France may be the most romantic country in the world, but that barely makes it attractive for foreign startup founders. What does make it a great option is the thriving startup scene, governmental support programs and the country’s second GDP in European Union. France launched a four-year renewable Talent Passport visa to encourage foreign entrepreneurs. It has an easy application process and doesn’t require the applicant to hold a college degree!
France has a highly skilled and educated workforce, excellent infrastructure, and a strong economy. It is an ideal location for startups in various sectors, from biotech and fintech to artificial intelligence and e-commerce. France also has many leading universities, research centres, and technology clusters. Moreover, the French government has created a business-friendly environment, with tax incentives, grants, and other forms of support available to startups.
What are the requirements?
There are two different ways to get a visa:
- New Business Program
- Innovative Business Project
New Business Program
This option suits those who will launch a non-tech business or have sufficient financial means to start it without accelerators’ support.
👉 A master’s degree or at least five years of professional experience in the field.
👉 A business plan. You must obtain online a letter certifying that it will contribute to France’s economy.
👉 An investment of at least €30,000 in the planned business.
👉 Annual income of 20,511.40€ as for 2023
Also, you can take over an existing company and invest in it.
Innovative Business Project
This option suits future tech entrepreneurs. You can join it even in the ideation phase!
👉 A business plan. You must obtain online a letter certifying that it will contribute to France’s economy.
👉 Your project should obtain support from one of the accelerators or an actor in the French Tech ecosystem (e.g. research organizations, laboratories, qualified personalities, companies) https://lafrenchtech.com/en/how-france-helps-startups/french-tech-visa/visa-for-founders/
👉 Annual income of 20,511.40€ as for 2023
Where can I apply?
You can apply for a Talent Passport startup visa from your country of residency or from France. If the latter, you should have an already issued residence permit (e.g. work, education) and apply online for its change on the dedicated page.
How to apply?
Step 1. Gather the documents and Apply for a visa
👉 Filled and signed Application
👉 Your business plan and Certifying letter
👉 A passport issued in recent 10 years and valid 3 months longer than your stay
👉 3 passport photos
👉 A proof of income (e.g. bank statement)
👉 Accommodation in France (e.g. rent contract)
👉 Letter of recognition from an actor in the French Tech ecosystem (both programs) OR confirmation letter from the Accelerator (only for Innovative Business Project visa)
👉 Clear criminal record
👉 France Visa receipt
If you are applying via the “New Business” program, you also need to provide the following:
👉 Filled and signed “Retailer, craftsman, manufacturer” form
👉 A proof of financial resources of 30,000€ to be invested in the project
👉 A master’s degree or higher certificate OR any document proving at least five years of professional experience in the field
👉 Multi-year budget
Step 2. Travel to France
After obtaining your visa, you must travel to France to exchange your visa for a residence permit if you are not applying in France.
As a rule, they review applications within two months. If your application is approved, you will receive a long-term visa with a Talent Passport stamp.
Step 3. Apply for a residency permit
You can apply online on the dedicated website. Once you get the confirmation, you should make an appointment at the Prefecture and issue your permit.
Sometimes, your residency permit may be issued for a term shorter than 4 years.
Step 4. Renew your residency (if you decide to stay in France after 4 years)
You can renew your residency. You need to apply for it 3 months before your current one expires.
Suppose you applied for an Innovative Business Project visa. In that case, you’d need to show the process of your work (state of progress, work accomplished, actions still to be carried out…) and proof of sufficient income in the previous year.
Those who applied for a New Business visa should show the business’s efficiency, reaching the conditions for permit eligibility. Also, the proof of resources derived from it is necessary.
Can I get a long-term residency permit?
Yes, after 5 years of legal and uninterrupted residence in France, you can apply for a long-term residency.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, you can bring your family members with you on France Startup Visa. Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can apply for a long-stay visa or a residence permit. Immediate family members move to France, bypassing the family reunification procedure.
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