France Tech Visa Categories, Requirements, Supporting Documents, Application Steps, and FAQs

 

The French Tech Visa is a special program by the French government designed to make it easier for international tech professionals to live and work in France. It offers a simplified process to obtain a renewable residence permit (known as the “Talent Passport”). This visa is available to three main groups:​

• Employees: Non-EU nationals who have a job offer from a French startup recognized as innovative.
• Founders: Entrepreneurs from outside the EU who are launching a startup in France and are accepted into a partner incubator or accelerator.
• Investors: Foreign business angels or investment funds looking to establish a presence in France.

This initiative is part of France’s efforts to attract global tech talent and strengthen its startup ecosystem.

Key Benefits

• No separate work permit needed: The visa itself allows you to work in France.
• Family inclusion: Your spouse and dependent children can join you and receive residence permits.
• Renewable: As long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can renew the visa.
• Flexibility: If your situation changes (e.g., you switch jobs or roles), you may apply for a different type of residence permit.​

Categories

French Tech Visa for Employees

To qualify for a French Tech Visa for employees, you must work for a company acknowledged as innovative by the Ministry of Economy and must provide documentation demonstrating:

• A gross annual salary of a minimum of double the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), which equates to €42,406 as of January 1, 2024.
• An ongoing employment contract with an employer based in France, either permanent or for a fixed term of at least three months.
• Active involvement in the company’s R&D projects or a significant connection to the project’s economic, social, international, and environmental development efforts.

French Tech Visa for Founders

To be eligible for the French Tech Visa for founders, you must meet the following requirements:

• Present evidence of an innovative business project you plan to develop in France.
• Obtain official recognition of the project’s merit from a public-sector body.
• Demonstrate sufficient annual financial means, equivalent to at least the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), which stands at €21,203 as of January 1, 2024.

French Tech Visa for Investors

Foreign investors applying for a French Tech Visa for investors can do this either by investing personally, through a company they control, or through a company where they own at least 30%. To qualify you:

• Must also commit to creating or preserving jobs within four years.
• Invest a minimum of €300,000 in assets.

While the Tech Visa process is relatively streamlined, navigating the specific requirements and documentation can still be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the French system. It might be worth exploring a consultation with an immigration expert to ensure everything is in order. Some agencies, like Lexidy, even offer a free initial consultation, which can be a good starting point for understanding your eligibility and next steps.

Before You Apply for a French Tech Visa

Visa Application Process

The application process for a French Tech Visa includes the following steps:

1. Complete the Online Application. Start by filling out the long-term application form on France-Visas. To start the application, you must first open an account. The online process includes clear on-screen instructions to assist you at each stage.
2. Submit Required Documents. You have the option to upload your documents during the online application. Additionally, you must present these documents in person when attending your appointment.
3. Download the Completed Form. After completing all the steps, you can download the finalized form. Print, sign, and include this form in your application package.
4. Schedule an Appointment. It’s crucial to book an appointment for the in-person submission of your visa application. You can initiate this by selecting your preferred submission location.
5. Attend the Visa Appointment. You must provide biometric data during your appointment, submit your application, and sometimes attend an interview.
6. Pay Visa Application Fees. Make sure to pay the necessary application fees during your visa appointment. The visa application fee is 99 EUR.
7. Track Your Visa Application. Keep tabs on the progress of your application by regularly checking your application page.

Even though the application process is clearly laid out, many applicants choose to seek professional support to avoid delays or mistakes. If you feel more confident having someone walk you through the steps, consulting a legal expert might be helpful. Firms such as Lexidy provide this kind of support and typically offer a free first consultation, so you can get initial advice without commitment.

After Arriving in France

1. Apply for a residence permit. After arriving in France, foreign talent should start the application for the relevant Talent Passport on the platform. The residence permit for French Tech Visa for employees applicants is known as the “Talent Passport – Employee of an innovative company”, for French Tech Visa for founders applicants is known as the “Talent Passport – innovative economic project”, and for French Tech Visa for investors applicants is known as “Talent Passport – business investor”.
2. Certificate of Approval. Once the application is reviewed and validated by the Prefecture via the platform, you will receive a certificate of approval. This certificate serves as a temporary residence permit until your appointment at the Prefecture to obtain the definitive residence permit.
3. Track the online application. You can regularly check their application status through your online account between the application and receiving the definitive residence permit. They should also respond to requests to complete their application and stay updated on the decisions made.
4. Go to the Prefecture. At the place of residence in France, go to the Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture and get your definite residence permit.
5. Step 5: Pay the tax. You will need to pay a tax of 200 EUR to the French Immigration and Citizenship Office (Office Français de l’immigration et de l’intégration – OFII) and a 25 EUR stamp duty.

Supporting Documents for a French Tech Visa

The required documents for a French Tech Visa application are:

• A visa application form (CERFA n°14571*05) duly completed and signed.
• France-Visas receipt.
• A valid passport issued within the last ten years, with a validity of at least three months beyond the visa expiry date.
• Three recent passport photos according to France visa photo requirements.
• For Employees:
  • Form CERFA n°15614*04, which outlines the key elements of the employment agreement.
  • An employment contract with an innovative new company, valid for three months, demonstrating a gross annual salary of at least double the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), equivalent to €42,406 as of January 1, 2024.
  • A certificate confirming that the employer has been officially recognized as an innovative new company by the French Ministry of Economy.
  • A social security certificate for temporary employment abroad or a sworn statement affirming the application for registration with the French social security system.
  • A written letter that delineates the job responsibilities and outlines the purpose of the assignment.
  • An up-to-date excerpt from the commercial register (extrait K-bis) for the employer, in cases where the employer is a legal entity, or an extrait K or craft license (titre d’artisan) for individual employers.
  • Proof of the payment of social security contributions and, if the employer has the obligation, proof of payments into the paid leave scheme (caisse des congés payés).
  • Proof of employee’s qualifications and experience relevant to the position in question.
  • A letter appointing a legal entity or an individual already established in France to handle the mandatory administrative procedures on behalf of the applicant
• For Founders:
  • A letter confirming your selection by an incubator or accelerator affiliated with the French Tech Visa program.
  • An official letter from a governmental body that certifies the innovative nature of your project.
  • Proof of financial means equivalent to the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), which amounts to €21,203 as of January 1, 2024.
• For Investors:
  • Proof of your position within your own company, which entails either running a company or holding a stake of at least 30%.
  • Your investment strategy.
  • A letter demonstrating your commitment to generating employment opportunities in France.
  • Proof of your direct investment or a formal commitment to invest a minimum of €300,000 in tangible or intangible assets within France over four years.

Many of the required documents for a French Tech visa may seem confusing. If you’re having trouble understanding what you really need, or you are unable to provide any of the documents listed above, we advise you seek the help of a professional. Lexidy offers assistance for Tech visa applicants through their lawyers who specialize in the French immigration system. You can schedule a free consulation with Lexidy and get the help you need.

Frequently Asked Questions