The updated French Tech Visa program in 2025 remains one of the most convenient ways for talented professionals and entrepreneurs who want to live and work in France. Learn about the current rules of the French Tech Visa in 2025: conditions for obtaining, salary thresholds, categories of participants, application procedure and benefits for foreigners

The French Tech Visa is a special regime within the framework of the French Talent Residence Permit (formerly known as Passeport Talent). The program was created to attract talented entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors and highly qualified professionals to France.

The permit is issued for a period of up to 4 years with the possibility of extension, and also allows you to apply for permanent residence or French citizenship after several years of continuous residence in the country.

Citizens of non-EU/EEA/Switzerland countries can become participants. Read about the current rules of the French Tech Visa and the prospects for foreigners in this article.

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Main conditions and advantages for Talent Residence Permit holders

- Long validity period - up to 4 years instead of the standard annual residence permit.

- Family support - spouse and minor children receive the right to legally reside and work in France for the entire period of validity of the permit.

- Travel in the EU - card holders can move freely within the Schengen area.

- Path to citizenship – after 5 years of living in France (under certain conditions – faster) you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

- Financial and social integration – access to the banking system, health insurance and social guarantees on a par with the French.

Who can get a French Tech Visa?

In 2025, there are several areas in which you can get a Talent Residence Permit under the French Tech Visa:

1. Qualified Employee (highly skilled workers)

- An employment contract of at least 3 months is required.

- Minimum annual salary: €43,243.20 (2× SMIC).

2. EU Blue Card (highly skilled work)

- Higher education or at least 5 years of professional experience.

- Minimum salary: €53,836.50 per year.

3. Intra-company transfer

- Employees of international companies seconded to a French office.

- Salary depends on the position, but usually not lower than the average market.

4. Founders

- The innovativeness and viability of the project must be confirmed through French government authorities (e.g. DRIEETS).

- Minimum income or available funds - not less than the SMIC level (~€21,622/year).

5. Business investors

- Investment of €300,000 or more in the French economy with mandatory job creation.

6. Researchers and teachers

- Masters and doctors engaged in scientific activities in universities or research centers in France.

7. Artists and cultural professionals

- Performers, writers, artists, artists.

Conditions and procedure for applying for a French Tech Visa

To obtain a French Tech Visa, the applicant must complete the following steps:

Step 1 – Preliminary confirmation of the project or employment contract (for startups – state approval of the business plan, for employees – a contract with a French employer).

Step 2 – Application for a D visa at the French consulate at the place of residence.

Step 3 – Submission of documents at the French prefecture upon arrival.

Step 4 – Obtaining temporary documents (récépissé) with the right to work.

Step 5 – Issuance of a Talent Residence Permit plastic card within 1-2 months.

Why should a foreigner get a French Tech Visa?

Obtaining a French residence permit on the basis of a French Tech Visa startup visa opens up many advantages and opportunities for foreigners:

1. The path to French citizenship.

Holders of a French GNP obtained through a French Tech Visa can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) or French citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence. It is important to note that during this period you can leave the country for no more than 10 months;

2. Visa-free travel in Europe.

The Passport Talent card allows its holder to travel freely between the countries of the European Union and the Schengen zone in a visa-free regime. This makes France an excellent starting point for travel and business development in Europe;

3. Long-term residence permit.

The permit obtained through a French Tech Visa is issued for 4 years with the possibility of further extension. This allows foreigners to plan their long-term residence and development in France;

4. Immigration for the whole family.

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit is so simplified that it extends to the spouse and minor children of the main applicant. This allows the whole family to immigrate to France without additional complications;

5. Access to the European banking system.

Passeport Talent holders can conveniently place money in accounts of any bank in the European Union countries. This facilitates easy financial management and investment in the EU;

6. Scaling up business.

France has many agreements on the avoidance of double taxation with other countries, which makes it an ideal place for business development. Passeport Talent holders have the right to conduct business throughout the European Union and enjoy favorable tax conditions;

7. European health insurance.

Residents of France have the opportunity to receive EU health insurance and use social security on an equal basis with French citizens.

French Tech Visa in 2025 is a modern tool for those who want to live, work and develop a business in France. The program has become more structured: increased salary thresholds, updated rules for confirming startups, but at the same time it has retained its main advantages - long-term status, freedom of travel and family support.

For foreigners who dream of living in the innovative environment of Europe, this visa remains one of the most promising immigration options.

If you are planning to move to France - get advice from migration lawyers. Qualified specialists of Visit World - your reliable support during migration abroad!

Reminder! After numerous attempts, the new system of control of entry and exit to the European Union EES should finally start working in October 2025. It is predicted that starting from the fall of this year, entry into the European Union for citizens of countries that are not members of the EU will become more difficult. We have already told you when the EES will be introduced, whether foreigners who have a residence permit in the EU need to register in the EES and ETIAS system and other important details.

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