International start-up founders: the “talent – project leader” residence permit in France

France has risen to first place in the ranking of the most attractive European countries for foreign investors. In order to improve the attractiveness of the territory and to simplify the recruitment of talent on the international scene, France has implemented particularly advantageous measures to welcome foreigners, including residence permits bearing the “talent” wording. First introduced in 2016 as the “Talent Passport”, this residence permit was renamed by the Law of January 26, 2024. International start-up founders may now apply for a multi-year residence permit bearing the official wording “talent-porteur de projet” (“talent – project leader”), under Article L. 421-16 of the French Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreign Nationals and the Right of Asylum (CESEDA). It may be issued for up to four years and is renewable.

In this dynamic, many foreigners have chosen to create their start-up in France. To enable them to carry out their professional activity, they may apply for the multi-year “talent-porteur de projet” residence permit under the innovative economic project route. This card allows entry into France with a long-stay visa, without having a medical examination organized by the OFII and without having to sign a republican integration contract. In addition, another significant advantage is that no work permit must be obtained, and the employment situation in France is not opposable.

What are the conditions to benefit from the “talent – project leader” residence permit for founders of international start-ups? How long is the “talent – project leader” residence permit valid? What is the status of the family? What is the procedure for obtaining this residence permit?

What are the conditions for obtaining the “talent – project leader” residence permit for an innovative economic project?

To obtain this residence permit, the founders of international start-ups must justify the existence of an innovative economic project that they wish to develop in France.

The innovative economic project must be recognized by a public body. Before submitting the residence permit application, the applicant must request an opinion from the French Ministry responsible for the economy on the innovative nature of the project.

Finally, they must demonstrate sufficient resources to support themselves and their family, at least equal to the gross annual full-time minimum wage (SMIC), i.e. €22,404.20 as of June 1, 2026.

It should be noted that the supporting documents must be accompanied, if necessary, by a translation into French by a translator-interpreter sworn before the Courts of Appeal.

How long is the “talent – project leader” residence permit valid?

• Validity period

First, it is important to specify that the duration of validity of this title depends on the nature, characteristics, and duration of the project. The maximum duration of this residence permit is four years, renewable.

If the planned stay is less than 12 months, the consulate issues a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) bearing the mention “talent”. The visa must be validated online within three months of arrival in France. Before it expires, the holder may apply online for a “talent – project leader” residence permit, subject to continuing to meet the applicable conditions.

• Renewal

The renewal application must be submitted online through the ANEF platform no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the residence permit expires. The applicant must provide documents showing that the conditions for the residence permit continue to be met. The supporting documents vary depending on whether the applicant is continuing the project or has already created a business connected with it.

• Change of status

In the event of a change in professional circumstances, the applicant may request a change of status, provided that the eligibility conditions for the new residence permit are met. The application must be submitted online through the ANEF platform no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the current document expires.
After at least five years of lawful and uninterrupted residence in France, a non-EU national may apply for an EU long-term resident card, subject in particular to the applicable requirements concerning stable and sufficient resources, health insurance and integration. This card is valid for ten years and is renewable.

How can you apply for the “talent – project leader” residence permit?

If the founder of the start-up resides outside France, the French diplomatic and consular authorities of his or her place of habitual residence are competent to issue the long-stay visa.

The long-stay visa application must be submitted through the official France-Visas website to the French consular authorities in the applicant’s country of residence. Upon arrival in France, this visa allows the exercise of the professional activity.

If the planned stay is 12 months or more, the consulate issues a three-month long-stay visa bearing the mention “talent”. After arriving in France, the applicant must submit the application for a “talent – project leader” residence permit online through the ANEF platform within two months of entering France. The permit may be issued for up to four years, depending on the nature and duration of the project.

Since the Brexit, British nationals must now also follow this procedure for any arrival in France after January 1, 2021.

What documents are required?

The precise list of documents is available to the applicant on the website of the authority in charge of processing his file and on France-visas.gouv.fr.

As an indication, these are mainly the following documents:

• A valid long-stay visa or residence permit
• A passport, including the pages relating to civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas
• Proof of address dated within the last six months
• An e-photo code
• The opinion issued by the French Ministry responsible for the economy concerning the innovative nature of the project
• Proof of resources at least equal to the gross annual full-time minimum wage (SMIC), i.e. €22,404.20 as of June 1, 2026
• A signed undertaking to comply with the principles of the French Republic
• Any additional document requested through the official online application process

What is the cost of this residence permit?

If the residence permit is granted, the applicant must pay €350 upon issuance, comprising a €300 tax and a €50 stamp duty. Where a long-stay visa is required, the standard visa application fee is €99, subject to any applicable exemption or reduced rate.

What about the family ?

The spouse and dependent minor children of the holder of the “talent – project leader” residence permit benefit from the status of accompanying family.

The spouse may obtain a “talent-family” residence permit authorizing residence and employment in France for the period of validity remaining on the principal cardholder’s permit. The residence permit costs €350, comprising a €300 tax and a €50 stamp duty. Where a long-stay visa is required, the standard application fee is €99, subject to any applicable exemption or reduced rate.

Family members can apply for a residence permit independent from that of the principal applicant. In this case, they cannot benefit from the simplified procedure described above.

Families also have the possibility to join France within the framework of family reunification. Family reunification concerns foreign nationals who have been legally residing in the national territory for at least 18 months and who wish to bring their spouse and children.

Conclusion

The “talent – project leader” residence permit under the innovative economic project route is the residence permit of choice for foreign founders of start-ups in France. Although its eligibility conditions are demanding, the residence permit allows its holder to carry out a commercial activity connected with the approved economic project for the period of validity of the permit, which may be up to four years, while benefiting from the simplified accompanying-family procedure.

Other “talent” residence permits are available to several categories of foreign nationals: investors, qualified employees, recruitment by an innovative company, researchers, corporate officers, artistic and cultural professions, or world-renowned individuals. This residence permit is definitively part of the landscape of professional immigration.

Being accompanied by a lawyer who is an expert in professional immigration law and labor law is an undeniable asset that makes it possible to secure this residence permit and to assist the founders of foreign start-ups in the day-to-day social management of their companies.