FranceBusiness and self-employment

France entrepreneur visa (Talent)

Talent residence card – business creation and innovative project

In short

Founders can obtain a Talent card in the "project holder" category in two ways: creating a business with at least EUR 30,000 of funding and a master's degree or five years of experience, or carrying out an innovative economic project recognised by the economy ministry. In both cases you need resources of at least the minimum wage, EUR 22,404.20 gross a year.

Apply on France-Visas (official visa portal) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Up to four years.
Fee
€99Long-stay visa fee; in France the multi-year Talent card costs EUR 350 (EUR 300 tax + EUR 50 stamp duty).
Funds required
€30,000Minimum investment in the business-creation route; personal resources of at least EUR 22,404.20 gross a year are required as well.
Work
Running the business or project.
Family
Spouse and minor children receive a "talent – family" card through the simplified accompanying-family procedure, with the right to work.
Path to permanent residence
After five years of lawful residence: 10-year resident card or EU long-term resident card, with B1 French and the civic exam.
Where to apply
France-Visas, then the French consulate or its visa application centre in your country of residence.

Innovative economic project

Alternatively, a project recognised as innovative by a public body designated by the economy ministry qualifies, again with resources of at least EUR 22,404.20 gross a year. This is the route used by start-up founders.

Business creation

You need a master's degree or five years of professional experience at an equivalent level, a real and serious business project in France, at least EUR 30,000 invested in it, and resources at least equal to the full-time minimum wage, EUR 22,404.20 gross a year.

After arrival: VLS-TS, OFII and residence card

Validate the VLS-TS online on the ANEF website within three months of arrival and pay the residence tax; without validation you are not lawfully resident and cannot travel back to France after leaving. OFII may summon you for a medical visit. Apply online for the next card between four and two months before the visa expires.

Family

Spouses and minor children of Talent card holders can travel with you or join later under the simplified accompanying-family procedure, without going through family reunification. They receive a multi-year "talent – family" card that allows them to work.

Refusal

If the prefecture does not answer, the application is deemed refused after four months for most Talent categories, 90 days for the EU Blue Card and 60 days for researchers; you then have two months to appeal. Visa refusals by the consulate first go through the mandatory administrative appeal stated in the notice.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • France-Visas long-stay form and receipt, signed
  • Passport valid for the stay, issued less than 10 years ago, with copies
  • Recent ICAO-standard photo and proof of legal residence in the country where you apply

Money

  • Proof of at least EUR 30,000 invested (business creation)
  • Proof of personal resources of at least EUR 22,404.20 a year

Work

  • Business plan or proof of recognition as an innovative project
  • Company registration: statutes, Kbis extract or SIREN number, or self-employed social insurance affiliation
  • Economy ministry opinion on the project

Study

  • Master's degree or proof of five years' experience

How to apply, step by step

  1. Create your long-stay application on France-Visas, choosing the "Talent – project holder" purpose, and print the form and receipt.
  2. Book an appointment with the French consulate or the visa application centre it uses in your country of residence, and attend in person with originals and copies.
  3. Pay the visa fee and give fingerprints; the consulate decides on the long-stay visa valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS).
  4. Within three months of arriving in France, validate the VLS-TS online on the ANEF website and pay the residence tax.
  5. Attend the OFII appointments if you are summoned (medical visit, integration contract where applicable).
  6. Apply online for the residence card between four and two months before the VLS-TS expires.

Frequently asked questions

How much must I invest?

At least EUR 30,000 for the business-creation route.

Is there a start-up route?

Yes, the innovative economic project route for projects recognised by a designated public body.

Can my family come?

Yes, with talent – family cards that allow work.

Do I need an opinion on my project before applying?

Yes. For the business-creation and innovative-project routes, you first ask the economy ministry for an opinion on whether the project is real and serious, or innovative.

Is a criminal record extract required?

Yes, for a first "talent" application in this category: an extract of your criminal record or an equivalent document from your country of nationality.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for France

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Validity: VLS-TS from four months to one year; then a one-year card, followed by a multi-year card for the rest of the degree.
  • Researcher visa Validity: Length of the hosting agreement, up to four years.
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Company internship: six months initially; continuing training: 12 months, renewable once up to 18 months.

Work

  • Work visa Validity: First year on the VLS-TS; then a four-year multi-year card for permanent employees still in the job, or a card matching the fixed-term contract.
  • Skilled worker visa Validity: Length of the contract, up to four years.
  • EU Blue Card Validity: Contracts of two years or more: length of the contract up to four years; shorter contracts: contract plus three months, up to two years.
  • Intra-company transfer visa Validity: Length of the assignment, up to three years, minus time already spent on the visa; not renewable.

Family

  • Family reunification visa Processing time: The mayor checks resources and housing within two months; the prefect decides within six months of the complete file reaching OFII (silence means refusal).
  • Spouse and partner visa Validity: VLS-TS valid one year; then a multi-year card of two to four years.

Residence

  • Retirement visa Validity: VLS-TS for the first year, then a renewable one-year card.
  • Permanent residence Validity: 10 years, renewable. The EU card lapses after more than three consecutive years outside the EU or six years outside France; the ordinary resident card after more than three consecutive years outside France.

Protection

France visa guide