The route: the investor strand of the talent card
The investor strand of the talent card is built for a direct, committed investment in economic activity in France, not for passive portfolio holdings. It sits under the same carte de sejour talent as the founder and employee routes, but its logic is different: it turns on the scale of your investment and your ownership position rather than on recognition or salary. The permit is issued for up to four years and lets you reside in France and manage your investment.
The two conditions you must meet
Both of the following have to be satisfied together:
- An investment of at least 300,000 EUR in fixed assets, meaning tangible or intangible immobilisations in the business, not working capital left in an account.
- Holding at least 10% of the equity of the company you invest in.
Both conditions apply at once, and meeting one without the other does not open the route. A 300,000 EUR investment that leaves you with a stake below 10% fails, and a 10% or larger stake backed by less than 300,000 EUR in fixed assets fails too. Figures are 2026; confirm the current thresholds on service-public.gouv.fr before you commit.
What counts, and what does not
The investment has to be in fixed assets, the durable tangible and intangible assets of the business, which is a narrower idea than simply moving money to France. Buying listed shares as a passive investor, lending to a company, or holding cash does not fit the route. Neither does a minority venture stake below 10%, however large in absolute terms. The route is aimed at investors who take a real ownership position and put capital into the productive base of a French business. If your plan is passive or your stake is small, this is not the right strand, and other routes should be considered.
Evidence that counts
- The investment: documentation of at least 300,000 EUR committed to fixed assets in the business, with the nature of the assets shown.
- The equity: shareholding or cap-table evidence that you hold at least 10% of the company.
- The company: the French company's incorporation and status documents.
- Source of funds: documentation supporting the origin of the invested capital where required.
Both thresholds have to be evidenced together. A file that shows the investment but not the qualifying stake, or the stake but not the fixed-asset investment, does not meet the route.
If you do not meet both thresholds
The honest position: if your investment is below 300,000 EUR in fixed assets, or your stake is below 10%, the investor route is not open to you, and structuring paperwork around a smaller commitment does not change that. The realistic options are to make an investment that genuinely meets both conditions, or to consider a different strand of the talent card, such as the founder route if you are building a recognised project. We help you understand the conditions and prepare the evidence. We do not advise on financial products, and we do not represent an investment as something it is not.
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
Can I qualify by buying shares or investing passively?
No. The investor strand requires an active position: at least 300,000 EUR invested in fixed assets and at least 10% of the company's equity. Passive holdings, listed shares bought as an investor, or loans do not meet the route.
Do I need to meet both the amount and the equity condition?
Yes. Both conditions apply together. A 300,000 EUR investment with a stake below 10% does not qualify, and a 10% or larger stake backed by less than 300,000 EUR in fixed assets does not qualify either.
What counts as fixed assets?
Fixed assets are the durable tangible and intangible assets of the business, its productive base, rather than cash held in an account or working capital. The 300,000 EUR has to be committed to those assets. Confirm how this is assessed on service-public.gouv.fr before committing.
How long is the card, and can my family come?
The carte talent is issued for up to four years. Family can generally accompany you under the 'talent (famille)' provision. Confirm current conditions and thresholds on service-public.gouv.fr, since these are periodically updated.
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.