France new scheme allows startup founders obtain 4-year residence permit with family

France has introduced Passeport Talent scheme which has a start-up, entrepreneurship and investment route, governed by CESEDA, France’s national code for the entry and residence of foreigners.

The startup route in particular which does not require any investment, and is targeted at digital entrepreneurs or young founders with innovative, scalable business models particularly in technology and digital services, who experience limited access to capital. The pathway leads to a 4-year residence permit for their entire family.

This pathway involves applicants to be accepted into a certified French incubator which supports administrative setup and integration. No investment is required before approval.

For this route, The Open World, a France-based global immigration service agency will match applicants with incubators and prepare project presentations.

The other routes require capital. For instance, €30,000 investment capital needs to be made for the entrepreneurship route, while €300,000 needs to be made for the investment route.

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Here are these other routes in more detail:

Entrepreneur route

The entrepreneur route requires an investment of €30,000, held in escrow until after approval. Applicants must therefore present a viable business plan and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, typically around €21,500 per year. French language proficiency is required, and once approved, applicants will receive a four-year residence card that includes their spouse and children under 18.

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Investment route

The investment route requires a minimum commitment of €300,000 to an active French business. The capital is however deployed after residency approval, which is a sharp contrast to Portugal’s model, where funds must be committed upfront.

Applicants must hold at least a 10 percent ownership stake in the business. To streamline the process, The Open World, will set up a dedicated French Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), through which each investor typically acquires a 12 percent to 15 percent share. This means investors are not expected to be involved in day-to-day operations, making the route ideal for those seeking a more passive role.

The programme is designed to deliver a consistent annual return, as the Open World will partner with insurance providers to ensure capital protection, which guarantees investors a full refund of their initial investment after five years.

This route grants successful applicants a four-year residence permit, which can be renewed or upgraded to a ten-year card. After five years of continuous residence, they may also apply for French citizenship.

There is no language requirement for obtaining or renewing the residence card, and physical presence is assessed with flexibility. Demonstrating ties to the country, such as maintaining a French address or utility bills, is sufficient.

Residency applications under Passeport Talent are typically approved within a month, and investment is deferred until after approval, reducing financial risk. French residents will enjoy full access to healthcare, education, and public services.

Although the French government has adopted a more assertive tone on immigration in recent years, it continues to support ‘immigration choisie’, which is a selective approach aimed at attracting skilled, entrepreneurial, and investment-ready individuals.

The country often overlooked in favour of Portugal and Greece, is now gaining traction as a destination that offers both security and long-term value.

As Caribbean citizenship by investment (CBI) passport holders face increased restrictions across the schengen area, plus the United States considering curbs on visa-free access for over 30 CBI-linked nations, investors and entrepreneurs are now turning to this structured residency option.

More details on France Passeport Talent scheme can be made here.