Explore the updated French Tech Visa (Talent Passport – Innovative Project) for employees, founders and investors. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, salary thresholds, financial requirements, investment criteria, step‑by‑step application and the latest 2025 policy changes.
France • Tech Visa • 4‑year residence permit • Innovative project
The French Tech Visa (a component of the Talent Passport) is designed to attract international tech employees, startup founders and investors to France. It offers a streamlined four‑year, renewable residence permit for highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, enabling them to work, develop companies and invest in one of Europe’s most vibrant tech ecosystems. Recent decrees have increased salary thresholds and clarified financial requirements, making it essential to understand the updated rules before you apply. This guide provides verified information from official sources—including France‑Visas, Newland Chase and Citizen Remote—to help you prepare a winning application.
Overview & benefits
The French Tech Visa is part of France’s Passeport Talent residence permit program. It provides a multi‑year visa (valid for up to four years) for non‑EU nationals who contribute to the technology and innovation ecosystem. Unlike traditional work visas, the Tech Visa simplifies immigration formalities by offering:
- Long‑term residency: A renewable permit valid for up to four years, aligned with your employment or investment project.
- Family benefits: Spouses and children can obtain residence permits that allow them to work and study in France.
- Path to long‑term stay: After several years of continued residence and economic activity, applicants may be eligible for permanent residence or citizenship under France’s broader immigration rules.
- Access to Europe: Holders can travel within the Schengen Area for short stays without additional visas.
- Integration into France’s tech ecosystem: Access to incubators, accelerators and a network of startups and investors.
The program supports France’s goal of becoming a global hub for technology and innovation, attracting founders and talented employees from across the world. In recent years, France has attracted significant foreign investment and startup activity, thanks in part to initiatives like La French Tech and tax incentives for research and development.
Who can apply?
The Tech Visa encompasses three sub‑categories, each with distinct requirements:
1. Employees
To qualify as a salaried employee, you must have an employment contract with a French company recognised as a French Tech–accredited enterprise or a new innovative enterprise. Your job must be directly linked to research or development, and the contract must be for at least three months. The law requires your salary to be at least twice the minimum legal wage (SMIC). In 2025 the SMIC (Salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance) stands at €21,621.60 per year, so your annual salary should be at least around €43,243.
2. Startup founders
Founders must be accepted into a French Tech partner incubator, accelerator or an innovation support program. You will need to present a viable business plan for your innovative project and demonstrate resources to support yourself. Citizen Remote explains that founders should show financial means at least equal to the French minimum wage (around €21,621 annually). Your startup should have the potential for growth and job creation in France.
3. Investors
Investors must commit a qualifying investment of at least €300,000 directly into a French company or via an approved venture capital fund. You should hold at least 10% equity in the business or management role. Unlike employees and founders, investors are generally exempt from proving personal financial means as long as the investment criteria are met.
Requirements
In addition to being an employee, founder or investor, you need to meet several cross‑cutting requirements:
- Financial self‑sufficiency: All applicants (except investors) must prove they can support themselves. Citizen Remote notes that you should show access to at least the annual SMIC (around €21,621.60) through regular income, savings or business funds.
- Health insurance: Applicants must have comprehensive health coverage valid in France. Travel insurance is insufficient; you need a long‑term policy covering medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation.
- Accommodation: Proof of a residential address (rental agreement or hotel booking) covering your initial stay.
- Endorsement and documents: Employees need a signed contract with a qualifying French Tech company; founders must provide acceptance letters from incubators and a business plan; investors must provide proof of investment commitments.
- Clean criminal record: Provide police clearance certificates for the last ten years.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your planned stay plus three months.
- Visa fees and taxes: Pay the applicable visa fee (standard VLS‑TS fee currently €99) and immigration tax (around €200).
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2025 updates & policy changes
The French government continually adjusts immigration policies to attract high‑value talent while maintaining quality standards. Notable updates for 2025 include:
- Salary threshold increase: On 29 August 2025 a decree raised the gross annual salary threshold for the “Talent – Qualified Employee” and “Talent – EU Blue Card” permits to €39,582. This means employers must pay at least this amount to sponsored employees. The update reflects France’s aim to remain competitive in recruiting tech talent.
- Clarified financial requirement: Authorities emphasised that employees and founders must prove access to at least the French minimum wage (SMIC) to cover living expenses; as of 2025 this is €21,621.60 annually.
- Renewal conditions: Visa holders must continue to meet financial and professional criteria when renewing their residence permit. Employees must remain employed by the sponsoring company; founders must actively develop their startup; investors must maintain the qualifying investment.
- Enhanced family benefits: Spouses can now obtain a Talent Passport – Family permit granting them unrestricted work rights and children’s residence permits valid for the same duration.
If you previously planned to apply under the older salary criteria, review your employment contract to ensure compliance with the €39,582 threshold before submitting your application. Employers should adjust compensation and budgets accordingly.
