Launch a startup in France
Date of update
France attracts start-uppers
Setting up a start-up in France is notably possible thanks to the “Talent ” status and a number of dedicated mechanisms.
Foreign nationals of a non-Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland who whish to engage in a commercial industrial or craft activity for more than 3 months in France must apply for a residence permit.
| Helpful tip: Certain professions are referred to as “regulated” and require specific diplomas. Feel free to request information sufficiently in advance. |
Several residence permits are available to entrepreneurs. Foreign founders of start-ups can be granted the multi-year “ Talent ” residence permit if they meet the eligibility conditions specific to the reason for their stay in France.
Residence permits
| Audience | Eligibility criteria | Residence permit issued | Duration of residence permit |
| Company founders |
Company founders must provide evidence of:
|
Talent - "New Business" multi-year residence permit | Up to 4 years, renewable |
| Startup founders |
Startup founders must provide evidence of:
|
Talent - "Innovative business project" multi-year residence permit | Up to 4 years, renewable |
| Entrepreneurs |
Entrepreneurs must provide evidence of:
|
“Entrepreneur/Self-Employed” residence permit | One year, renewable |
| Company founders of Algerian nationality | Algerian nationals enjoy a derogatory migratory status. To direct a company in France, they must apply for a long-stay visa for merchants, craftspersons, industrialists or the self-employed and, as the case may be, from the Trade and Companies Register or the Trades Register or a professional order. | “Entrepreneur/Self-Employed” residence permit | One year, renewable |
French Tech Visa
La French Tech is dedicated to enabling successful start-ups to emerge, through initiatives from members of its ecosystem. French Tech runs numerous initiatives to attract foreign talent. The French Tech Visa is one of these initiatives.
The French Tech Visa is a simplified procedure, dedicated to the Tech ecosystem, for three types of international tech talent for the obtention of a multi-year residence permit, known as the “Talent“:
- The French Tech Visa for Founders, dedicated to founders of international start-ups, selected by partner incubators and accelerators.
- The French Tech Visa for Employees, dedicated to international talent recruited by companies based in France and recognised as innovative by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance.
- The French Tech Visa for Investors, dedicated to international investors establishing themselves in France.
International start-up founders can apply for a “Talent – innovative business project” under the French Tech Visa for Founders Procedure.
Start-up founders who have not been selected by a partner incubator cannot benefit from the French Tech Visa for Founders. They nevertheless remain eligible for the “Talent – innovative business project” pursuant eligibility criteria are met. More information in our dedicated fact sheet.