Talent - Entrepreneur
The Talent Entrepreneur residence permit allows non-EU founders to establish a new business in France with a minimum investment of just EUR 30,000. This is France’s most accessible residency route for entrepreneurs. The permit is issued for up to 4 years, renewable, and does not require job creation unlike similar programmes in other European countries. Spouses and children receive accompanying family permits with full work rights.
Requirements
The Talent – Entrepreneur (formerly Passeport Talent – Creation d’Entreprise) permit is governed by French immigration law (CESEDA).
Financial requirements:
1) Minimum investment of EUR 30,000 in the planned business (own funds or borrowed)
2) Sufficient financial means equal to or exceeding the national minimum wage (SMIC): EUR 21,876.40 per year as of January 2026
Eligibility requirements:
1) A master’s degree or equivalent qualification, OR at least 5 years of relevant professional experience
2) A real and serious business plan for an economically viable business in France. The applicant must obtain a certification letter online via the official government platform confirming the viability of the project
3) Evidence of company registration (statutes, SIREN number) or proof of incorporation in progress
4) Clean criminal record
5) No French language or education requirement for the initial application
6) No job creation requirement – unlike Italy’s investor visa, the entrepreneur route does not mandate creating jobs
Permit fee: EUR 225 (EUR 200 tax + EUR 25 stamp duty). From May 2026: EUR 150-350 depending on permit type, plus EUR 99 long-stay visa fee
The French Tech Visa is a dedicated fast-track within this category for tech entrepreneurs and startup founders endorsed by approved French accelerators.
Process and Procedure
The Talent Entrepreneur permit is initially issued as a 1-year long-stay visa (VLS-TS), extendable to a 4-year multi-year residence permit.
Step 1: Initial consultation with MA Consultants to assess your eligibility and discuss your business concept
Step 2: Obtain the certification letter confirming the viability of your business plan via the official government platform (demarches-simplifiees.fr)
Step 3: Applicants living outside France apply for a Talent long-stay visa at the French consulate in their country of residence via france-visas.gouv.fr. The procedure should be initiated no earlier than 3 months before the planned arrival date
Step 4: Upon arrival in France, validate the long-stay visa online within 3 months. The visa holder is entitled to work immediately
Step 5: Apply for the multi-year Talent residence permit via the dedicated online platform (ANEF). The permit is issued for up to 4 years
Step 6: Renewal applications must be submitted 4 to 2 months before expiry. At renewal, entrepreneurs must demonstrate continued business activity and resources equivalent to SMIC
Extension pathway: Initial 1-year visa, then extension to up to 4 years. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, eligible for the 10-year Carte de Resident or French citizenship.
MA Consultants will manage the full process from initial consultation through to the issuance of your residence permit.
Citizenship
After 5 years of continuous legal residence in France, Talent permit holders can apply for:
Carte de Resident (Permanent Residence):
1) 10-year renewable residence permit
2) Allows any professional activity without restriction
3) Requires A2 French language proficiency
4) Must pass the civic examination (from January 2026)
French Citizenship (Naturalisation):
1) Available after 5 years of continuous residence (reduced to 2 years for those who completed French higher education)
2) B2 French language proficiency required (raised from B1, effective January 2026) – oral and written, verified by TCF or DELF B2
3) Civic examination required (from January 2026) – 40-question MCQ on French history, values, and institutions. Must score at least 32/40 to pass
4) Demonstrate professional integration (stable and sufficient income)
5) Clean criminal record – no convictions resulting in 6 months or more imprisonment
6) Application fee: EUR 55 (fiscal stamp)
7) France allows dual citizenship – no requirement to renounce your original nationality
A French passport provides visa-free access to 180+ countries and full EU citizenship rights – the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states.
