France has introduced a French Tech Visa, a fast‑track residency scheme aimed at non‑EU tech talent—founders, employees, and investors—who wish to live and work in the country.
Visa categories and eligibility
| Category | Target | Core requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Founders | Entrepreneurs whose startups are accepted by a partner incubator or accelerator | • Gross annual income ≥ the French minimum wage (≈ €19,237 in 2022) • Admission to a recognized incubator/accelerator (including those supported by the 13 French tech companies) |
| Employees | International talent hired by French companies classified as “Innovative” by the Ministry of Economy and Finance | • Employment contract of at least 3 months with an eligible French firm • Gross annual salary ≥ 2 × the French minimum wage (≈ €38,475 in 2022) |
| Investors | Individuals investing in French assets or companies | • Investment of ≥ €300,000 in a tangible or intangible asset, or • Direct or indirect shareholding of ≥ 30 % in a company (with at least 10 % owned personally) • Commitment to create or protect jobs within four years of the investment |
Application and costs
- Eligibility by nationality – The visa is available to citizens of non‑EU/EAA/Switzerland states. British nationals must also apply for a residency permit.
- Fees –
- Long‑stay visa (VLS‑TS) ≈ €99, paid at the French consulate before arrival.
- Residency permit tax ≈ €200, payable to the French immigration office after arrival.
- Stamp duty ≈ €25, also paid when collecting the residency permit.
- Total ≈ €368 for the visa and permit combined.
- Validity – The residence permit is issued for four years and is renewable.
- Family – Spouse and minor children are automatically included in the permit.
Notable features
- No diploma requirement, unlike many other startup‑visa programs.
- Family‑friendly: dependents receive the same residency status.
- The scheme is designed specifically for the tech ecosystem, linking applicants to incubators, innovative firms, and investment opportunities.
Practical considerations
- Income thresholds are tied to the French minimum wage, which may be adjusted annually; applicants should verify the current figures.
- Incubator/accelerator acceptance is competitive; applicants must follow the selection processes of the partner organizations.
- Investor commitments include a job‑creation or protection clause, which must be fulfilled within four years to maintain residency.
- Renewal depends on continued compliance with the original eligibility criteria (e.g., ongoing employment, active investment, or startup progress).
The French Tech Visa offers a streamlined pathway for tech professionals and investors to reside in France, with relatively modest financial thresholds and a family‑inclusive structure. Prospective applicants should assess whether the income, investment, or employment conditions align with their personal and business plans before proceeding.
