Startup Visa in France
Startup Visa in France is one of the ways to immigrate through investment in France. The France Startup Visa has various types, which include:
- French Startup Visa for Founders
- French Startup Visa for Employees
- French Startup Visa for Investors
To get the France Startup Visa, applicants need an innovative idea approved by a French organization, plus proof of €28,000 financial capacity (plus 30% per child). The visa is valid for 2 or 4 years with a 6-month presence requirement. There’s no strict age limit, but under 65 is ideal. Processing takes around 6 months. Key benefits include launching a business in one of Europe’s top startup hubs, bringing family, and access to free education for children.
Stay with us until the end of this article to learn about the conditions of this attractive method for immigration to France. To receive accurate information regarding residency conditions in France and to review your conditions, you can contact the expert advisors of Malekpour Immigration Institute.
What is the France Startup Visa?
The France Startup Visa is an investment route for applicants with innovative, profitable ideas. This visa lets entrepreneurs enter France and launch businesses that boost the country’s economy. To qualify, the idea must be original, viable, and contribute to France’s economic and commercial growth. Furthermore, this plan should create employment and increase the number of jobs work in France.
France ranks 12th in the world for the development of various startups, and currently, about 1536 companies are active as startups in France. The city of Paris alone, with 1121 startups, ranks 12th among the top startup cities in the world.
Advantages of the Startup Visa in France
Given that the France Startup Visa is associated with extensive innovative and creative activities, obtaining this type of visa can offer many advantages to its holders. Below are some of the advantages of the France Startup Visa:
| Obtain 2 or 4-year French residency based on your business plan | Simultaneous visa for spouse and children under 18 |
| Low-cost entry into one of Europe’s top 3 startup ecosystems | Free education in French public schools and universities |
| Financial support from accelerators like École 42 | Pathway to French permanent residency and citizenship |
| Full access to the EU market and French investment funds | Government support programs for startups |
| No initial French language requirement | Strong networking with global entrepreneurs |
Types of Startup Visa in France
The Startup Visa in France comes in three different types. The types of Startup Visa in France include:
- French Startup Visa for Founders
- French Startup Visa for Employees
- French Startup Visa for Investors
Next, we will provide explanations regarding each of the types of France Startup Visa mentioned.
France Startup Visa for Founders
The France Startup Visa for Founders is for individuals who wish to carry out and develop their innovative projects in France. It is worth mentioning that this plan must be novel and beneficial, approved by a reputable organization recognized by the French government.
France Startup Visa for Employees
France Startup Visa for Employees is specific to talented individuals employed by an innovative company in France. This visa is awarded to the applicant if the person is hired to perform tasks in the company to develop the relevant company or for economic, social, international, and environmental development.
France Startup Visa for Investors
The France Startup Visa for Investors is for individuals who wish to invest in a startup in France. The minimum required investment for obtaining this type of visa is €300,000, and the applicant must maintain this investment in France for four years.
Conditions for Obtaining the Startup Visa in France
Applicants for the France Startup Visa must meet certain conditions. Some of the most important conditions are:
- In order to apply for immigration to France through the Startup Visa, the primary applicant must be under 65 years of age.
- France will agree to grant the startup visa to an applicant only if the project idea is a novel and creative idea that positively influences the economy and commerce of France. Therefore, providing a business plan and creative business project is an essential prerequisite for obtaining this type of visa.
- The applicant must obtain a letter of support and approval from a reputable organization recognized by the French government concerning the novelty and beneficial aspects of their idea and business plan.
- To obtain the France Startup Visa, the applicant must prove financial capacity of around €28,000 for themselves and their spouse for one year living in France. (About 30% for each child will be added to this amount)
- Applicants for this type of visa do not need to provide any language proficiency documents.
- Possessing a diploma is sufficient for obtaining this France visa and the applicant does not need to provide a university degree.
Other conditions that applicants for the France Startup Visa must be aware of are:
- The France Startup Visa has a six-month presence requirement. This means that applicants must reside in France for at least six months out of the year.
- The process of obtaining a France Startup Visa typically takes about six months.
- The France Startup Visa is initially issued for two or four years, depending on the applicant’s business plan.
- In this method, the applicant’s spouse is allowed to work full-time and their children will have the right to study in France for free.
- In this method, the applicant can simultaneously apply for a France family visa for their spouse and children under 18.
- One of the most important steps in the process of obtaining a France Startup Visa is presenting a novel and creative business plan that meets the requirements of this country. Providing a strong business plan significantly affects the visa application process and especially obtaining residency and citizenship in France.
To accomplish this, they should take advantage of the experience of active individuals in this field and consult with reputable immigration lawyers. A business plan for acceptance must have the following characteristics:
- Creative and innovativeness of the whole or part of the plan
- Generating high-level income with low cost
- Possibility of easy development and continuation
- Achieving the desired profitability
- Compliance with the French startup framework
After five years of residence in France, if the necessary conditions are met, applicants can apply for a French passport.
Steps to Obtain the Startup Visa in France
Applicants for the France Startup Visa must follow these steps:
- Register the company in France and confirm details including name, type of activity, names of directors and shareholders, and company address.
- Specify the amount of capital and confirm the capital of each shareholder.
- Draft articles of association, company letters, and meeting minutes.
- Submit the file to the Companies Registration Office, which can also be done online.
- Issuance of company registration certificate and obtaining a VAT number or tax number within two to three weeks, as well as receiving the registration number under the title SIREN number.
- Open a bank account.
- Specify an accountant for the company.
