How to get a residence permit in France if you are a startup founder: a detailed guide to the French Tech Visa in 2026

France actively supports tech entrepreneurs from around the world through the French Tech Visa program, which provides a simplified path to obtaining a longstanding residence permit (Passeport Talent). This program is particularly attractive to start-up founders who want to develop their innovative projects in France.

What is the French Tech Visa for start-up founders?

French Tech Visa for Founders is part of the Passeport Talent program, designed for start-up founders from countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. It allows you to obtain a residence permit for up to 4 years with the possibility of renewal, and also gives you the right to work and live in France with your family.

France supports tech entrepreneurs from around the world.

Basic requirements for obtaining a French Tech Visa

To be eligible for a visa, you must:

  • Have an innovative business project, which you plan to implement in France.
  • Obtain support. Be accepted into one of the accredited French incubators or accelerators, or obtain two recommendations from members of the French startup ecosystem (for example, research organizations, laboratories, qualified specialists).
  • Confirm financial solvency: have an income equivalent to the French minimum wage (SMIC), which is approximately €20,966 per year for 2025.

Steps to obtain a French Tech Visa

  • Apply to an incubator or accelerator. Choose a suitable organization and go through their selection process.
  • Obtain recognition of the project's innovative nature. Once approved by the incubator, apply for recognition of the project as innovative via the demarches-simplifiees.fr platform.
  • Apply for a visa. If you are outside France: contact the French consulate in your country to obtain a long-term visa marked “Passeport Talent”. If you are already in France: apply for a residence permit via the ANEF online platform or at the prefecture of your place of residence.
  • Obtaining a residence permit. Once approved, you will receive a residence card valid for up to 4 years.

Path to permanent residency and citizenship

After 5 years of continuous residence in France with a Passeport Talent residence permit, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. To do so, you will need to prove your integration into French society, including language proficiency at a level of at least B1.

French Tech Visa program allows you to bring your spouse with you.

Opportunities for the family

The French Tech Visa program allows you to bring your spouse and minor children with you. Your spouse is entitled to work in France without additional permits, and your children have access to the education system.

Advantages of the French Tech Visa

  • Simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit.
  • Long validity period of the permit (up to 4 years) with the possibility of renewal.
  • Possibility to bring your family and grant your spouse the right to work.
  • Access to the French healthcare and education systems.
  • Path to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years of residence.

If you are the founder of a startup with an innovative idea and want to develop your business in Europe, the French Tech Visa offers an excellent opportunity to realize your plans in France. The combination of startup ecosystem support, simplified immigration procedures, and high quality of life makes France an attractive destination for tech entrepreneurs.