French Tech Visa for Investors
France offers foreign investors an attractive environment to support the development of its technology ecosystem. The French Tech Visa for Investors procedure enables foreign investors to establish themselves in the country to support French startups.
In summary
- The French Tech Visa for Investors procedure is for foreign investors looking to invest in the French Tech ecosystem and establish themselves in France.
- It allows, under certain conditions, for a multi-year “Talent – Economic Investor” residence permit to be granted.
- The residence permit can be issued for up to four years and is renewable.
- The program is part of a dedicated procedure, in conjunction with the French Tech initiative.
Who does it apply?
The French Tech Visa for Investors procedure is for nationals of countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who want to invest and establish themselves in France.
It is aimed at foreign investors planning to establish a long-term presence in France and invest in businesses within the innovative technology ecosystem.
Nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can conduct business in France without needing a residence permit.
Algerian citizens are subject to the specific provisions of the Franco-Algerian agreement and should refer to the dedicated information sheet
French Tech Visa procedure
The French Tech initiative aims to foster successful startups in France and enhance the attractiveness of the French ecosystem to international talent. The French Tech Visa is a simplified procedure enabling three types of individuals to obtain a “Talent” residence permit:
- Startup founders (French Tech Visa for Founders).
- Employees recruited by innovative businesses (French Tech Visa for Employees).
- Foreign investors (French Tech Visa for Investors).
What are the eligibility requirements?
H2: What are the eligibility requirements?
A foreign investor can apply for a “Talent – Economic Investor” residence permit if they make a direct economic investment:
- In their own name.
- Through a company they manage.
- Or through a company in which they hold at least 30% of the capital.
They must also meet all the following conditions:
- Create or maintain, or commit to creating or maintaining, employment in France within four years of the investment.
- Make or commit to making an investment of at least €300,000 in tangible or intangible assets in France.
Direct investments include, in particular, contributions to share capital, reinvested profits, and loans between affiliated companies.
Exclusive financial investments are not eligible.
What activities are permitted?
The “Talent – Economic Investor” status authorizes its holder to reside in France to implement and manage the investment project that formed the basis of the application, as well as the economic activity directly related to this project.
What is the length of the authorized stay?
The validity period of the residence permit depends on the nature and characteristics of the investment project. The maximum duration of the residence permit is four years, which is renewable, provided that the conditions are met.
Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit
When the intended stay is less than one year, the applicant can obtain a long stay “Talent” visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), valid for up to 12 months. This visa must be validated online after arrival in France and then enables the applicant to apply for a “Talent” residence permit, which is valid for four years.
How to obtain “Talent-Investor” status?
- Preliminary step: Obtaining a statement of eligibility
The investor must apply for an official certificate confirming their eligibility for the French Tech Visa for Investors.
The application is processed individually via the dedicated platform.
After analyzing the applicant’s profile and investment history, the French Tech Mission issues an official eligibility certificate. This certificate must then be included with the application for a long-stay visa or residence permit, along with the required supporting documents.
The procedure varies depending on whether the applicant resides abroad or is already in France.
- Application for a long-stay visa or residence permit
When the investor resides abroad, the application for a long stay “Talent” visa must be submitted to the relevant French consular authorities. This visa permits entry into France and the immediate commencement of professional activity. Upon arrival in France, the investor must immediately access the dedicated platform for residence permit applications to finalize the process.
When the investor already resides in France, they must apply for a residence permit or a change of status via the dedicated platform, within the regulatory deadlines. The procedure must be initiated no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the previous residence permit
Good to know
Between submitting the application and receiving the residence permit, the foreign talent can check the status of their application on their online account, respond to any requests to complete their file, and view the decisions made.
Once the application is validated by the Prefecture via the platform, the foreign talent will receive a certificate of approval, which serves as a temporary residence permit while they wait for their appointment at the Prefecture to collect the permit. The Prefecture will determine the duration of the “Talent” residence permit issued.
The exact list of required documents is provided by the authority handling your application and is available on the official France-Visas website.
For informational purposes, you can also consult the list of supporting documents.
The administrative cost includes:
- An administrative fee of €300.
- Stamp duty of €50 upon collection of the residence permit at the prefecture.
In addition to these amounts, there is, where applicable, the cost of a long stay visa, which is €99.
How to extend the stay in France?
The application for renewal of the residence permit must be submitted no earlier than four months and no later than two months before its expiry on the dedicated platform. The investor must demonstrate that they continue to meet the conditions that justified the issuance of the permit, including:
- Continuation of investment and employment commitments.
- Or, the implementation of a new investment project in France.
The cost of renewal is €250.
In the event of a change in professional circumstances, a change of status may be considered within the regulatory timeframes, provided that the conditions of the new permit requested are met. The application must be submitted on the dedicated platform.
After five years of regular and uninterrupted residence in France, an application for a residence permit can be submitted (subject to obtaining the necessary qualifications in the case of regulated professions). This permit is valid for 10 years and authorizes the holder to undertake any professional activity.
What about accompanying family members ?
The spouse and minor children of the holder of the “Talent” permit can benefit from accompanying family status and settle in France.
For more information, please visit our dedicated page: Family members
At a glance
This page explains the rules applicable to the French Tech Visa for Investors procedure in France. It is based on institutional sources such as as the French Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry for the Economy, France-Visas, the French Tech Mission and Business France. It presents information covering eligibility conditions, procedures and renewal rules for this immigration status. It uses the example of a tech investor wishing to invest in the French tech ecosystem and reside in France with their family in order to monitor their investments.