The Passport-Talent is simplified immigration programme in France that includes 11 sub-categories of residence permits. Each of them differs in the requirements for applicants and the conditions for obtaining a preferential visa.

Since 2017, there has been an accelerated residence permit programme in France for start-ups approved by the French Ministry of Economy. Any foreigner can obtain a simplified technical visa under the "passport talent" programme, entitling the founder and his/her family members to reside in France for up to 4 years.

Advantages of opening a start-up in France
France has a very favourable investment environment, ranking 11th in the Global Innovation Index with an extensive network of 45 accelerators.

France has a strong support system for start-ups:

• a research tax credit of 30% of research expenditure up to €100 million, and 5% of the amount exceeding this threshold;
• corporate tax credit for 5 years (0% to 75% of the tax rate);
• an innovation tax credit of up to 80,000 euros per year;
• French technical scholarship (covers up to 70% of start-up costs).

Start-ups are welcomed not only in the IT sector, but also innovative economic projects in the field of green manufacturing, process automation, biotechnology, fashion, agriculture, healthcare, as well as art projects. The main thing is that they should be innovative, have a 'pilot version' and show good scale potential. Due to its large population, it is possible to open a startup in France to operate in the domestic market, without being oriented towards the EU.

What the French startup visa (passport talent) offers
Possibility to reside in the country for up to 4 years with the right to extend the residence permit.
After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence and then French nationality.
Family members of a foreigner on a French tech visa will also receive a residence permit.
The founder as well as family members have the right to work in France. Moreover, children can receive free education in public institutions.

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit on a French tech visa
The procedure for relocation of foreign starters or hired workers who are invited to participate in an innovative project in France is well developed and takes from 7 to 9 months in total. To obtain a passport talent, which entitles you to reside in France for 4 years, you must follow 4 compulsory steps.

1. Obtaining start-up approval (innovative economic project)

There are about 50 partner incubators and accelerators in France, a list of which can be found on the official website of La French Tech. A start-up presentation can be sent to one or several accelerators at the same time. The material must include:

• a rationale for the innovativeness and uniqueness of the project;
• development prospects (scalability with a financial plan);
• information on the team, their education, experience;
• justification of importance for the French economy of the project;
• opportunity for the project to enter the international market;
• economic analysis of the project, potential, evaluation of the competition.

An online application form in French language will need to be filled in at the time of submission of application. The French tech visa applicant may be invited to defend the project. After approval, the founder will receive a letter of support for the start-up (or an agreement to join an incubator/accelerator).
The review process takes 2-4 weeks.

2. Approval by the Ministry of Economy

The project, together with the accelerator's cover letter, is sent to the General Directorate of Entrepreneurship. This is usually done by the approving company (incubator/accelerator) itself. Innovative economic projects that aim to create a new product, process or method and have the approval of the accelerator or another ecosystem participant (in France, this also includes research organisations, laboratories, highly qualified specialists), receive a positive decision.
Projects can be led by more than one person, as long as all of them hold senior positions in the company (corporate mandate). When a project is approved, applicants receive a certificate with a unique number, which is required for a "talent passport" and residence card.
Duration of procedure: up to 30 days.

3. Formation of a technical visa for France

Firstly, the applicant must apply for a 3 months national D visa (with a certificate from the French Ministry of Economy). It can be applied for at the French Consulate, a visa centre where the applicant resides on the basis of a residence permit. After arriving in France, the founder of the start-up must register with the Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) within 3 months.
French tech visa requirements: at least 20 thousand euro on bank account for the founder and at least 10 thousand euro for each family member (annual subsistence minimum).
Lead time: up to 1 month.
Consular fee: €99.

4. Obtaining a residence permit in France for a start-up

Within 3 months visa holder must apply for a residence permit card "passport talent" to the prefecture of the place of residence in France. The documents required:

• A valid long-term type D visa;
• A copy of a passport marked with an entry permit to France;
• Proof of residence for at least 6 months;
• French health insurance certificate;
• 3 electronic photos;
• Certificate of eligibility for a French tech visa;
• certificate from a bank on availability of the necessary funds;
• proof of payment of tax and stamp duty for the issuance of the residence permit.

*You can apply for a French tech visa only if you have a European vaccination certificate.

Duration of passport issuance: 3-4 months.
Fees: €225 (for each validated residence permit).

After obtaining a residence permit "passport talent", you have to register a company and start your project. There is no strict supervision of the project, but each startup has a mentor and a supervisor from the accelerator that issued the approval. They accompany the project, check how the work is going, and periodically invite you to events.

Our company in Riga together with our partners in France advises on how to open a startup and helps to prepare documents for obtaining residence permit in France under French tech visa programme.

We also help in preparation of residence permits in France for financially independent persons (permanent passive income); talent passport for representatives of creative professions (obtaining income from professional activities, allowing to stay in the country for the required period); and residence permits for investors and business founders.

*The cost of our services is calculated individually, as it depends on various factors. For Passport of Talent, cost starting from €3000.

Additional legal services in France:

• Assistance with renewal of tourist visa C
• Pacs, Marriage
• Family Reunification
• Legal Consultancy
• Tax Consultancy
• Citizenship application
• Appeal

Post relocation services:

• Visa validation and residence permit card assistance
• Assistance in opening an account
• Driving licence change
• Assistance with company/IP registration
• House searches, etc.

Email: info@forcetax.eu