France: Passeport Talent-Entrepreneur (Investment Visa)
The Passeport Talent: Entrepreneur allows founders of qualified businesses in the commercial, artisanal, or industrial fields to move to France with their family.
This visa suits founders of non-tech companies. If you want to base a tech startup in France, check out the French Tech Visa. [link to BridgeZero page for French startup founders]
Benefits
- Renewable after 4 years
- Includes family
- Path to Permanent Residence
- Includes right to work
- Access to EU
- Suits several kinds of businesses
Introduction
France has been the top destination for international tourists for more than 20 years, and for good reason.
Rich in history, Paris, Avignon, Lille, and Marseille are all European capitals of culture. French foods like wine, cheese, croissants, chocolate, and bread are renowned around the world, and France boasts both a refined restaurant culture and a history of hearty, delicious home cooking. Encompassing the French Alps, the lavender fields of Provence, the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast), and more, France’s natural beauty has something for everyone.
Internet Speed
Fixed broadband: 192.25 Mbps download/137.82 Mbps upload
Mobile: 70.24 Mbps download/11.33 Mbps upload
Cost of living
No. 15 globally
Requirements
$36,000+ to invest in a commercial, artisanal, or industrial business
Master's degree or 5+ years of relevant professional experience
$22,321 per year income
Fees
- Visa application fee: $118
- Residence permit fee: $270+
Application Process
Start your application online.
First, this short visa wizard will tell you about your eligibility, fees, and the documents required.
Next, fill out the full online application and submit your documentation. Residents of many countries can submit this full application online, but some will need to follow a different procedure.
Then, make an appointment at your local French embassy or consulate. They may tell you to send your application to a consular service. You can find details of your country’s procedure here. Make your appointment 3 months ahead of when you plan to go to France, but no earlier.
Take your documentation and passport to the appointment in person, pay your fees, and provide your biometrics. Any applicant over 12 years of age needs to come with you to the appointment, too.
You can track your application’s process. You will collect your passport and visa in person, or it may be sent to you by mail.
If you are approved, you will be issued a long-stay visa for “passeport talent” “créateur d’entreprise” (Skilled residence permit - Business creator).
Use the long-stay visa to enter France. Within 2 months after you arrive, take your documents to the préfecture (government administration office) local to where you live to apply for your residence permit. Consult your préfecture to find a full list of documents you need, and to make an appointment (if possible).
If your residence permit is valid for less than 1 year (Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit, or VLS-TS), you do not need to visit the prefecture in person. Instead, validate your visa online here. Be sure to validate it within 3 months of arriving in France.
Detailed explanation of the process
Documents Required
Depending on your situation, you may need:
- Passport, valid at least 3 months after your visa would expire
- Completed application form
- 3 35mm x 40mm passport photos
- Documents proving family relationships to all dependents (such as marriage license and birth certificate)
- Proof of professional qualifications and experience
- Detailed business plan
- Proof of income or bank balance
- Proof of medical and travel insurance
- Return plane ticket or proof of financial means to obtain one
- Accommodation details
- Police clearance from your home country and your country of residence
- Proof of current residence
Other documents may be required. Consult the visa wizard and your local consulate.
