France: French Tech Visa (Investor Visa)

The French Tech Visa lets tech startup investors and their family members move to France. 

French Tech Visas also exist for tech startup founders and employees with a tech job offer.

Benefits

Introduction

France’s tech community is growing, with support from the government and from driven, creative founders and dedicated investors. This makes France an ideal place for tech investors.

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

Invest at least $365,300 in an innovative tech company (invested directly or through a company in which you own at least 30% of the capital).

Own at least 10% of the company in which you are investing.

Commit to creating (or protecting) jobs in France within the next 4 years.

Fees

Application Process

Apply online. Your application will be reviewed on a one-to-one basis. If you are approved, the French Tech Mission will send you a letter certifying that you are eligible for a French Tech Visa for Investors.

Take this letter and all other documentation to the French embassy or consulate in the country where you live and apply for a long-stay visa. Apply 3 months before you plan to go to France, but no earlier. (More information about applying for a long-stay visa). 

Use the long-stay visa to enter France. Then take your documents to the préfecture (government administration office) local to where you live. They will issue you a 4-year residence permit.

If you already live in France, you can apply for the residence permit directly at your local prefecture.

Documents Required

For your initial application:

For your long-stay visa:

You may also need:

Other documents may be required.

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