French residence permit under the French Tech Visa programme
For immigration to France, there is a special French Tech Visa program, which allows foreigners to obtain permission to reside in the state in an expedited manner and conduct business. Under this programme, a start-up visa is issued to attract talent and investment. It is targeted at 3 main categories of applicants:
- startup founders;
- highly qualified employees of technology companies;
- investors considering investing in innovative companies.
The costs of obtaining a startup visa in France include the costs of preparing a business plan, paying government fees, applying for health insurance, as well as possible relocation and accommodation costs.
The French startup visa is granted for 4 years with the right to further extension. It can also be issued for family members of the main applicant such as the spouse and minor children.
After 4 years of residence in the country under the residence permit issued under the startup visa, the applicant can apply for a residence permit in France. After 5 years of residence, he/she has the right to apply for French citizenship if he/she confirms proficiency in French.
French tech visa: requirements
General requirements for applicants who plan to apply for French tech visa include:
- University degree or 5 years of professional experience.
- Elementary knowledge of French or English.
- Absence of current entrepreneurial activity.
- Absence of EU citizenship.
A foreign national who wants to participate in the startup visa programme in France by starting a company will need to:
- prepare a business project for the startup;
- submit the plan to the authorised organisation for review and approval;
- prove the availability of funds corresponding to the value of the annual French minimum wage.
For a highly qualified person to obtain a so-called France talent passport, he or she needs to have an employment contract with a French company that is more than three months old. His annual income must be 2 times the minimum wage in the country.
An investor will be able to obtain a talent passport visa if he or she invests €300,000 or more in a technology company. He or she will also be required to commit to creating jobs over the next 4 years.
French tech visa: documents
Before applying for a French tech visa for founders and skilled workers, you need to prepare the following documents:
- A completed application form.
- A valid passport.
- Graduation documents or letters from previous employers or partners confirming the applicant's professional skills and experience.
- A detailed business plan of the innovative startup.
- Proof of financial sustainability.
- Letter of support from an accredited incubator or accelerator.
- 2 colour photographs that meet the requirements for visa photographs.
Startup criteria for obtaining a visa to France
To obtain a residency in France for an entrepreneur, the project must fulfil the listed criteria:
- Innovativeness: the startup must offer innovative solutions or technologies.
- Growth potential: the project must demonstrate high development potential and scalability.
- Financial sustainability: the applicant must have at least €30,000 to implement the project.
