France Startup

France Startup and Innovative Project Residency

France is one of Europe’s leading innovation ecosystems. For founders with a credible innovative project, there may be a residence route under the French Talent framework where the project is recognized by a competent public body or relevant innovation structure.

Who is it for?

This route may be suitable for:

Tech founders

Startup entrepreneurs

Innovation-led business owners

Founders building scalable or research-driven projects

What matters most?

What makes an investment eligible?

The file should show:

A genuinely innovative project
Founder experience or relevant background
A credible link to job creation or job preservation in France
A real intention to develop the project in France
Recognition or support from the relevant French ecosystem where required

* A direct investment into a French company or eligible business project

* An investment in tangible or intangible business assets

* A credible link to job creation or job preservation in France

* Full traceability of funds

* Clear business documentation

* Evidence that the applicant is not merely making a passive financial portfolio investment

* Ongoing documentation for renewal

Difference with company creation

The company creation route focuses on a real and serious business project. The startup route focuses more specifically on innovation and recognition by a competent body or ecosystem actor. There may be no single minimum capital requirement in the same way as the company creation route, but the innovation and credibility threshold is essential.