Non-EU/ EEA citizens can join the French investment programs and benefit from a wide range of advantages in matters of business. The legislation related to investments provides the same rules and regulations to all citizens interested in starting a business in France, except in cases in which an investor visa is needed. In the case of foreign investors and the necessary visas, legal advice and assistance can be offered by one of our immigration lawyers in France. They can give proper advice and offer tailored advice to the needs of clients.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Permitted nationalities | Non-EEA and Swiss nationals |
| Business investment option (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Real estate investment option (YES/NO) | No |
| Other investment options (if available) | The investment can be made either personally or through a company controlled by the applicant. |
| Requirement to live in France | Uninterrupted stay in France is required for those who aim to acquire the permanent resident status. |
| Residence or direct citizenship option | Residence based on a permit valid for 4 years, renewable. Citizenship can be requested separately, if the applicant is eligible. |
| Direct immigration with family members (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Family members allowed to join the program | Spouse and dependent children |
| French investor visa processing time (approx.) | Several weeks |
| Additional financial requirements for family members | Not applicable |
| Timeframe for obtaining residency by investment | Permanent residence can be obtained after 5 uninterrupted years of stay. |
| Dual citizenship permitted | Yes |
| Reasons to choose France | – access to the large EU market; – highly qualified human resources; – good infrastructure and quality of life. |
| Personal income tax rate | 0% – 45% |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | French citizens have visa-free access or access to e-visas in more than 180 countries worldwide. |
Table of Contents
What is the Talent Passport Scheme?
The “passeport talent” residence permit is designed for foreign investors who come to France as self-employed individuals, for the purpose of starting a business and not only and remain in the country for more than three months.
Family members can also join the residence permit holder, and their individual residence permits will also be multi-year ones. The family members (spouse and children who are minimum 18 years of age) will also be able to work in France.
The French “passeport talent” residence permit applies to the following categories of foreign nationals:
- Qualified or highly qualified paid employees: those who work for a company recognized as a new innovative enterprise or one that is part of an international group of companies, those working for public or private research/ higher education institutions, and those who are highly qualified for their position;
- Self-employed individuals or those in liberal professions: entrepreneurs who wish to create a new company in France or those who make a direct economic investment; you can read more about the French startup visa below;
- Artistic or literary performers: those who work as employed or self-employed performers or those who have created literary or artistic work;
- International reputation: individuals who will engage in an activity that is specifically linked to their national or international reputation.
Entrepreneurs who wish to apply for a business visa in France will apply for the “passeport talent” residence permit for the category designed for their activity.
Investors who move to France for business purposes will not only need to understand the requirements that apply to them concerning residency, but also the commercial and business requirements. Upon request, our lawyers in France can provide investors with information about the director’s liabilities, and details on several tax implications for foreign nationals.
The French investor visa can be one of the routes that allow a foreign national to obtain residency in France. However, it is important to note that direct residency is not an option, and the applicant will still be required to comply with the ongoing requirements for a long-term and lawful stay in the country before he or she can be awarded a residence card. The proper renewal of the visa is also needed during this time.
The infographic is a useful summary:
What are the conditions for creating a company under a business visa in France?
The following conditions apply to investors who wish to apply for an investor visa in France that allows them to create a new business or take control of an existing one:
- invest at least EUR 30,000 in the business, for those who are self-employed or engage in a liberal profession;
- provide a comprehensive business project; in some cases, certain types of acquisitions can be regarded as business creation projects;
- create a commercial, industrial or artisanal company; observe the rules that apply to these types of business under French law;
- have a relevant degree (master’s degree or at least five years of professional experience to a comparable level to the master’s degree).
The visa-specific documents will include those related to the nature of the business, the business plan, proof of sufficient investment, as well as personal documents that attest to the individual’s qualifications.
The French startup visa will mention the fact that it was issued for a business creator. The visa holder will need to apply for the multi-year residence permit within two months of his or her arrival in France. It is recommended to apply in time for a French startup visa and join the specific programs if you are a citizen from non-EU countries.
Some visa solicitations might prolong for a couple of months, so besides applying in time, you should also request legal advice from a French immigration lawyer. We can also provide details about the general residence permit in France.
Investors who apply for a business visa in France intended not for incorporation purposes, but for making a direct economic investment are subject to the following requirements:
- the investment will allow for a lasting interest in the receiving company in the form of investment in social capital, reinvested earnings, or inter-affiliate loans;
- the visa will mention the fact that it was issued for an investor (investisseur économique);
- if the holder will remain in France for less than 12 months, he will only receive a visa that will include the information passeport talent (and no other additional information);
- the applicant will need to provide documentation for the investment and details about the lasting interest in the beneficiary companies.
