What is the French Tech Visa?

It is a fast-track path within France's Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) scheme, built to bring international technology talent into France. It covers three routes: skilled employees of recognised innovative companies, startup founders backed by an approved incubator, and investors. It grants a multi-year residence permit, usually for up to four years and renewable.

Do I need a job offer for the French Tech Visa?

Only on the employee route. Employees need a job offer from a certified innovative company on a contract of at least three months. Founders do not need a job offer but must be selected by a partner incubator, and investors qualify on the strength of their capital and job creation rather than an offer.

What salary do I need as a tech employee?

Your gross annual salary must be at least twice the French minimum wage, currently around €43,750. It is the gross salary in your contract that counts. The minimum wage is reviewed regularly, so confirm the current figure for the year you apply.

How do I qualify as a startup founder?

You need an innovative business project recognised by a public French body or an accredited incubator, and you must be selected by that partner incubator or accelerator. You also show annual financial resources at least equal to the annual minimum wage, currently around €21,900, and that you will play a decisive role in building the startup in France.

How much do investors need to invest?

The investor route needs a direct investment of at least €300,000 in a French business or project. The investment must be active and come with a commitment to create or protect jobs within four years of putting the capital in.

How long is the French Tech Visa valid?

The residence permit is usually issued for up to four years and is renewable. Employees on the route can start work straight away, with no separate work permit from the labour ministry.

Can I bring my family on the French Tech Visa?

Yes. Your spouse or partner in a civil union and your children under 18 can join you, usually at the same time. Your spouse gets a Talent Family permit with full work authorisation in any sector, without a separate work permit. Children do not need their own residence permit but should hold a child travel document (DCEM).

How much does the French Tech Visa cost?

Government fees are modest. The long-stay visa is around €99, the residence permit issuance is around €350, and the online OFII validation is around €300 for the first year. Budget separately for certified translations, at around €30 to €50 per page, and for relocation. Fees change, so treat any figure as a guide.

How do I get permanent residency or citizenship in France?

You can usually apply for a ten-year resident card after five years of continuous legal residence, with at least B1 French. French citizenship is generally possible after five years too, with B2 French and a pass in a civics exam covering French history, values, and institutions. Take professional advice on timing for your case.

Do I need to speak French for the French Tech Visa?

No French is required to get the visa itself, which is why it works well for international tech talent. French matters later, because you need B1 for the ten-year resident card and B2 for citizenship, so it is worth starting early.

Does eMigr8 give legal or immigration advice?

No. We give coaching, profile review, and guidance to help you prepare. We do not give legal advice or immigration consultation. For legal questions we can connect you with professionals in our network.

French Tech Visa (Passeport Talent)

Q: Who is the French Tech Visa for?

There are three routes. Tech employees with a job offer from a company officially recognised as innovative, startup founders with an innovative project backed by an approved French incubator or accelerator, and investors committing significant capital to a French business. You apply on the route that fits your situation.

The French Tech Visa is a fast-track path within France's Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) scheme for highly skilled people from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. It covers three routes: tech employees of recognised innovative companies, startup founders backed by an approved incubator, and investors. It grants a multi-year residence permit, usually for up to four years and renewable.

Who it is for

Software engineers, data and AI specialists, and other tech professionals with a job offer from a certified innovative company, startup founders with an innovative project backed by an approved French incubator, and investors committing capital to a French business. Family can join, and the route builds towards permanent residency.

Thresholds, costs and family

Tech employees need a gross salary of around €43,750 (twice the minimum wage), founders need funds of around €21,900, and investors need a direct investment of at least €300,000 with job creation. Government fees are modest: around €99 for the visa, €350 for the permit, and €300 for the OFII validation. A spouse gets a Talent Family permit with full work rights, and children under 18 can join.

How eMigr8 helps

Profile and route review across the three routes, a clear roadmap, and coaching from people who have relocated. eMigr8 provides coaching and guidance, not legal advice or immigration consultation.