France Tech Startup Visa Guide

Last update: April 10, 2024

France’s business environment is thriving. Many businesses are optimistic about growth, and the economy has a positive outlook. While some cost pressures exist, France remains a magnet for international investors, holding its place as the top destination for foreign investment in Europe. Recent reforms have boosted competitiveness, and investments in innovation are solidifying France’s manufacturing sector.

France Startup Visa Program

The French Tech Visa is a simplified procedure dedicated to the tech ecosystem, enabling international tech talent to settle in France.

It’s available for three categories of tech talent: startup founders, employees, and investors.

Startup founders may be granted a multiyear residence permit, known as the “Talent Passport innovative project,” if they provide evidence of an innovative business project they want to develop in France.

The validity period of this permit depends on the nature, characteristics, and duration of the proposed project, with a maximum duration of 4 years on a renewable basis.

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Why Choose France

France Strong Economy

France’s economy is on a positive growth circuit. While navigating some headwinds like labor shortages and global uncertainties, the economy is expected to pick up steam in the latter half of the year. Inflation is anticipated to fall, creating a more stable economic environment.

France Startup Ecosystem

The French government actively supports startups through initiatives like La French Tech. French startups attract investment and show resilience even in a challenging funding environment. This bodes well for the future of innovation in France.

France Startup Support and Facility

France provides a strong support system for startups, including the French Tech Visa. Founders can access a government-supported incubators and accelerators network that offers mentorship, co-working spaces, and funding opportunities. Tax incentives, innovation grants, and simplified business registration processes facilitate startup launches. This comprehensive support and France’s renowned research institutions create a fertile environment for innovative ideas to thrive.

France’s Quality of Life

France’s quality of life is rated at 7.4 out of 10. Despite facing challenges such as rising energy and stamp prices, France strongly focuses on product repair schemes. However, it ranks 32nd in the global Quality of Life Index, indicating room for improvement. Overall, France offers a high standard of living with a focus on sustainability.

France Startup Visa eligibility

Who can apply for a France Startup Visa

Aspiring startup founders can secure a multi-year residency permit, known as the Talent Passport for an Innovative Project, by demonstrating three key requirements:

• A groundbreaking business concept with plans for development in France.
• Endorsement from a government agency for the project’s innovative nature.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to meet the minimum annual income threshold, currently set at €21,203 (as of January 1, 2024), which aligns with the national minimum wage.

France Startup Visa Process

The France Startup Visa, a fast track for innovative founders, streamlines the path to residency.

• First, secure support from a French Tech incubator, accelerator, or two ecosystem members.
• Then, get your project’s innovative nature officially recognized by a government body.
• Finally, armed with this validation, apply for either a long-stay visa (if abroad) or a residence permit (if already in France) – both marked “Talent Passport – Innovative Economic Project.”

This multi-step process ensures promising ideas get the green light to flourish in France’s dynamic startup scene.

France Startup Visa Requirements & Documents

• Long-stay Visa Application Form: Completed and signed form (CERFA n°14571*05).
• France-Visas Receipt: Proof of application submission.
• Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after the visa expiry date.
• Passport Photos: Three recent standardized photos.
• Selection by Incubators/Accelerators: One or several French Tech Visa partner incubators and accelerators must be selected or supported by two actors in the French Tech ecosystem.
• Official Letter: From a public body attesting to the project’s innovative nature.
• Financial Means: Evidence of financial means corresponding to the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), i.e., €20,511.36 as of January 1, 2023.

France Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Secure Support

Your journey starts by partnering with the French Tech ecosystem. Apply to incubators or accelerators within the network or seek endorsement from two members like research institutions or qualified individuals. Each member will provide a letter highlighting your project’s potential.

Step 2: Get Your Project Validated

Once you secure support, it’s time to officially recognize your innovative spirit. Head to the dedicated website (french tech visa for founders) and submit your project for evaluation. The DRIEETS IDF, a government body, will assess your idea based on specific criteria. If it passes muster, you’ll receive an acknowledgment letter from the Ministry of Economy, validating your project’s innovative nature.

