French Startup & Talent Residence (Passeport Talent)
No matter if you have a startup idea or not, we can help you to get a 4-year residence permit in France with business and work permit.
- We match you with an innovative startup (co-founder / advisor / key team role) under the right Talent track
- Incubator/accelerator endorsement letter arranged (introductions + coaching)
- Full case file: CVs, motivation, proof of means (≥ SMIC), housing, certified translations (standard set)
- Government forms & consulate appointment; family included (spouse gets Talent-Family with open work rights)
- Visa interview & pitch prep; VLS-TS validation after arrival, biometrics & conversion to a 4-year card
- Concierge help: address/insurance onboarding (PUMA), prefecture workflow, ongoing chat with a dedicated advisor
- Payment: 70% upfront, 30% before submission (gov/third-party fees not included)
- Unlimited chat with your dedicated immigration advisor and startup mentor
- Pitch deck & one-pager (EN/FR) + mapping & intros to accredited incubators/French Tech partners
- Public-body recognition/endorsement for the "innovative project" route; company-creation track if needed
The easiest option to move to the EU
With a simple and almost zero-bureaucracy application process
Bring your family (spouse can work)
Your spouse receives a Talent-Family permit with open work rights; children relocate with you.
4-Year Visa with work authorization
Live, work, and run business in France with the ability to bring your family.
Not only for founders
Open to high-skilled professionals, advisors, entrepreneurs and domain experts.
Travel & taxes
Tax residency isn't automatic — you don't have to live in France full-time
Consultation & case review
A 30 min call to map the best Talent track, timeline, and documents; we flag risks early and confirm eligibility.
FAQs
What is the French Startup Visa and who is it for?
The French Startup Visa (Passeport Talent – Innovative Project) is a 4-year residence permit designed for entrepreneurs, founders, and highly skilled professionals who want to build or join an innovative startup in France. It offers a fast track to EU residency, full work rights, and a path to French citizenship after 5 years.
Why choose the French Startup Visa instead of Portugal or Spain?
Unlike the Portuguese D2 or Spanish Startup Visa, France offers a 5-year residence (1+4 years) from day one, no minimum stay requirement, and a faster route to citizenship (5 years vs 10 years). The process is also more predictable and doesn't require a large investment or passive income.
How long does it take to get the visa?
On average, it takes 3–4 months from application to visa approval: 1–2 weeks for accelerator acceptance, 2–3 weeks for Ministry of Economy approval, and 1–2 weeks for consulate processing.
How much money do I need to apply?
You need to show €24,000 in savings for the main applicant and €12,000–15,000 per family member. No investment is required — this visa is based on innovation, not capital.
Do I need to register a company in France?
Not initially. You can apply without a registered company. However, opening a micro-enterprise or incorporating a business later will help with renewal and tax benefits.
Can my spouse and children join me?
Yes! Your spouse automatically receives a Talent-Family residence permit with full work rights, and your children under 18 get residence cards too. Adult children can join only if financially dependent or studying full-time.
Do I need to live in France full-time?
No. You can keep your lifestyle and business elsewhere while maintaining your French residence permit. To qualify for citizenship later, you'll need to spend 183+ days per year in France.
What are the main benefits of the French Startup Visa?
4–5 years of EU residency from day one. Work rights for the entire family. Fast path to citizenship (5 years). No investment or job offer required. Access to French Tech ecosystem and accelerators. Freedom to travel and live anywhere in the Schengen Zone.
What is the success rate of this visa?
When the case is prepared professionally with accelerator support, approval rates are near 100% at the Ministry level and 95–97% at consulates. The process is stable and predictable.
Can I apply if I don't have a startup idea?
Yes. You can join an existing project as a co-founder, advisor, or tech partner, or we'll help you develop an innovative concept that fits the visa requirements.
Do I need to speak French?
No — all documents and communication can be in English. French is only required for citizenship (B2 level), but learning basic French will make daily life easier.
What are the tax benefits for startups in France?
Startups can qualify for the Young Innovative Company (JEI) status, offering: 100% tax exemption in the first profitable year, 50% reduction in the second year, 30% refund on R&D expenses (Crédit d'Impôt Recherche), 15% corporate tax rate for small companies.
What happens after 5 years in France?
After 5 years of legal residence and tax history, you can apply for French citizenship or a 10-year permanent residence card. Both allow you to live and work anywhere in the EU with no restrictions.
Can I keep my current tax residency?
Yes — French residency does not automatically make you a French tax resident. You can maintain your main tax base abroad as long as you don't spend more than 183 days per year in France.