal physical presence requirement. Antigua can refuse extradition, especially of Antiguan citizens, absent compelling reasons.
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts & Nevis has no direct treaty with France, though it has extradition agreements with the UK and USA. Its Citizenship-by-Investment program (the world's oldest, running since 1984) requires a US$250,000 Sustainable Island State Contribution or a US$300,000+ investment in approved property.
Recent changes include increased minimum donation amounts and mandatory interviews for applicants to strengthen vetting. While St. Kitts signed extradition accords with some countries in recent decades, any extradition of a naturalized citizen would face legal challenges, especially since many CARICOM states restrict extraditing their nationals.
Others of Note
Belarus has no extradition treaty with the United Kingdom, making it one of the few European countries outside any UK extradition framework. It's aligned with Russia and has "dismal diplomatic relations with the UK." Belarus might provide shelter to individuals unwelcome in the West, particularly if they have business ties or claim political persecution. The country has relatively low living costs and flat taxes.
Lebanon does not have an extradition treaty with the UK. Its civil law system, heavily influenced by French law, explicitly prohibits extraditing Lebanese nationals to foreign countries. Lebanon has been described as a "global sanctuary for criminals" and a "premier sanctuary state" because it rarely executes extraditions. The country offers easy residency, has historically had strong banking secrecy, and enables individuals to stall legal processes indefinitely.
Syria and the UK have no extradition treaty, and the ongoing civil war makes formal cooperation impossible. Syria's government controls only parts of the country, and areas outside Assad's control lack clear authority. The regime might harbor individuals wanted in the West if it serves its interests.
Investment Migration Options in Safe Haven Countries
For those seeking long-term legal status in countries without extradition treaties with France, two primary pathways exist: Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs and Residency-by-Investment (RBI) programs. Let's examine both options in detail.
Citizenship-by-Investment Programs
CBI programs offer the most comprehensive protection against extradition, as many countries refuse to extradite their own citizens as a matter of principle or constitutional law. These programs provide a direct route to a second passport, typically within months, in exchange for a specified investment or donation.
The Caribbean programs are particularly relevant for those concerned about French extradition due to their combination of limited or non-existent extradition obligations to France and the strong protections they afford to citizens.
2025 Updates to Caribbean Programs
It's worth noting that as of July 2024, all five Eastern Caribbean CBI countries jointly agreed (under pressure from the EU/US) to raise minimum investments and implement stricter vetting procedures. This was done to ensure these programs aren't used by criminals and to preserve visa-free travel privileges for their citizens.
Current minimum investments for single applicants range from approximately $200,000 to $250,000 (donation options), reflecting significant increases from previous thresholds (which were around $100,000 in many cases). Processing times typically range from 3-6 months, and all programs require comprehensive background checks.
Vanuatu's Program
In the Pacific, Vanuatu offers one of the fastest and least expensive CBI programs, with processing in as little as 1-2 months for a donation of approximately $130,000. However, the program has faced international criticism for lax vetting, leading to the EU suspending visa-free travel for Vanuatu passport holders.
While Vanuatu has no extradition treaties with major countries, making it historically a potential haven, reliance on Vanuatu citizenship carries risks if international pressure mounts. The country might revoke suspect citizens' passports to avoid diplomatic fallout, as it has shown willingness to do in response to criticism.
Residency-by-Investment Programs
For those who don't require immediate citizenship, residency-by-investment (often called "golden visa") programs offer a legal route to live in a safe haven country, with the possibility of eventually qualifying for naturalization.
Several countries with no extradition treaty or significant extradition barriers vis-à-vis France offer structured residency programs:
UAE Golden Visa
The UAE's Golden Visa program grants 5 or 10-year renewable residency to investors who deposit approximately $545,000 in a UAE investment fund or own UAE real estate of similar value. Business setup with capital of similar amounts or paying $68,000 in annual taxes also qualifies.
While the UAE does have an extradition treaty with France, its implementation has been selective. Dubai, in particular, has been a popular haven for financiers due to lengthy court processes for extradition and the emirate's discretionary approach to foreign legal requests.
Saudi Premium Residency
Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency program offers two options: Permanent Premium Residency for a one-time fee of about $213,000, or a Renewable Residency at approximately $26,600 per year. No investment quota is required – just fees and proof of financial solvency.
With no extradition treaty with France and a general unwillingness to surrender individuals to Western justice systems, Saudi Arabia represents a very secure legal haven, though cultural and lifestyle considerations are significant factors.