Required Documents for the Startup Visa in France
Obtaining the France Startup Visa requires the submission of specific documents. Here, we introduce the required documents for the Startup Visa in France:
| Valid passport | Contract or agreement with investors (if available) |
| Completed France visa application form | Proof of financial means (minimum €28,000) |
| Recent passport-sized photo | Clean criminal record certificate |
| Detailed and innovative business plan | Valid health insurance |
| Proof of entrepreneurial or managerial experience | Proof of accommodation in France |
| Approval letter from a French institution validating the business idea | Paid visa and VFS application fees |
| Family relationship documents for dependents (spouse/children) |
Costs of Startup Visa in France
The costs of Startup Visa in France are usually less than one thousand euros. We have provided an average of the cost of the France Startup Visa in the table below:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| France Startup Visa Application Fee | €99 |
| VFS Service Fee (per person) | Up to €40 |
For precise information on the costs of obtaining a France Startup Visa, you can visit the website of the French immigration office at https://www.ofii.fr/en.
Best Startups in France
France is recognized as one of the main centers for launching startups in Europe. Here, we will introduce some of the best startups in France:
- Doctolib
This platform helps doctors and patients manage appointments easily. Doctolib is one of the largest healthcare startups in Europe.
- Blablacar
This platform allows users to reduce costs and help each other by sharing trips. Blablacar is especially popular in the field of intercity travel.
- ManoMano
An online marketplace for home and construction products. This startup allows users to easily find and purchase various products.
- Veepee
One of the major discount and online sales platforms in France. Veepee allows users to benefit from special discounts on well-known brands.
- Swile
This startup helps companies provide more benefits for their employees, such as electronic cards for food, entertainment, and other activities.
- ContentSquare
This company provides tools for analyzing user behavior on websites and apps, helping businesses improve user experience.
- Qonto
A digital bank dedicated to small and medium-sized businesses that offers quick and easy banking services.
Best Fields for Starting a Startup in France
Individuals interested in obtaining the France startup visa must familiarize themselves with the best areas for doing so to consciously design and present their business plan. Here are some of the best fields for launching a startup in France:
| Entertainment | Digital Currencies |
| Data and Software | Hardware and IoT |
| Fintech | E-Commerce and Retail |
| Health | Foodtech |
| Biotechnology | Transportation |
| Network Security | Marketing and Sales |
Best Cities in France for Starting a Startup
Some of the best cities in France for startup programs include:
- Paris
Paris, the capital of France and one of the most vital startup hubs in the world. Paris has an advanced ecosystem that includes accelerators, investors, and numerous tech events. Moreover, this city is very attractive in cultural and economic aspects as well.
- Lyon
This city is very well-known for its industry and modern technologies. Lyon boasts suitable infrastructure and a growing startup community, particularly in biotechnology and information technology.
- Marseille
Marseille, as one of the largest port cities in France, is rapidly becoming an important center for startups. This city has a lot of activity in various fields, such as renewable energies and marine technologies.
- Nice
Nice, due to its good climate and suitable living conditions, has attracted many investors. This city is very active in the fields of digital technology and tourism.
- Toulouse
Toulouse is known as a center for aerospace and aircraft industry. If your startup is related to aerospace or advanced technologies, Toulouse is a good option for your immigration.
- Nantes
This city located in the northwest of France has gained a lot of fame due to its creative and innovative ecosystem. It has extensive activities in the fields of information technology and creative industries.
Frequently Asked Questions about the France Startup Visa
- Why choose the France Startup Visa?
Reasons to choose the France Startup Visa include access to the large EU market, financial and advisory support from the government, global networking opportunities, France’s advanced infrastructure for startups, high quality of life in this country, the possibility of family accompaniment with the principal applicant, and the support of the French government for innovative businesses, etc.
- Is there an age limit for the France Startup Visa?
Yes, individuals up to a maximum age of 65 are eligible to apply for the France Startup Visa.
- How long does it take to obtain the France Startup Visa?
The process for obtaining the France Startup Visa takes approximately 6 months.
- What is the required financial capacity for the France Startup Visa?
About €28,000 for the applicant and their spouse for one year of living in France (30% additional for each child).
- Can the France Startup Visa be obtained without a language certificate?
Yes, the applicant does not need to provide a language certificate in this method.
- What is the duration of residence with the France Startup method?
Applicants initially receive a residence permit for either 2 or 4 years in France, which is renewable.
- What is the attendance condition for the France Startup Visa?
This method has a six-month attendance condition, meaning that individuals must spend at least 6 months in France within a year.
- Is there a possibility to obtain visas for dependents under the France Startup method?
Yes, applicants can simultaneously apply for visas for their spouse and children under the age of 18.
- Will the spouse of the applicant have the right to work in France under the Startup method?
Yes, the spouse of the applicant is allowed to work full-time in France.
- In which fields is the France Startup Visa issued?
The France Startup Visa is issued for various fields such as information technology and software, innovative technologies (such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things), engineering and advanced technologies, biotechnology and medical sciences, creative industries (art, design, fashion, film, and media), renewable energies and the environment, agriculture and innovations in agriculture, e-commerce, and online platforms, etc.
Conclusion:
To obtain the France Startup Visa, applicants must present an innovative business idea and show financial proof of around €28,000 (plus 30% per child). The process takes about 6 months, and applicants receive a 2- or 4-year temporary residence permit based on their plan. Age must be under 65, and a 6-month presence in France is required. For expert guidance, contact Malekpour Immigration Institute.
