The French Tech Visa is a government initiative designed to attract international tech talent to France. As more French companies look to hire skilled professionals from abroad, this visa program simplifies the employee relocation process and makes it easier to obtain a long-term residence permit for tech employees, founders, and investors. 

This quick guide covers everything employers and employees need to know about the French Tech Visa, from benefits to eligibility.

What is the French Tech Visa?

The French Tech Visa is a simplified process introduced by the French government to attract global tech talent. It simplifies the application for a long-term residence permit, the "Passeport Talent" (Talent Passport), which is valid for up to 4 years and renewable.

The program is available to three different categories of tech professionals:

• Employees: Skilled professionals with job offers from French companies that have been certified as innovative by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. These companies often operate in sectors such as AI, fintech, energy, or biotech.
• Founders: Entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand their innovative startups in France. Applicants must be accepted into a government-approved incubator or accelerator program.
• Investors: Business angels and venture capitalists who commit to investing in French startups or innovative projects.

This visa is open to non-European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss nationals. Since its launch in 2017, over 1,200 companies have used it to recruit international talent.

What are the benefits of the French Tech Visa for companies?

1. Access to Skilled Talent: Companies can access global talent and recruit highly qualified professionals from outside the EU without unnecessary delays.
2. Simplified Hiring Process: Less paperwork and faster approvals make it easier for french tech companies to hire international employees.
3. Stronger Competitiveness: Attracting top talent helps businesses grow and stay competitive in global markets.
4. Long-term Planning: The 4-year renewable permit helps companies plan for the long term, retain top talent, and build workforce stability.
5. No Additional Work Permit Required: Employees hired under this visa don’t need a separate work permit and can start working immediately upon arrival.

What are the benefits of the French Tech Visa for employees?

1. Long-Term Stability: The Talent Passport allows professionals to work in France for up to four years with renewal options.
2. Immediate Work Rights: No additional permits are needed to begin employment.
3. Family Inclusion: Spouses and dependent children are included in the visa, and spouses are also allowed to work in France.
4. No Degree Requirement: Experience and skills take priority over formal education, opening opportunities for talented professionals without specific diplomas.
5. Path to Permanent Residency: After living in France for several years under this visa, employees can apply for permanent residence.
6. Competitive Salary: Employees under the Tech Visa must earn at least €43,243.20 annually (as of November 2024), securing a comfortable standard of living.
7. EU Mobility: Visa holders can move freely within the Schengen Area.

How can companies apply for a French Tech Visa? 

1. Get Innovative Company Certification
   To qualify, companies must first be recognized as innovative by the French Ministry of Economy. This involves submitting supporting documents, such as proof of public funding for innovation, investment from a recognized entity, or support from an innovation-focused organization, through the designated online platform.
2. Provide Documentation for Employees
   Once certified, companies must offer an employment contract (minimum 3 months) with a gross annual salary of at least €43,243.20 (double the minimum wage as of 2024). They also need to confirm their eligibility to recruit under the French Tech Visa program.
3. Support the Employee’s Application
   Companies are responsible for providing the necessary documents for the employee’s visa application, including a certificate of innovation and employment details. This ensures the employee meets all requirements and simplifies the application process.

To streamline your employee recolation process, consider partnering with a global mobility services provider like Jobbatical who can guide your team through the French Tech Visa requirements.

How can a French company be recognized as innovative? 

To be recognised as innovative, a company must meet one or more of these conditions:

1. Have received public funding for innovation in the past five years;
2. Be backed by investors whose main purpose is to finance or invest in innovative companies;
3. Be or have been supported over the last 5 years by a support structure dedicated to innovative companies.
   

The application is submitted online. The certificate is valid for 3 years and must be included with visa and residence permit applications for foreign employees, along with other required documents.

Eligibility Criteria for Employees

To qualify for the French Tech Visa employees must meet these requirements:

1. Earn a gross annual salary of at least twice the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC) - €43,243.20 as of November 1, 2024;
2. Hold a permanent or fixed-term contract of at least three months with a French employer;
3. Be engaged in the R&D project and development of the company or activities contributing to the economic, social, international and environmental development of the project.

How the Tech Visa Compares to Other Work Visas‍

The French Tech Visa stands out for its simple process, family benefits, and lower salary threshold compared to the EU Blue Card.

Localized support for the French Tech Visa

Jobbatical’s global mobility services simplify the process of expanding your team in France through the Tech Visa program for your company.

Our team of local experts can help your team understand France’s immigration regulations and guide your company throughout the entire employee relocation process, from company certification to employee onboarding.

Talk to our team today to explore how Jobbatical can support your relocation needs in France.

‍What are Jobbatical’s Global Mobility Services in France?

Immigration Support

Jobbatical helps businesses with every aspect of their employee’s immigration process to France, ensuring a stress-free experience for HR managers and their teams.
Our services include:

-> Work and residence permits – Handling applications for employees and their families.

-> Visa renewals – Keeping employees compliant with French immigration regulations.

-> Social Security registration – Ensuring employees are compliant and set up for benefits in France.

Employee Relocation Services

Beyond visas and immigration, we help your employees feel at home in France with:

-> Home search services – Finding the right place to live and negotiating rental agreements.

-> Bank account setup – Guiding employees through opening a local account.

-> Health insurance registration – Helping with access to France’s healthcare system.

Settle-in & Offboarding Services

Our team supports your employees and their families with:

-> Driver’s license exchange – Assistance with exchanging foreign licenses.

-> Education support for children – Helping families find the right schools.

-> Offboarding for immigration and relocation – Guidance on closing accounts, de-registering, and completing legal obligations.

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