BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
French Tech Visa - Employee
FranceFrance•Europe
Open

French Tech Visa - Employee

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 month

Estimated Cost

EUR €449

Stay Duration

4 years (renewable)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
4% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€31,000
Quality of Life
173/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Visa for employees of French Tech-certified companies, with streamlined process and benefits.

The French Tech Visa for Employees is a long-stay residence permit for international talent hired by companies recognised as innovative by the French Ministry of Economy. Applicants need a contract of at least 3 months and a gross annual salary of at least €39,582.

The permit is valid for up to 4 years (matching the employment contract length) and is renewable. Spouses receive unrestricted work rights. The program offers a PR pathway and dual intent is permitted. Fees are €99 for the visa and €350 for first-time residence permit issuance (€300 tax + €50 stamp duty).

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals with a job offer from a French Tech-labelled or officially recognised innovative company.

France

Curious about life in France?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Visa application feeEUR €99
Residence permit feeEUR €350
TotalEUR €449

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)
France flagFrance

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing2-4 months
View Visa Details
EU Long-Term Residence Permit
France flagFrance

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing4 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a permanent or fixed-term employment contract of at least 3 months with a French company

The employer must be recognized as an 'innovative company' by the French Ministry of the Economy

The employee's gross annual salary must be at least equal to the average gross annual reference salary, which is €39,582

The role must be directly linked to the company's research and development project

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

39,582 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed long-stay visa application form

Valid passport

Passport-sized photographs

Employment contract (minimum 3 months)

Certificate of innovation issued by the French Ministry of the Economy for the employer

Proof of salary meeting the minimum threshold (€39,582 gross annual)

Proof of professional qualifications or experience

Proof of accommodation

Application Process

1

Secure employment

Job offer from French Tech-certified company

2

Verify company status

Confirm French Tech certification

3

Apply for visa

Submit at French consulate

4

Pay fee

EUR 99 visa fee

5

Fast-tracked processing

2-4 weeks (faster than standard)

6

Validate visa

Online within 3 months

7

Apply for residence

Apply for multi-year talent passport card

Application Forms

Go to application portal
French Tech Visa Application
CERFA n°15614 — Employer declaration form for Talent Passport (innovative company employee)
Fill online

Ready to see if the French Tech Visa - Employee is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery