Foreign company directors in France

France offers a clear framework for creating, investing, managing or developing a business. Depending on your project and role, several legal statuses allow international company directors, founders, investors and entrepreneurs to establish themselves in France for their business needs.

Verified May 11th 2026

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France offers several immigration statuses to support international company directors, founders, investors and entrepreneurs to establish themselves in France and then to pursue their business setup and development projects. Depending on the nature of the project, it is possible to manage a subsidiary, start a business, launch an innovative startup, invest or operate as an independent business within a clear and structured framework.

Regulated professions

Some professions are regulated and require, in addition to immigration status, specific diplomas, qualifications or authorizations to be carried out in France.

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What legal status is required to manage, start or invest in a business in France ?

Find out more about the different applicable legal statuses and view a summary table allowing you to compare their main features.

Managing a subsidiary in France (Company Representative)

For company directors appointed to lead a French subsidiary of a foreign group

Starting a business in France

For foreign nationals looking to create and develop their own business.

Investing in a business in France

For foreign nationals who want to relocate to France to make a significant economic investment.

Investing in a tech firm in France

For foreign nationals who want to invest in innovative technology ecosystems.

Launching an innovative startup in France

For founders of innovative projects recognized within the French Tech ecosystem.

Carrying out a self-employed activity in France

For individual entrepreneurs and members of independent professions.

Specific status for Algerian nationals

Algerian nationals are subject to a specific regime. To carry out a self-employed activity in France for more than three months, they must apply for the corresponding permit, as provided for in the Franco-Algerian agreement, if they have met the conditions applicable to the intended activity.

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Summary table of visas and residence permits for foreign executives

Public	Eligibility requirements	Residence permit	Duration
Company Representative or legal representative	The company director must demonstrate: Three months of employment in an establishment or firm within the same group as an employee or corporate officer. Remuneration at least equal to three times the annual gross minimum wage, i.e. €65,629.20 as of January 1, 2026. Their actual appointment as legal representative in an establishment or firm located in France.	“Talent – Company Representative” multi-year residence permit	Up to four years, renewable
Business Creator	The business creator must demonstrate: Possession of a degree equivalent to at least a master’s degree or equivalent, or proof of at least five years of comparable professional experience. The existence of a genuine and serious business creation project in France, which is economically viable. An investment of at least €30,000 in the business project. Sufficient means of subsistence with resources equivalent to the minimum wage, i.e. €21,876.40 as of January 1, 2026.	“Talent – Business Creator” multi-year residence permit	Up to four years, renewable
Startup Founder	The startup founder must demonstrate: The existence of an innovative business project that they wish to develop in France. Recognition of the project by the Regional Directorate for the Economy, Employment, Work and Solidarity (DRIEETS). Sufficient means of support with resources equivalent to the minimum wage, i.e. €21,876.40 as of January 1, 2026. The entrepreneur will benefit from the French Tech Visa for Founders procedure.	“Talent – Holder of an innovative economic project” multi-year residence permit	Up to four years, renewable
Investor	The investor must: Make a direct economic investment in France, either personally or through a firm they manage or in which they hold at least 30% of the capital. Create or maintain, or commit to creating or maintaining, employment within four years of the investment. Make or commit to making an investment of at least €300,000 in tangible or intangible assets. Purely financial investments are excluded. The French Tech Visa for Investors procedure can be used for projects within the innovative ecosystem.	“Talent – Economic Investor” multi-year residence permit	Up to four years, renewable
Entrepreneur	The entrepreneur must demonstrate: That their activity is compatible with public safety, health and order. That their activity is economically viable and, if joining an existing business, that it can pay them sufficient remuneration, at least equal to the minimum wage, i.e. €21,876.40 as of January 1, 2026.	Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit or “Entrepreneur / Independent Profession” residence permit	One year, renewable
Company Director of Algerian nationality	Algerian nationals benefit from a special immigration status. To run a business in France, they must apply for a long-stay visa for traders, craftspeople, manufacturers or members of the independent professions and, depending on the circumstances, register with the trade and companies register, the trade directory or a professional body.	Certificate of residence for self-employed professionals	One year, renewable