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France’s LA Tech Visa Program: Attracting Top Talent in Tech.

France’s tech industry is booming, and the country is now a global hub for innovation and technology. Many startups use English as their primary language and hire foreign talent. The French Tech Visa program plays a vital role in shaping the industry’s future and attracting top-tier tech professionals. In this article, we will explore the French Tech Visa program, its requirements, and application process.

 

Overview of the French Tech Visa Program

 

The French Tech Visa program is a specialized initiative established by the French government to attract and streamline the entry of talented individuals within the technology and innovation sectors. This program aims to make it easier for innovative entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and investors to live and work in France, specifically within the thriving French tech community.

 

The French Tech Visa offers a simplified procedure for the following three types of international tech talent to obtain a multi-year residence permit known as the “Talent Passport”

 

  •  French Tech Visa for Employees: This category is designed for employees of French startups recognized as innovative, provided they have a valid employment contract.
  • French Tech Visa for Founders: Founders of startups selected by partner incubators can apply for this visa, making it easier to establish and grow their businesses in France.
  • French Tech Visa for Investors: Foreign business angels or investment funds looking to establish a presence in France can benefit from this visa category, facilitating investment activities in the country.

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

  • All citizens of countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland can apply for a French Tech Visa. However, these citizens must meet specific requirements to qualify. Algerians have different requirements.

 

  • The eligibility criteria for a French Tech Visa depends on each of the three categories of tech talent:

 

  • French Tech Visa for Employees: To qualify, you must work for a company acknowledged as innovative by the Ministry of Economy and must provide documentation demonstrating a gross annual salary of at least double the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), an ongoing employment contract, and active involvement in the company’s R&D projects.
  • French Tech Visa for Founders: To be eligible, you must present evidence of an innovative business project, obtain official recognition of the project’s merit from a public-sector body, and demonstrate sufficient annual financial means equivalent to at least the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC).
  • French Tech Visa for Investors: Foreign investors can apply by investing personally, through a company they control, or through a company where they own at least 30%. They must also commit to creating or preserving jobs within four years and invest a minimum of €300,000 in assets.

 

Required Documents

 

The required documents for a French Tech Visa application include:

 

  • A duly completed and signed visa application form (CERFA n°14571*05)
  • France-Visas receipt
  • A valid passport issued within the last ten years, with a validity of at least three months beyond the visa expiry date
  • Three recent passport photos according to France visa photo requirements
  • Additional documents specific to each category (Employees, Founders, or Investors)

 

Application Process

 

Before applying for a French Tech Visa, ensure you have all the necessary documents. If you’re having trouble understanding the requirements or need assistance with the application process, consider seeking the help of a professional.

 

  • For French Tech Visa for Employees: Request a certificate certifying your company’s innovative nature from your employer.
  • For French Tech Visa for Founders: Apply for French Tech Visa partner incubators and accelerators through the standard selection process.

 

Benefits of the French Tech Visa

 

The French Tech Visa offers numerous benefits, including:

 

  • A simplified procedure for obtaining a multi-year residence permit
  • The ability to live and work in France
  • The right to work for family members accompanying visa holders
  • The possibility of applying for a residence card after five years of uninterrupted residence in France
  • Facilitation of investment activities in France

 

Conclusion

 

France’s LA Tech Visa program is an attractive option for international tech talent seeking to contribute to the country’s thriving tech industry. With its simplified procedure and numerous benefits, this program is an excellent opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and investors to establish themselves in France. If you’re considering applying for a French Tech Visa, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and have all the necessary documents. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

To Apply, Simply CLICK HERE