Talent Startup Visa France (French Tech) for Founders

Talent Startup is the French residence route for founders of an innovative project. The project must be recognised by the French Ministry of Economy; there is no minimum investment, but you must show resources to live in France. It leads to a multi-year Talent residence permit for you and your family.

Key facts

Who it is for: founders of an innovative project, including engineers, IT specialists, and researchers.
What you can do: develop your innovative project in France. It does not allow salaried work for another employer.
Permit: a multi-year Talent residence permit of up to 4 years.
Family: your spouse and minor children can accompany you and are included in the same application; your spouse can work in France.
Next step: an eligibility assessment of your profile and project.

Is this route for you?

It suits you if you are building an innovative project and want to develop it from France. You do not need to create a company immediately, and no minimum investment is required.

It does not suit you if your plan is to work as an employee for another company. If your project is a business but not an innovative one, the Talent Business Creation route is usually the better fit.

Requirements

An innovative project recognised by the Ministry of Economy

Your project must be an innovative economic project recognised by the French ministry in charge of the economy [Service-public]. The recognition comes before the visa application.

Resources to live in France

You must show resources at least equal to the French minimum wage (SMIC), which Service-public gives as €22,404.20 gross per year [Service-public]. For planning, we recommend around €30,000 for a couple and €40,000 for a family.

No French language level for the permit

No French language level is required to obtain the Talent permit. A B2 level of French is required later, if you apply for French citizenship.

How the process works

Eligibility assessment (EU Unlockr). We review your profile and your project, and confirm whether Talent Startup is the right route.
Innovative project file (you and EU Unlockr). We prepare the project file with you for recognition by the Ministry of Economy.
Recognition (Ministry of Economy). The ministry reviews and recognises the project.
Long-stay visa (French consulate). You apply for a long-stay "talent" visa with the French consular authorities in your country of residence [Service-public][France-Visas].
Arrival and residence permit (French administration). Depending on the visa issued, you validate it online within 3 months of arrival or apply for your multi-year Talent permit [Service-public]. We support you through these steps.

Processing time is indicative only: in our experience, it is usually between 3 and 6 months. It is not a promise, because it depends on the authorities.

What EU Unlockr does

Assesses your eligibility and confirms the route.
Prepares the innovative project file with you and follows its review.
Prepares the visa and residence permit files for you and your family.
Supports you after arrival, including the opening of a bank account.

What remains your responsibility

The innovative project itself and the accuracy of the information you provide.
Your passport, civil status documents, and proof of resources.
Your attendance at consular and administrative appointments.

Costs

Costs are separate and should not be added into a single figure:

EU Unlockr fees: from €12,000, paid in three instalments of 40%, 30%, and 30%. The exact amount and terms are set in your service agreement.
Administrative fees: visa and residence permit fees, charged by the French authorities.
Third-party costs: translations, health insurance, travel, and accommodation, paid directly to the providers.

Family, renewal and long-term path

Your spouse and minor children can accompany you and are included in the same application. Your spouse can work in France, and your children can attend school.

The permit is renewable. After five years of residence in France, you have the possibility of applying for French citizenship, subject to the conditions in force, including sufficient knowledge of French [Service-public].

Risks and common mistakes

Treating a non-innovative business as innovative. The recognition by the Ministry of Economy is the key step; a project that does not qualify needs another route.
Planning salaried work for another employer, which this permit does not allow.
Underestimating the resources you must show for your family.
Situations that need a lawyer's advice: a previous visa refusal or removal order, a complex tax residence, or a criminal record. EU Unlockr is not a law firm and will tell you when you need one.

Frequently asked questions

What is the French Tech Visa?

The French Tech Visa is the common name for the Talent route for founders of an innovative project. In this case it is a Talent residence permit for a project recognised by the French Ministry of Economy.

What is the difference between the French Tech Visa and a startup visa?

For founders, they refer to the same route: the Talent permit for an innovative economic project. EU Unlockr calls it Talent Startup.

Do I need to invest to get a French Tech Visa?

No minimum investment is required. You must show resources at least equal to the French minimum wage to live in France.

Can I work for another company on a French Tech Visa?

No. The permit is for developing your innovative project. Salaried work for another employer requires a different permit.

Do I need to speak French?

No French language level is required to obtain the permit. A B2 level is required later if you apply for French citizenship.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse and minor children can accompany you and are included in the same application, and your spouse can work in France.

How long does the process take?

As an indication, usually between 3 and 6 months in our experience. It is not a promise, because the timing depends on the authorities.

Official sources

Written and reviewed by the EU Unlockr editorial team. Published 10 November 2026. Facts last verified 10 November 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. This page is general information, not legal advice; EU Unlockr is not a law firm.

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