Qatar Real Estate Investment Residency
Qatar's program requires an investment of approximately $1 million in designated real estate to qualify for a Permanent Residency Card, or around $200,000 for a renewable 5-year visa. The program requires 90-day per year physical presence to maintain status.
Qatar has no extradition treaty with France and values its sovereignty highly. It is highly improbable for Qatar to extradite a PR holder, especially someone who has invested significantly, unless the case involves an Interpol-sanctioned major crime.
Oman Investor Residence Visa
Oman offers a 5-year visa for investments of about $650,000 in Omani companies or property, or a 10-year visa for investments of approximately $1.3 million (or creating 50+ Omani jobs). Retirees with steady income of about $10,400/month are also eligible for the 5-year option.
With no extradition treaty with France and a tradition of handling requests on a case-by-case basis, Oman typically refuses extradition if the person has legal status in the country. An investor resident would receive significant protection, especially if bringing substantial capital.
Bahrain Golden Residency Visa
Bahrain's program grants a 10-year renewable self-sponsored visa to investors who own Bahraini real estate worth approximately $530,000 or invest around $265,000 in a Bahraini business. Highly skilled individuals with job offers or retirees with sufficient pensions can also qualify without investment.
Bahrain has no extradition treaty with France and only a few bilateral treaties in general. It has a reputation for providing safe haven to certain businessmen and ex-officials. A well-connected Golden Visa holder would face minimal extradition risk.
Indonesia Second Home Visa
Indonesia's program requires proof of funds of approximately $130,000 maintained in an Indonesian bank as a fixed deposit. This grants a 5-year visa, extendable to 10 years, for retirees, investors, or financially independent individuals.
While Indonesia has no extradition treaty with France, its protection is less formalized than the Gulf states. If faced with diplomatic pressure, Indonesia might cancel a visa and expel the person – though often to a third country rather than directly to France.
Pathways to Citizenship from Residency
For those pursuing residency rather than immediate citizenship, understanding potential paths to naturalization is important, as citizenship typically offers stronger protection against extradition.
Gulf States (UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain)
The Gulf states have traditionally had very restrictive naturalization policies. A Qatar PR holder does not automatically qualify for citizenship – Qatar rarely naturalizes foreigners (typically only after 25 years in exceptional cases). Oman and the UAE similarly have limited naturalization paths, though the UAE introduced a merit-based citizenship option in 2021 for select investors and talents (it's highly discretionary). Bahrain allows naturalization after long residence (20+ years) but with strict conditions and government approval.
Indonesia
Indonesia requires 5+ years residence and fluency in Bahasa Indonesia to naturalize, and it prohibits dual citizenship – making it an unattractive option for most investors seeking a second passport. The primary benefit is as a residency haven rather than a citizenship pathway.
In summary, for those prioritizing a second passport as protection against extradition, direct CBI programs typically offer the most efficient solution. RBI can secure a safe base, but not necessarily a new nationality in the short term.
Risks and Considerations
Anyone considering investment migration as a shield against potential extradition should carefully weigh several important factors:
Due Diligence and Transparency
All reputable CBI/RBI programs now conduct multi-layered due diligence, including INTERPOL and global watchlist checks. If an individual is already subject to a French arrest warrant or red notice for serious charges, their chances of approval are low.
Attempting to mislead authorities on an application is itself a legal offense that could result in citizenship revocation and create new legal problems. The window for obtaining a golden passport or visa is typically before one becomes openly wanted. Preventative action is legal, but applying after being charged can be interpreted as fugitive behavior.
Program Stability and Changes
Investment migration programs can change terms or even be suspended based on geopolitical pressures or domestic policy shifts. We've seen donation amounts double in the Caribbean in 2024, and programs like Moldova's CIP and Montenegro's CIP have been suspended or terminated entirely under EU pressure.
Using only official channels and authorized agents is essential to avoid scams, and staying updated on policy shifts helps protect your investment. Real estate or business investments carry financial risk – property values fluctuate, and businesses might fail, potentially jeopardizing residency status tied to maintaining that investment.
Travel Limitations
Having citizenship or residency in a non-extradition country doesn't grant immunity when traveling elsewhere. Someone might be safe in Dominica (no treaty with France) but could be arrested in Spain or Brazil at France's request if they travel there.
Some individuals choose to relocate permanently to their safe haven or limit travel to a carefully selected set of countries with no extradition relationship with France. Understanding the global extradition network becomes essential for mobility planning.
