What the French Tech Visa Is
The French Tech Visa for Founders is not a separate visa but the porteur de projet innovant sub-track of the carte talent. It gives founders a residence permit of up to 4 years, with talent-famille for the family, on the strength of an innovative economic project recognized by the French startup ecosystem.
The Two Ways to Qualify
- Incubator or accelerator backing — admission to a recognized French incubator or accelerator that supports your project.
- Ecosystem support letters — recognition of your project as innovative through the French Tech network, without necessarily joining an incubator.
Either path establishes that a competent French body considers your project genuinely innovative — which is the core of the assessment.
Key Requirements — 2026
- An innovative economic project, recognized by an approved body.
- Resources of at least the annual gross SMIC — €22,404.20 (service-public.gouv.fr).
- Your company does not need to exist yet at the point of application.
- Permit duration up to 4 years, renewable, with talent-famille for family.
French Tech Visa vs Innovator Founder (UK)
Founders often compare this route with the UK's options. The French Tech Visa accepts projects before incorporation and does not impose business-performance milestones on your residence status. If you are weighing jurisdictions, our France vs UK comparison sets out the trade-offs, and one project can often be positioned for both.
How We Help Founders
We shape the project narrative, prepare the innovation dossier, and connect the file to the right recognition path; a licensed French avocat handles the regulated filing. We assess viability honestly before taking a case, because a weak innovation story is the most common reason these applications fail.
Free Eligibility Check
Not sure which category fits? Send your profile — our team and the avocat will map you to a realistic track within 1 business day. No charge, no obligation.
FAQ
Does my startup need to be registered in France first?
No. The French Tech Visa is designed to be obtained before incorporation. You establish or expand the company in France after the permit is granted.
What makes a project 'innovative' enough?
The recognition comes from an approved French body — an incubator, accelerator or the French Tech ecosystem. They assess technology, market and team. A credible, differentiated project with real traction or strong potential is what passes.
Are business milestones attached to my visa?
No. Unlike the UK Innovator Founder route, your carte talent is not conditioned on hitting business targets. If the project pivots, your residence status is unaffected.
Can my co-founder and family come too?
Family members qualify through talent-famille. Co-founders each file their own application on the strength of their own role in the project.
How much money do I need to show?
At least the annual gross SMIC, €22,404.20 as of 2026, re-verified at filing. This demonstrates you can support yourself while building the company.
Get Your Free Assessment
Tell us about your profession, citizenship and goal. We reply within 1 business day with the track we see, the gaps to close and a written quote.