Entrepreneur/Investor Visa

France's Entrepreneur/Investor Visa is delivered through the Passeport Talent residence-card framework and covers several distinct profiles: those creating a company in France (Passeport Talent - création d'entreprise), those running an innovative or startup project recognised by a public body (the "French Tech" route), and significant economic investors (Passeport Talent - investisseur).

The création d'entreprise category suits founders launching a genuine business in France, typically requiring a real and viable project, a relevant degree or equivalent experience, and a minimum investment in the company. The innovative-project route is designed for startup founders whose venture is endorsed as innovative by a recognised French public organisation - a favourable path because it relaxes the standard investment and qualification tests. The investor category targets those making a substantial direct investment in France and creating or safeguarding jobs.

All three are issued as multi-year Passeport Talent cards, valid up to four years and renewable, with strong family rights. France actively courts founders and investors as part of its drive to grow its startup ecosystem, making this one of Europe's more accessible entrepreneur routes.

Eligibility depends on the category. For company creation, you must hold a degree at master's level or have at least five years of comparable professional experience, present a real and economically viable business project, and invest at least €30,000 in the company. For the innovative-project route, your startup must be recognised as innovative by a designated French public body, which can ease the qualification and investment requirements. For the investor category, you must make a significant personal direct investment in a French business - historically set around €300,000 in fixed or tangible assets - and create or protect employment. Across all categories you must demonstrate sufficient personal means of subsistence, hold health cover, and present a credible, well-documented project. A clean criminal record is required.

Step one: define your category - company creation, innovative project, or investor - and build a thorough business plan with financial projections and proof of funds. Step two: for the innovative route, obtain recognition of your project from a designated French public body before applying. Step three: register your French company or prepare the documentation evidencing the investment. Step four: create a France-Visas account and complete the long-stay visa application under the relevant Passeport Talent category. Step five: assemble documents - passport, biometric photos, business plan, proof of investment or funds, diplomas or experience evidence, and accommodation proof. Step six: attend an appointment at the French consulate or authorised visa centre, submit biometrics and pay the fee. Step seven: receive the long-stay visa, travel to France, and validate it with the OFII within three months of arrival. Step eight: before the visa expires, apply at your prefecture for the multi-year Passeport Talent card. Family members apply under the Passeport Talent family category alongside you.

The long-stay visa fee is around €99, and OFII validation after arrival adds residence tax and stamp duty of roughly €200–€225. The multi-year Passeport Talent card carries prefecture stamp fees of around €225. The dominant cost is the project itself - a minimum €30,000 investment for company creation, or a substantial direct investment for the investor category. Add accountancy and legal fees for company registration, certified translations, biometric photos and document legalisation. Excluding the business investment, administrative costs for a single applicant typically run €600–€1,000.

Consulate processing of the Passeport Talent entrepreneur or investor long-stay visa generally takes two to eight weeks, with Passeport Talent applications prioritised. Obtaining innovative-project recognition from a French public body beforehand can take several additional weeks and should be started early. OFII validation after arrival completes within days to a few weeks online. The multi-year card is issued at the prefecture over several weeks to a few months, with a récépissé covering your stay meanwhile.

You must validate your visa with the OFII within three months of arrival. The card lets you run and develop your French business or manage your investment, and family members under the Passeport Talent family category receive residence permits with their own work rights. You must keep your company genuinely active and viable, as the prefecture reviews this at renewal. After 12 months, intra-EU mobility provisions may apply for certain activities. Time on the Passeport Talent card counts toward a 10-year resident card and toward French naturalisation, generally available after five years of residence; France permits dual citizenship. A successful, job-creating venture strengthens every future renewal and settlement application.