French Visa and Residency Solutions for Entrepreneurs, Investors, Startup Founders and Independent Professionals (Freelancers) and their families

Applicant must provide evidence of:

• Opinion provided by the foreign labor platform regarding the viability of the business project.
• Proof of company registration or enrollment in the social security system for self-employed individuals.
• If the activity is regulated: authorization to practice.
• Extract from the applicant’s police record or an equivalent document from their country of nationality.
• A tax certificate verifying the payment of income tax in France (if residing in France).
• Documents demonstrating the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed commercial, industrial, or craft activity.
• Documents proving the applicant’s capacity to earn sufficient remuneration (at least equal to the minimum wage, €21,203.00 as of January 1, 2024).
• The activity must comply with public safety, health, and order requirements.

Applicant must provide evidence of:

• Proof of enrollment in the social security system for self-employed individuals or company registration in France.
• Authorization for practicing your profession. If the profession is regulated by an Order, provide authorization from the relevant professional Order. For medical or paramedical professions, proof of registration with the Medical Council or, where applicable, authorization to practice from the Ministry of Health.
• If the activity does not require specific authorization: A signed document detailing your professional project in France and any documents proving your professional qualifications (degrees, certifications, professional experience, etc.).
• Documents demonstrating that the activity will generate sufficient income, at least equal to the minimum wage in France for full-time work (€21,203.00 as of January 1, 2024)
• If you are continuing an existing activity, you will need to provide proof of the activity’s status and operation.

Independent professions, encompassing a wide range of intellectual or conceptual activities performed independently, are divided into two main categories: regulated and non-regulated. The former, such as lawyers, doctors, and architects, are governed by professional bodies and require specific qualifications to practice. The latter, including consultants, coaches, and digital professionals, offer more freedom in practice without the need for a dedicated degree.

Startup founder(s) must provide evidence of:

• A degree equivalent to at least a master’s level, or any document proving at least 5 years of professional experience at a comparable level.
• Proof of company registration (e.g., K-bis extract or SIREN number) or documentation showing that the registration process has been initiated.
• Certification from the Ministry of the Economy confirming the viability and seriousness of the business creation project.
• Proof of sufficient resources to support yourself and your family members, at least equivalent to the full-time minimum wage (SMIC).
• Any document proving that the business project is funded with a minimum of 30,000 euros.

,Startup founder(s) must provide evidence of:

• Certification from the Ministry of the Economy confirming the innovative nature of the business project.
• Proof of sufficient resources to support yourself and your family members, at least equivalent to the full-time minimum wage (€21 203,00 as of January 1, 2024).

Foreign investors looking to establish themselves in France for a planned investment can apply for a Talent Passport labeled as ‘Business Investor.’

This option is available if the investor engages in a direct investment through one of the following methods:

• Personally
• Through a company they control
• Through a company where they hold at least a 30% ownership stake

In addition, applicants must satisfy the following cumulative requirements:

• They must create, preserve, or commit to creating or preserving jobs within four years of the investment.
• They must invest or commit to investing a minimum of €300,000 in fixed tangible or intangible assets.

Direct investments encompass share capital contributions, reinvested earnings, or loans between affiliated companies. However, purely financial investments do not qualify under this program.

Applicant must provide evidence of:

• Proof of a gross salary of at least three times the annual minimum wage (SMIC), i.e. € 63, 609.00 as of January 1, 2024.
• Proof of employment as an employee or corporate officer for more than three months in an establishment or company within the same group.
• Appointment as legal representative of an establishment or company established in France.

A foreign national who serves as a legal representative in an establishment or company established in France, provided they are employed or hold a corporate officer position in an establishment or company within the same group, will be granted a multi-year residence card marked "Talent Passport" for a maximum duration of four years, subject to meeting the salary threshold established by decree in the Council of State. This card allows the holder to engage in the commercial activity that justified its issuance.

The Talent Passport designated for "Company Officers" is a residence permit that facilitates the relocation of you and your family to France, allowing you to live and work there.

For the operations of a French subsidiary, an employee or director already working at the parent company or another group subsidiary may be appointed as the legal representative of the French entity.

A company director is a person designated to represent the company in France, overseeing all management-related activities. This individual is accountable to shareholders, management, employees, and external parties, particularly in matters related to human resources and employment regulations.

The specific designation of the director will vary based on the subsidiary's legal structure:

• For a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée – SARL), the director holds this title.
• For a public limited company (société anonyme – SA) or a simplified joint-stock company (société par actions simplifiée – SAS), the individual serves as the Chairman and CEO.
• For foreign entities, this role may also apply to representatives of a branch or liaison office who possess the authority to commit the organization legally.