French Tech Visa

A business idea is considered innovative if it involves creating a new product or developing an existing product, process, marketing, or organizational method. These innovations can span various industries, particularly in technology, services, or new business models. 

The assessment of the innovative nature of the project is carried out by DRIEETS IDF, Interdepartmental Directorate for the Economy, Employment, Labour, and Solidarity of Île-de-France, which evaluates the business plan and confirms its innovation.

Yes. Support from an incubator or accelerator is one of the requirements for obtaining the France Startup Visa. as proof of support, the organisation prepares a letter that is included in the visa application package.

Passportivity lawyers assist startup founders in identifying a suitable incubator or accelerator and securing the necessary support.

The minimum amount of savings is €23,900. These funds must be held in a non-sanctioned foreign bank account to show that the applicant can financially support themselves and their business during their stay in France.

Yes. Up to three startup founders, along with their families, may apply for the France Startup Visa. They submit separate applications but use the same business plan.

No, knowledge of French is not required for obtaining the France Startup Visa or residence permit. However, it is important to learn French if the entrepreneur plans to eventually apply for permanent residence or French citizenship, as language proficiency at least B2 level is required for naturalization.

No. A France Startup Visa applicant only needs to present a business plan. If the investor receives a residence permit immediately, the company can be registered after obtaining status. Holders of a one-year long-stay Startup Visa must register a company and start developing the startup within one year. If they meet these conditions, they can obtain a residence permit.

Residence permits for startup founders in France are usually issued for four years, although in some cases the validity period may be shorter. A foreigner may also obtain a one-year long-stay Startup Visa and apply for a residence permit at the end of its validity period.

The family receives residence permits at the same time as the startup founder. The application may include a spouse and children.

Adult children must be financially dependent on the main applicant and enrolled in a French university. Minor children will be enrolled in French public schools.

Yes, the spouse of a startup founder holding the France Startup Visa is eligible to work in France. They can also run a business or work for French companies.

Startup founders obtain a residence permit in France within 3 to 6 months. The timeline depends on how quickly the applicant prepares the business plan and secures incubator support, and how long the immigration authorities take to process the application.

To extend a French residence permit, a startup founder demonstrates the project’s progress and provides a further business development plan. They also need to confirm their financial situation again, with at least €23,900 in a personal bank account.

After five years of living in France, a startup founder holding a French residence permit can apply for French citizenship. Time spent on a one-year long-stay Startup Visa counts toward the naturalization period.

Applicants for a French passport must live in France for more than 183 days per year, pay taxes, take part in public life, and confirm knowledge of French at least at B2 level.