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French Tech Visa - Founder
FranceFrance•Europe
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French Tech Visa - Founder

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

Up to 4 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

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 entrepreneurs and founders of tech companies recognized by French Tech ecosystem.

The French Tech Visa for Founders grants non-EU startup founders a long-stay visa and multi-year Talent Passport residence permit to develop an innovative business in France. qualification requires project recognition by a French public body and proof of financial means equivalent to the annual SMIC (€21,876 as of 2026).

The permit is valid for up to 4 years and renewable, with no job offer required. Spouses receive accompanying family status and unrestricted work rights. The program offers a pathway to permanent residency. The initial visa fee is €99, with a residence permit fee of up to €350.

This visa is ideal for non-EU tech founders with an innovative project endorsed by a French public body who want a renewable multi-year residency with family relocation rights.

France

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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

Minimum income: 21876 EUR (annual SMIC as of Jan 2026)

Minimum savings: 21876 EUR (annual SMIC as of Jan 2026)

Health insurance required

Age: 18+

Innovative project recognised by a French public body

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

21,876 EUR/yr

Min. Savings

21,876 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed long-stay visa application form

Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after intended departure)

Three recent passport-sized photographs

Official letter of selection from a French Tech partner incubator/accelerator or support documentation

Official letter from a public body attesting to the project's innovative nature

Proof of financial means (at least equal to the annual SMIC)

Proof of accommodation in France

Civil status documents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable)

Application Process

1

Prepare business plan

Tech startup business plan

2

Seek French Tech recognition

Connect with French Tech ecosystem

3

Apply for visa

Submit at French consulate

4

Pay fee

EUR 99 visa fee

5

Fast-tracked processing

2-4 weeks

6

Validate visa

Online within 3 months

7

Establish company

Create business in France

8

Apply for residence

Apply for multi-year talent passport card

Application Forms

Go to application portal
French Tech Founder Visa Application—

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