France•Europe1 month
€449 EUR
Varies by filing options
Up to 4 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

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.

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Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
France
FranceMinimum 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
Min. Income
21,876 EUR/yr
Min. Savings
21,876 EUR
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)

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