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You’ve built a groundbreaking project and you’re eyeing France’s vibrant tech scene. This guide walks you through every step of the Talent Passport – Startup Founder permit, the official Talent Passport – Startup Founder permit that lets non-EU entrepreneurs set up or take over a business in France for up to four years, renewable.

What Is the French Tech Visa?

The French Tech Visa, officially the Talent Passport – Startup Founder permit, lets non-EU entrepreneurs set up or take over a business in France for up to four years, renewable.

Categories at a Glance

• Founder: You launch or acquire a company.
• Employee: You work for a qualifying French startup.
• Investor: You commit capital to a French venture.

Who Qualifies?

Every category shares basic rules—valid passport, clean criminal record, proof of accommodation—but founders have extra requirements.

Founder Eligibility

1. Endorsement by a partner incubator/accelerator recognized by Bpifrance, ensuring your project meets French Tech standards
   (Bpifrance rulebook on the French Tech Visa).
2. Alternatively, two support letters from research labs or qualified ecosystem actors, as outlined in the France-Visas guidance on the Talent Passport – Startup Founder category.
3. Project recognition by DRIEETS Île-de-France via the official DRIEETS Île-de-France recognition portal.
4. Minimum investment of €30 000 in your company, a requirement detailed by Expatica’s French Tech Visa overview.
5. Personal income at least €20 511.40 per year (2023 level), as specified by Campus France’s Talent Passport – Startup Founder factsheet.
6. No degree requirement—any background is welcome.

Employee & Investor Snapshots

• Employees need a contract with a qualifying startup.
• Investors commit at least €300 000 and hold management rights.

Step-by-Step Application

You’ll use two official platforms:

1. Project recognition on demarches-simplifiees.fr.
2. Residence permit application on the official residence permit portal.

Applying from Abroad vs. Change of Status

• Abroad: File at your local French consulate.
• In France: If you hold a valid residence permit, switch status online.

Essential Documents

Have these at hand before you begin:

• Valid passport
• Detailed business plan
• Endorsement letter from incubator/accelerator or two ecosystem support letters
• Proof of €30 000 investment
• Evidence of €20 511.40 annual income
• Accommodation proof (rental contract, hotel booking)
• Clean criminal record extract
• Health insurance certificate

“This permit opens doors to Europe’s second-largest tech hub.” – Nathalie Loiseau, French Tech Ambassador (as detailed on the Welcome to France website).

Duration, Renewal & Perks

Your visa lasts four years and can be renewed under the same conditions.
Benefits include:
– Family reunification
– Full-time work freedom
– Schengen mobility
– Access to French Tech support networks
– Pathway to long-term residence

Leveraging Incubators & Accelerators

Official partners vet projects for novelty, market fit and growth potential. Their seal of approval:
– Simplifies the DRIEETS evaluation
– Signals credibility to French authorities
– Grants you mentoring, office space and investor links

Popular partners include:
– Station F (Paris)
– Le Village by CA (nationwide)
– H7 (Lyon)

Beyond New Ventures: Company Takeovers

You don’t have to start from scratch. Acquiring an existing French firm counts—provided you meet the same investment and project-recognition rules. This route helps seasoned founders tap into established markets and teams.

Your Next Move in France

Armed with this guide, you’re ready to navigate the French Tech Visa maze. Secure your incubator endorsement, gather your documents, and launch your French adventure. Success in France’s startup nation awaits.
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