Apart from creating a new business or investing in an existing one, foreign entrepreneurs who plan to obtain the French investor visa can also engage in an innovative project recognized by a public body. Our specialized attorneys in France can offer support in the entire process of obtaining such a visa.
Do I need to relocate to France when applying for a French Investor Visa?
Yes, one of the important conditions that refer to foreign citizens planning to obtain an investment visa in France is to relocate to this country.
The business visa in France is quite successful among foreign entrepreneurs who can also invest in already registered startups in France. In matters of residence, the permanent one is normally gained after 5 years of living in France. More than that, foreign entrepreneurs
have the possibility of investing the profits in other companies and diversifying the portfolio.
What are the advantages of the French Talent Passport?
There are many benefits that come with a French investor visa and among these, the possibility of joining the investment alongside the family members, free access to the healthcare system and education, free movement to French overseas territories, no restrictions for traveling to the Schengen countries, and the possibility of gaining permanent residence and French citizenship after living for at least 5 years in France.
One of our French immigration attorneys will explain to you more about the French investor visa and the conditions involved.
Other relevant eligibility criteria for French startup visa
Besides investing EUR 30,000 in an already registered company in France or creating a new one, a solid business plan is required, plus the obligation of holding at least 10% shares in the company.
We remind that the French authorities have the right to verify the criminal record of foreign investors and also the source of funds meant for investments in France. In addition to these, the entrepreneur will have to create new jobs for French citizens in no more than 4 years. All the details involved can be explained by our French immigration lawyers.
Entrepreneurs who already have a qualifying business in France and wish to remain in the country can contact us for details on the French citizenship application and the conditions.
Taxation and financial planning for investors in France
Before making any decisions regarding obtaining an investor visa in France, the tax implications and financial risks must be taken into consideration by the potential investors. Once the investor becomes a tax resident of France, he is liable to pay tax on his worldwide income. The personal income tax is applied on a progressive scale, and social security charges may also be applicable depending on the nature of the business or activity carried on by the individual. For business owners or investors in France, corporate tax is applied on the profits of the business, and dividends are taxed at a flat rate or on a progressive scale. Additionally, value-added tax is applicable to business activities carried on by the individual/ company.
Tax regulations are supervised by the Direction générale des Finances publiques, and any failure on the part of the individual to comply with tax regulations may attract financial penalties. Therefore, our immigration lawyers France can assist investors in structuring their businesses efficiently and taking advantage of any double tax treaties applicable to France.
How long does it take to obtain a French investor visa?
The processing time for an investor visa usually does not exceed 45 days and, in most cases, will depend on the documents provided. An alternative to investor visas are freelance visas that can be obtained by digital nomads from other countries, such as the UAE, where it takes only 3-4 days to obtain it. France hasn’t approved a program for digital nomads visas yet.
The French visa application process starts with the French Embassy or Consulate in the country you live in, with the complete support of our team of immigration lawyers in France. As for the validity of the investor visa in France, this is issued for 4 years, with the possibility of renewing it before it expires.
Pathway from investment to French citizenship
One of the most prominent advantages of obtaining an investor visa in France is the possibility to gain French citizenship through naturalization after securing permanent residence in the country. In most cases, it is expected that, after five years of continuous and lawful residence in France, an international investor is eligible to apply for French citizenship, as long as they can demonstrate economic, professional, and social integration and respect for French laws and social values. Additionally, it is required that the foreign investor to be able to demonstrate proficiency in the French language and have adequate knowledge of French history, laws, and social values. Gaining French citizenship offers full political and social rights, as well as free and unrestricted access to the European labor market and free movement within the European Union.
Data on French economy
The visa application process is not complex, but it is best to ask for legal advice and assistance in this matter. You can also read the following facts and figures about the French business and economy, to understand why numerous foreign investors choose France for development and profits:
- Most foreign companies are found in the Paris region.
- The World Bank stated for France’s 2024 GDP a total of $3.16 trillion;
- The annual growth of the French GDP in the same year was 1.2%
Furthermore, we can also provide details for those who do not qualify for this particular scheme and are still interested in obtaining a residence permit in France.
Foreign entrepreneurs interested in French investor visas can contact our team of immigration lawyers in France and solicit legal advice.
