French Tech Visa for Founders

French Tech Visa for Founders enables foreign startup founders to set up found their startup in France in one of a French Tech partner incubators. You may be granted a residence permit marked Talent Passport innovative project, valid for up to 4 years, renewable. You need to apply for your long-stay visa at the French Consulate (if you live outside of France) or at the Prefecture (if you already live in France), with the supporting documents.

Application Procedure

Step 1:

Be selected by one (or several) of the French Tech Visa partner incubators and accelerators, through their regular process of selection.

Step 2:

If your startup is selected by a partner incubator, your incubator will send you an official letter from the French Administration (Direccte) attesting to the innovative nature of your startup.

Step 3:

Apply for your long-stay visa and residence permit. The procedure depends on whether or not you already live in France (Refer to this link for details)

Cost

The long-stay visa authorizing you to enter France costs €99 (payable at the French Consulate prior to your arrival in France).

Once you are in France, you must pay a tax of 250 Euros to the French Immigration and Citizenship Office (Office français de l'immigration et de l'intégration – OFII). In addition to this tax, there is a stamp duty of 19 Euros. These payments are to be made when you pick up your residence permit at your Prefecture in France.

Total cost for the long-stay visa plus the residence permit: €368

You can bring your spouse and kids along. Processing time may vary on case basis.