“Talent – Economic Investor” status
France welcomes foreign investors who wish to contribute to the development of its economy by undertaking a key investment project within the country. The “Talent – Economic Investor” status is aimed at foreign investors who wish to establish themselves in France to manage this project over the long term.
In a nutshell
- The “Talent – Economic Investor” status is for non-European foreign investors looking to invest and reside in France.
- Eligibility is based on a direct economic investment of at least €300,000 and employment commitments.
- The residence permit is issued for a maximum of four years and is renewable. Spouse and minor children may be eligible for accompanying family status.
Who does it apply to?
The “Talent – Economic Investor” status applies to foreign investors looking to establish themselves in France with a view to carrying out an investment project in the country.
It applies exclusively to nationals of countries outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland. These individuals can conduct business in France without any specific residency requirements.
Algerian citizens, however, are subject to the specific provisions of the Franco-Algerian agreement.
What are the eligibility requirements?
A foreign investor can apply for the “Talent – Economic Investor” status if they make a direct economic investment in France, either:
- Personally.
- Through a company they manage.
- Or through a company in which they hold at least 30% of the capital.
The investor must meet all the following conditions:
- Make or commit to making an investment of at least €300,000 in France, in tangible or intangible fixed assets.
- Create or maintain, or commit to creating or maintaining, jobs within four years of the investment.
Direct investments include, in particular, contributions to share capital, reinvested profits and loans between affiliated companies. Purely financial investments are excluded from this scheme.
Investing in the tech ecosystem
An investor involved in the new technologies sector may, under certain conditions, be eligible for the French Tech Visa for Investors procedure.
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 planned investment. The maximum duration of the residence permit is four years, which is renewable, provided that the necessary 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-Economic Investor” status?
When the applicant resides abroad, the application for a long stay “Talent” visa must be submitted to the relevant French consular authorities up to three months before the arrival date. This visa permits entry into France and immediate commencement of professional activity.
Once in France, the applicant must immediately access the online platform for residence permit applications to finalize the process.
When the applicant already resides in France, the investor must apply for a change of status to obtain the “Talent – Economic Investor” residence permit. The application is submitted online no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the current residence permit, with proof of eligibility.
Once in France, the applicant must immediately access the online platform for residence permit applications to finalize the process.
If the applicant already resides in France, the investor must apply for a change of status to obtain the “Talent – Economic Investor” residence permit. The application is submitted online no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the current residence permit, with proof of meeting the eligibility requirements.
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 find out about the decisions made.
The detailed list of required documents is provided to the applicant by the authority responsible for processing the application and is available on the France-Visas website.
It varies depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the nature of the investment project.
You can also consult our list for informational purposes.
The administrative cost of the “Talent – Economic Investor” residence permit includes:
- An administrative fee of €300.
- Stamp duty of €50 upon issuance of the permit.
In addition to these fees, there is the cost of the long-stay visa, which is €99.
How to extend your stay in France?
The renewal application must be submitted no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the residence permit.
The investor must demonstrate that they continue to meet the initial conditions, either:
- By providing evidence of continued investment and job creation or maintenance.
- Or, if the initial project is completed, by presenting a new investment project in France.
In the event of a change in professional circumstances, a change of status may be requested within the regulatory timeframes, provided that the requirements for the new permit sought are met.
After five years of regular and uninterrupted residence in France, the investor may apply for a residence permit. This permit is issued for a period of 10 years, is renewable and authorizes the holder to undertake any professional activity, subject to the regulations applicable to regulated professions.
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.
At a glance
This page explains the “Talent – Economic Investor” status, intended for foreign investors wishing to develop a project in France and settle there. It is based on institutional sources such as the French Ministry of the Interior, the MEAE, the Ministry for the Economy, France-Visas, prefectures and Business France. It presents information covering on eligibility conditions, procedures and renewal rules for the Talent – Investor immigration status. It uses the example of a strategic investment project whose director wishes to settle in France with their family.