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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

Application Fee

449 EUR

Stay Duration

Up to 4 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

10% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€28,800

Quality of Life

155/200

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. Eligibility 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.

Fee Breakdown

Visa application fee	99 EUR
Residence permit fee	350 EUR

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

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

France

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

Validity10 years (renewable)

Processing2-4 months

View Visa Details

France

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)

ProcessingUp to 4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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

Education

none or higher

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

Prepare business plan: Tech startup business plan

Seek French Tech recognition: Connect with French Tech ecosystem

Apply for visa: Submit at French consulate

Pay fee: EUR 99 visa fee

Fast-tracked processing: 2-4 weeks

Validate visa: Online within 3 months

Establish company: Create business in France

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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Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Prepare business plan: Tech startup business plan; Seek French Tech recognition: Connect with French…	france-visas.gouv.fr
Dependent Visa	Dependents allowed, spouse can work	welcometofrance.com
Fee Breakdown	Visa application fee: 99 EUR; Residence permit fee: 350 EUR	welcometofrance.com
Fees	EUR 99 (visa) + EUR 350 (residence permit)	welcometofrance.com
Forms	French Tech Founder Visa Application	france-visas.gouv.fr
Included Nationalities	—	france-visas.gouv.fr
Job Offer Required	false	welcometofrance.com
Application Portal	https://france-visas.gouv.fr	welcometofrance.com

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