Documents checklist
Gathering the correct documents is crucial to a smooth application. Use this checklist as a starting point:
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Identity and travel document | Valid for at least three months beyond visa expiry |
| Completed visa application form | Official application | Submit via the France‑Visas portal |
| Passport photos | Biometric identification | Follow French consulate photo specifications |
| Employment contract / incubator letter / investment agreement | Proof of eligibility | Must be signed and dated; show job role or project details |
| Business plan (for founders) | Demonstrate viability | Include market analysis, revenue projections and impact |
| Proof of financial self‑sufficiency | Living expenses | Bank statements showing at least €21,621.60 annually |
| Health insurance certificate | Medical coverage | Must cover medical, hospitalisation and repatriation |
| Proof of accommodation | Residence in France | Rental agreement or hotel reservation |
| Police clearance certificates | Good conduct | Issued by all countries where you lived in past ten years |
| CV / résumé | Professional overview | Highlight tech experience, qualifications and achievements |
| Academic certificates | Evidence of qualifications | Certified copies of degrees and transcripts |
Check the official visa wizard for country‑specific documents and translation requirements. Missing or incomplete documents are a common cause of delays.
Application process
The application involves several steps and coordination with your employer, incubator or investment partner. Here’s a repeatable workflow:
- Confirm eligibility by verifying that you meet the criteria for employees, founders or investors. Review salary thresholds, financial means and acceptance in incubators.
- Prepare documents (passport, photos, contract, business plan, financial proof, health insurance) and have them translated if necessary.
- Create an account on the official France‑Visas portal and complete the online form. Upload scanned copies of your documents and pay the visa fee.
- Book an appointment at your nearest French consulate or visa application centre. Bring original documents for verification and provide biometric data.
- Wait for processing. Decisions are typically issued within a few weeks; you can track status online. Use this time to plan your relocation and gather additional documents if requested.
- Travel to France and validate your visa. If approved, you’ll receive a long‑stay visa (VLS‑TS). You must validate it within three months of arrival via the immigration portal. This converts your visa into a residence permit under the Talent Passport program.
- Collect your residence permit and register with your local prefecture. Bring proof of address and pay the OFII tax (around €200)】. The card will display your sub‑category (employee, founder or investor) and validity period.
Tip: Apply well in advance of your intended start date. Processing times vary by country and time of year; allow at least 2–3 months to account for document preparation, appointment availability and consular processing.
Timeline & costs
Below is an example timeline and cost breakdown. Actual processing times depend on your consulate and specific circumstances.
| Stage | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | 0–4 weeks | Varies (translations, notary fees) |
| Online application | 1 day | Visa fee (€99) |
| Consulate appointment | 1–4 weeks | Travel + time off |
| Processing & decision | 2–8 weeks | — |
| OFII tax & stamp duty | Upon arrival | €200 OFII tax + €25 stamp duty【667891281054560†L449-L454】 |
| Total estimated cost | — | Approx. €324 per applicant |
Investors should also account for the minimum investment amount (€300,000) and any additional administrative or legal fees. Employers may cover visa costs for employees; confirm with your HR department.
Living in France with a Tech Visa
Holding a French Tech Visa grants you and your family a rare opportunity to build a life in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. France offers a rich cultural heritage, excellent public services and a thriving startup scene. Here are some considerations:
- Residency obligations: You must primarily reside in France; extended stays abroad may jeopardise your renewal.
- Employment continuity: Employees must remain with their sponsoring company; founders must actively run their startup; investors must maintain the investment. Any significant change in circumstances requires notifying authorities and possibly applying for a new status.
- Family integration: Spouses can work freely, and children can attend French schools. The Talent Passport – Family permit aligns with your visa’s validity period.
- Path to permanent residence: After living and working in France for several years (typically five years), you may be eligible for a Carte de résident or citizenship. Requirements include integration, language proficiency and continued economic activity.
- Taxes & healthcare: Once registered, you may contribute to French social security and file tax returns. Consider consulting a tax advisor to understand your obligations.
France boasts world‑class amenities, from high‑speed rail to public healthcare. Many Tech Visa holders choose to live in Paris for its networking opportunities, Lyon for its quality of life, or Toulouse for aerospace and tech clusters. The cost of living varies by city; plan accordingly by budgeting for housing, transportation and schooling.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in France on a Tech Visa?
The initial residence permit is valid for up to four years, aligned with your employment contract, startup program or investment plan. You can renew it as long as you continue to meet the eligibility conditions.
Do I need to speak French?
While there is no formal language requirement for the visa, learning French will greatly improve your integration. Many incubators and employers offer language support.
Can I switch employers or pivot my startup?
Significant changes require authorisation. Employees must remain with the sponsoring company; founders should consult their incubator and the prefecture before pivoting. Investors must maintain their investment or reinvest in qualifying companies.
What happens if my project fails?
If your startup closes or your investment ends, you may need to apply for a different permit or leave France. Authorities may offer grace periods for finding new employment or projects, but you should seek legal advice early.
How does the Tech Visa differ from the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is another high‑skilled work permit for non‑EU nationals. France’s Tech Visa specifically targets innovative projects, startups and investments. Salary thresholds differ (Blue Card threshold now €39,582), and the application process may vary.
• This article synthesises information from official sources including France‑Visas, Citizen Remote and Newland Chase. Policies change frequently; always check the latest guidance before applying.