Talent, investor and innovation
France Investor Visa: The €300,000 Route and the Innovative Project Route
France has no golden visa for buying property. It does offer two Talent routes for people who bring capital or innovation: a direct investment of €300,000, or a start-up recognized as innovative.
Book my 30-minute Talent Passport consultation for $50Updated November 2026
- $50 for a 30-minute consultation
- Credited toward your fees
- English & Français
- 10+ years in immigration law
- Offices in the U.S. and Paris
- U.S. and French immigration
- Help in English and French
Route one: the economic investor
You qualify by making a direct economic investment in France:
The amount
At least €300,000 in fixed tangible or intangible assets.
The vehicle
Personally, or through a company you manage or in which you hold at least 30 percent of the capital.
The commitment
Creating or safeguarding jobs within the four years following the investment.
The permit
Up to four years, renewable, with family status for your spouse and children.
Typical cases include an American owner funding a French subsidiary’s premises and equipment, or an investor taking a significant stake in a French operating company to finance its growth.
Real estate for your own use does not count
Buying an apartment in Paris or a house in Provence is not a direct economic investment. The capital must go into business assets and be linked to jobs. Portfolio investments in listed shares or funds do not qualify either.
Route two: the innovative project
For founders whose project is recognized as innovative by a public body. The French Tech Visa for Founders uses this category.
Recognition
The innovative character is certified by the competent public authority, often following selection by a partner incubator or accelerator, or public innovation funding.
Resources
Means of support at least equal to the annual gross minimum wage, €22,404.24 in 2026.
No minimum investment
The €30,000 and €300,000 thresholds do not apply.
Which route for which profile
| Profile | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Founder with savings and a conventional business | Business creation, €30,000 |
| Founder of a tech or deep-tech start-up backed by an incubator | Innovative project |
| Owner or shareholder financing a French company’s assets | Economic investor, €300,000 |
| Executive sent to run the French arm of a group | Company representative |
The investor’s file
- Proof of the investment: share purchase or subscription agreement, asset purchase contracts, bank transfers
- Company documents showing your stake or management role
- A plan describing the jobs to be created or protected, with a timetable
- Evidence of lawful funds
- Civil status documents for you and your family, with sworn translations where required
Investing in a French company or launching a start-up? Check which Talent route you qualify for.$50 for 30 minutes
Book for $50Process
Structure the investment
Decide who invests, in what assets, and through which entity.
Prepare the evidence
Contracts, financial statements and the employment plan.
Apply for the long-stay visa in the U.S.
Through France-Visas and the visa centre for your state.
Enter France and file for the card
Online, within two months of arrival.
Keep the commitments
Document the jobs and the investment for renewal.
Tax and reporting
Becoming a French resident generally makes you taxable in France on worldwide income, while U.S. citizens continue to file with the IRS. The France-U.S. tax treaty allocates taxing rights and limits double taxation. Take advice on both sides before moving assets.
Questions clients ask us
Does France have a golden visa?
Not in the sense of residence for a property purchase. The closest equivalent is the Talent permit for economic investors, which requires €300,000 in business assets and a jobs commitment.
How many jobs must I create?
The rule requires creating or safeguarding employment within four years. The file should set out a credible, specific hiring or retention plan.
Is the French Tech Visa a separate visa?
It is a simplified procedure that leads to the Talent permit for founders of recognized innovative projects, employees of innovative companies and investors.
Can my spouse work?
Yes. The spouse of a Talent holder receives a family permit that authorizes any professional activity.
Know where you stand in 30 minutes
One call with a U.S. and France immigration lawyer. You leave with a clear answer on eligibility, timing and cost.
Book
Pick a time that suits you and pay the $50 fee online.
Notre
Talk through your situation by video or phone, in English or French.
Plan
Get a clear route, a document list and a fee quote.
The $50 fee is non-refundable and is deducted from your final legal fees if you retain our firm. Appointments can be rescheduled. Missed your appointment? Contact assistant@ariflawofficespc.com to reschedule.