No minimum capital. No rigid degree requirements. France evaluates your idea, your ecosystem backing, and your ability to execute — then grants you a 4-year runway inside the EU.
No minimum capital. No rigid degree requirements. France evaluates your idea, your ecosystem backing, and your ability to execute — then grants you a 4-year runway inside the EU.
One of the longest initial permits in the EU — calibrated to your startup's scope and growth projections, with no annual renewal stress.
No €30,000 corporate deposit. The program focuses on innovation and execution capability — not your balance sheet.
Spouse receives a matching “Talent – Family” permit with unrestricted work rights. Children are covered without separate documentation.
Travel freely across all Schengen states — 90 days per 180-day period. Seamless pan-European business development from day one.
Station F, Paris-Saclay, Bpifrance — France's startup infrastructure is among the most developed in Europe, with deep capital and research networks.
5 years of continuous residence unlocks a 10-year permanent card and eligibility for French naturalization — one of the world's strongest passports.
To qualify under the “Talent – Innovative Economic Project” classification, your application must satisfy three core conditions. Standard trading firms or localized service businesses do not qualify — your venture must introduce genuine innovation to the French market.
No rigid master's degree and no fixed capital floor. Authorities evaluate your capability to execute the project. Higher education credentials or 5+ years of verifiable professional experience significantly reinforce your profile during the innovation review.
Secure formal endorsement via one of two tracks: official selection by an approved incubator (Station F, Paris-Saclay — typically ~€800/month) or letters of support from two recognized stakeholders (Bpifrance, research institutes, deep-tech labs). DRIEETS then issues your 12-month Innovation Certificate.
Liquid funds must equal or exceed the gross annual SMIC: €21,876.36. For families, add approximately €12,000 per dependent. Acceptable proofs: certified bank statements, founder salary certificates, or VC term sheets earmarked for subsistence.
Multiple co-founders can apply under the same startup, but each must independently secure their own incubator endorsement and demonstrate the full €21,876.36 threshold. Ecosystems generally limit backing to 3 co-founders per project.
Innovation is mandatory. Your project must introduce a novel product, service, process, or organizational method to the French market — verified by DRIEETS via a formal 12-month Innovation Certificate.
Gross annual French minimum wage (SMIC) — the baseline personal liquid funds required for a single founder to qualify at the consulate.
Minimum €21,876.36 in unencumbered liquid savings — equal to the gross annual French SMIC as currently indexed.
Add approximately €12,000 per dependent for smooth consular processing and financial sufficiency demonstration.
Certified bank statements, corporate salary certificates, or VC funding term sheets explicitly earmarked for your personal subsistence.
“Missing a step or mixing up the order can lead to long delays or immediate refusal.”
Nexa structures this process into a clear, four-stage lifecycle. From your first ecosystem submission to landing in France and registering your company, the full journey takes approximately 3–4 months when properly prepared.
Submit your business model, market research, and technology roadmap to a recognized French Tech incubator or ecosystem stakeholder. Secure their official endorsement letter.
Upload your business framework, financials, and endorsement letters to the Ministry of Economy platform. DRIEETS issues your 12-month Innovation Certificate upon approval.
File via the France-Visas portal. Attend your biometric appointment at the French Consulate with your Innovation Certificate, proof of accommodation, passport, and bank statements.
Land in France. Validate VLS-TS and incorporate your business (K-bis). Submit your "Talent" residence card via the ANEF digital portal to receive your electronic protection certificate.
Build and operate your startup with full work authorization and Schengen travel rights for up to 4 years.
Apply 2–4 months before expiry. Show documented project growth: tax filings, financial statements, and client contracts — plus continued SMIC-level income.
After 5 years of continuous residence, your legal status uncouples from the startup entirely. Full freedom to exit, pivot, or enter any employment in France.
B1 French language (CEFR), clean tax compliance record (Bordereau P237), and an in-person civic interview on French history, values, and duties.
Initial long-stay visa fee paid at the French Consulate or visa application center in your country of residence.
€300 administrative fee + €50 stamp duty. Paid via ANEF portal after arrival in France to issue your physical residence card.
Standard fee for subsequent permit renewals via ANEF. Does not include certified translations, apostilles, or corporate setup costs.
