October 30, 2023
Bonjour! Welcome to the world of innovation and opportunity, where centuries-old culture blends seamlessly with cutting-edge technology. France, a country celebrated for its art, cuisine, and history, is also making a name for itself in the global tech industry. In this blog, we’ll embark on a journey to discover how you can make France your next career destination and explore the exciting French Tech Visa. Here we will cover everything related to French Tech Visa Requirements and many more.
The French Tech Visa is a simplified and dedicated procedure designed for international tech talent, offering a multi-year residence permit known as the “Passeport Talent” or “Talent Passport.” It caters to three specific categories of international tech talent:
French Tech Visa for Founders:
If you’re starting a global tech company and partner with certain groups, this one’s for you.
French Tech Visa for Employees:
If you’re a talented techie working for an innovative French company recognized by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, this is your visa.
French Tech Visa for Investors:
If you’re an international investor and want to set up shop in France, this one’s yours.
Working in France: The Basics
If you plan to work in France for more than three months and you’re not from the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, or if you’re a British citizen who arrived after January 1, 2021, you need a residence permit. Some different rules apply to Algerian citizens.
You can get a multi-year Talent Passport if you’re an employee in a top-notch role in an innovative company.
What Makes a Company Innovative?
For a company to be seen as innovative, it must meet specific criteria:
- It has received public support for innovation in the past five years.
- It’s partly owned by an investment group that focuses on innovative companies.
- It’s been supported by an organization that helps innovative companies in the past five years.
If your company is recognized as innovative, you can request a certificate online to prove it.
‘Talent Passport Employee of an Innovative Company’ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ‘Talent Passport Employee of an Innovative Company,’ you need to meet these requirements:
- Your annual pay must be at least twice the minimum wage (around €41,933 as of May 1, 2023).
- You must have a work contract in France, either permanent or for at least three months.
- You need to be actively involved in the company’s projects or have a significant connection to the project’s development.
- This special permit lets you work in France for up to four years, and you can renew it.
The Application Process
Here’s how it works:
- Get Your Company Recognized as Innovative: Your employer requests a certificate proving your company’s innovation status and provides proof.
- Apply for Your Visa and Permit: You apply for your long-stay visa and residence permit. If you’re already in France, the process is a bit different.Globalogy’s Visa Expert will make it easier for you to move and settle in France
Applying and Documents
If you’re outside France, you apply at a French consulate where you live. You start the process on the official France-visas website. Once you’re in France, you can finish your residence permit application, get a certificate of approval, and follow your application online.
If you’re already in France with a different permit, you’ll need to change your status to get the ‘Talent Passport – Innovative Business Project’ permit.
When to Get Started
You should start the process no more than three months before you plan to arrive in France. If you’re already in France, begin the process three months before your current permit expires.
Cost and Renewal
You’ll need to pay a €200 fee to the French Immigration and Citizenship Office when you get your permit. There’s also a €25 stamp duty for residence permits. Additionally, the long-stay visa to enter France costs €99.
To renew your permit, you need to apply two months before it expires. You’ll need to show documents that prove you still qualify and provide an activity certificate from your employer or show your professional activity for the last 12 months.
Changing Your Status and Future Prospects
If your professional situation changes, you can request a different status three months before your permit expires. After living in France for five years with this permit, you can apply for a resident card that lets you live and work in France for a long time.
Your Family’s Journey
The French Tech Visa doesn’t just help you; it also covers your family. Your spouse and kids can get a ‘Talent Passport – Family’ permit. This allows them to live and work in France as long as your permit is valid.
The French Tech Visa for Employees opens the door to fantastic opportunities in France’s thriving tech world. With its innovative companies, rich culture, and friendly environment, France is an excellent place to build your tech career. If you’re ready for a new adventure, explore the possibilities in France and embrace the French Tech spirit. If you’re up for a new adventure, check out globalogy’s visa expert services to make your journey even smoother. Enjoy your journey!