Political Changes and Diplomatic Shifts
A country that refuses extradition today might change stance tomorrow. Changes in government, foreign policy shifts, or lucrative bilateral deals could result in new extradition cooperation. If a safe haven country negotiates a new treaty with France, existing fugitives might suddenly face risk.
Treaties typically aren't retroactive in abrogating nationality protections, but monitoring geopolitical developments remains prudent for anyone concerned about potential extradition.
Local Laws and Cultural Adaptation
Living in a safe haven means abiding by that country's laws. Some havens (like Gulf states) have restrictive legal systems governing speech, internet use, social behavior, and other aspects of daily life. Escaping legal issues in France only to encounter legal problems locally defeats the purpose of relocation.
Lifestyle considerations are equally important – family adaptation, healthcare quality, educational opportunities, and cultural integration all affect long-term satisfaction with a chosen haven.
Citizenship Revocation Risk
Many CBI statutes include clauses allowing revocation of citizenship under certain circumstances, such as providing false information during the application process or engaging in activities that seriously damage the country's reputation.
While rare, there have been instances of CBI passports being cancelled following international pressure. For investor citizens, maintaining a low profile and contributing positively to the host country minimizes any impetus for revocation.
Real-World Implications: Case Examples
Understanding how extradition principles play out in practice helps illustrate the realities of safe haven jurisdictions. Here are some relevant cases that demonstrate key patterns:
The Carlos Ghosn Case
Perhaps the most famous recent example of extradition avoidance is that of Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan CEO. While not wanted by France, his case illustrates the principle well. Ghosn fled Japan to Lebanon in 2019 to escape trial, relying on his Lebanese citizenship. Lebanon refused to extradite him to Japan (with which it has no treaty), and he remains in Beirut, effectively untouchable by Japanese authorities.
This case demonstrates how citizenship in a non-extradition country can serve as a powerful shield. Like Lebanon, many countries on our list refuse to extradite their own nationals as a matter of principle.
UAE Extradition Selectivity
The UAE's approach to extradition shows how having a treaty doesn't guarantee cooperation. In 2021, the UAE extradited a French national for drug trafficking, showing it will sometimes honor its treaty obligations. However, numerous high-profile financial fugitives have found haven in Dubai, leveraging the emirate's lengthy legal processes and selective enforcement approach.
This pattern suggests that the nature of the alleged offense matters – violent crimes or drug trafficking may trigger cooperation, while financial or political cases often don't result in extradition, even with a treaty in place.
Caribbean Citizenship Protection
While direct examples involving France are limited, the Caribbean nations' protection of their citizens is well-established. For instance, when the US has sought extradition of Caribbean nationals (including naturalized citizens), these countries have often refused or imposed strict conditions, citing their constitutional protections.
This precedent suggests that properly obtained citizenship through CBI programs would likely shield an individual from French extradition requests, provided the citizenship was legitimately acquired (not through fraud or misrepresentation).
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions
The landscape of international extradition is complex, influenced by legal frameworks, diplomatic relationships, and practical realities. For those concerned about potential extradition to France, understanding which countries lack treaties – and how extradition can fail even when treaties exist – provides valuable context for personal and business planning.
Investment migration offers legitimate pathways to obtain legal status in countries with limited or no extradition obligations to France. Whether through Citizenship-by-Investment programs in the Caribbean or Residency-by-Investment options in Gulf states and elsewhere, these programs can provide a legal foundation for individuals seeking alternative jurisdictions.
The Caribbean CBI programs (Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada) stand out for their combination of relatively accessible pricing, established legal frameworks, and lack of extradition treaties with France. For those prioritizing immediate citizenship, these options typically provide the most direct route.
For longer-term planning, the residency programs in Gulf states offer attractive combinations of lifestyle benefits and legal protection. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain all provide structured investor residency programs in countries with limited or no extradition cooperation with France.
It's important to emphasize that while obtaining alternative citizenship or residency is legal, doing so specifically to evade active prosecution raises ethical and legal questions. These strategies are most appropriately viewed as preventative measures or legitimate diversification of one's global footprint.
The key to success lies in proper planning, thorough due diligence, and comprehensive understanding of both the benefits and limitations of any chosen jurisdiction. Working with reputable legal advisors and migration specialists helps ensure compliance with all relevant laws while maximizing the protective benefits of investment migration.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to strategically position oneself across multiple jurisdictions represents a form of personal sovereignty – one that, when exercised responsibly, can provide peace of mind and expanded global opportunities.