Step 3: Apply for Your Visa/Residence Permit

This acknowledgment letter is your golden ticket! Depending on your current location, you’ll either apply for:

• A long-stay visa marked “Talent Passport – Innovative Economic Project” at your home country’s French Consulate.
• A residence permit with the same title if you’re already in France with a valid permit. Submit your application online using this link, and the local Prefecture will process it.

Cost & Fees

Government Visa Application Cost

• Initial Cost: €225 administrative fee + €99 long-stay visa (if applicable)
• Renewal Cost: €225 administrative fee (every 4 years)
• Renewal Requirements:
  • Demonstrate ongoing project progress and justification for extension.
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources (at least €20,814.73 as of May 1, 2023).
• Accompanying Family: €225 administrative fee for the spouse’s permit + €99 visa fee per accompanying family member.

Average Program Fee

The cost can vary significantly depending on several factors:

• Program Type: Intensive, hands-on programs often come with a higher price tag than basic incubation services.
• Program Length: Longer programs naturally cost more than shorter ones.
• Location: Fees are higher in major cities like Paris than in smaller regions.
• Reputation and Services Offered: Prestigious incubators and accelerators with a proven track record and extensive support services will likely charge more.

To check each program’s fees and costs, please check LaunchRoad’s France program list.

Corporate TAX rate

• Standard Rate: 25%
• Surtax: 3.3% (applied to companies with a turnover exceeding €7.63 million and a corporate tax liability of more than €763,000)

This means the effective corporate tax rate for most large companies in France is 25.8% (25% + 3.3% surtax) in 2024.

Cost of Living in France

This is an estimate and can vary depending on lifestyle choices. The rent cost is not included.

• Single person: Average €1,800 per month
• Family of 4: €3,500 per month

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Processing Time & Outcome

Third-Party Assessment Time

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single, definitive “assessment time” for French incubators. The selection process for each incubator or accelerator can vary depending on their specific procedures.

Visa Processing Time

Talent Passport processing times vary by nationality but typically take 2-3 weeks.

What happens After Apply

After submitting your French Tech Visa for Founders application, the waiting game begins. Processing times typically take 2-3 weeks, though this can vary depending on your nationality.

If approved, you’ll be notified and can apply for a long-stay visa marked “Talent Passport – Innovative Project” at your local French consulate. However, a rejection is also a possibility. In that case, you can inquire about the reasons for revising your application or exploring alternative startup visa options in France.

France Residency through Startup Visa

Living outside France? You can secure residency through the French Tech Visa for Founders. Here’s the process:

1. Find Support: Connect with a French Tech incubator/accelerator or secure endorsement from two ecosystem members (research labs, qualified individuals, etc.).
2. Get Validation: Apply online for project recognition as innovative by the French government.
3. Apply for Visa: If approved, submit a long-stay visa application for “Talent Passport – Innovative Project” at your local French consulate.

This streamlined process allows aspiring foreign founders to build innovative ventures in France.

France Citizenship

The French Tech Visa for Founders is a great first step towards obtaining French citizenship! Here’s how it works:

• Reside in France: After receiving your Talent Passport residence permit through the French Tech Visa, you must legally reside in France for at least five years.
• Meet Integration Requirements: Demonstrate integration into French society by showing proficiency in French (typically B1 level on the TCF test) and knowledge of French history and culture.
• Good Conduct: Maintain a clean criminal record during your residency.
• Apply for Citizenship: After fulfilling the residency and integration requirements, you can submit your application for French citizenship.

Role of Launchroad in The Seccess of Your Startup Visa

LaunchRoad is your go-to guide for starting a business abroad. We help you choose the right country, understand visa requirements, and get your startup off the ground. Our team of experts provides support, mentorship, and resources to help you succeed.

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