Every year, France attracts many foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish or expand their business in the country.
For individuals from non-EU countries, there are two main types of residence permits available for this purpose: the “Entrepreneur” visa and the “Business Creator” Talent Passport. Although both permits allow you to pursue entrepreneurial activities in France, they are subject to different requirements, procedures, and prospects. Here is an in-depth review to help you choose the right option for your profile and project.
Two distinct legal frameworks
The “Entrepreneur” visa, also known as the VLS-TS Entrepreneur, is provided for in Article L. 421-16 of the Code on the Entry and Stay of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum (CESEDA). It allows foreign nationals to settle in France to carry out a commercial, craft, or industrial activity, provided that the project is economically viable.
The “Entrepreneur” Talent Passport is a multi-year permit provided for in Article L. 421-13 of the CESEDA. It aims to facilitate the settlement in France of people with entrepreneurial projects that have high economic or innovative potential. This permit is one of the measures put in place to enhance the economic attractiveness of France.
Different entrepreneur profiles
The “Entrepreneur” visa is mainly intended for people wishing to carry out an activity in their own name or through a small structure, in fields such as local commerce, crafts, or services. It may also be suitable for liberal professionals wishing to settle in France.
On the other hand, the “Business Creator” Talent Passport is designed for more structured profiles: experienced entrepreneurs, innovative project leaders, or investors wishing to set up a company with a certain economic scale. This title is also intended for start-ups, technological projects, or business creations with rapid growth potential.
More or less stringent eligibility requirements
To obtain an “Entrepreneur” visa, foreign nationals must demonstrate the economic viability of their project by providing a solid business plan, a market study, and proof of financing. There is no legal minimum investment threshold, but in practice, prefectures generally expect a personal contribution of at least €30,000. Entrepreneurs must also prove their professional skills and that they do not pose a threat to public order.
Conversely, the Talent Passport is based on stricter criteria. It requires a minimum investment of €30,000 and a degree equivalent to a Master’s or, failing that, five years of professional experience in the field of activity concerned. The project leader must provide a detailed business plan, a clear financing plan, and a demonstration of the economic impact of their project on the region (job creation, development of local activity, innovation, etc.).
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Differentiated length of stay and rights
The “Entrepreneur” visa is granted for a maximum period of one year. It is often a long-stay visa valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS), which must be validated online upon arrival in France. It can then be renewed annually, provided that the business has actually been launched and that the entrepreneur can make a living from it.
In comparison, the “Entrepreneur” Talent Passport is a multi-year permit that can be granted upon initial application for a period of up to four years, depending on the viability and soundness of the project. It is also renewable, as long as the conditions of activity are met.
Another major advantage of the Talent Passport is that it allows the entrepreneur’s family (spouse and children) to benefit from a “Talent Passport – Family” residence permit. This permit gives the spouse an independent right of residence and free access to the labor market. Conversely, the “Entrepreneur” visa does not provide for any specific status for family members, who must submit separate applications, often subject to more restrictive conditions.
Which permit is best suited to your project?
The choice between the “Entrepreneur” visa and the “Business Creator” Talent Passport depends on several factors: the nature of the project, the amount of investment, the applicant’s level of education or experience, and whether or not they wish to bring their family to France.
The “Entrepreneur” visa remains a relevant option for modest but realistic projects with few administrative requirements. It is often used to set up a business, practice a liberal profession, or launch a craft activity.
The Talent Passport, on the other hand, is intended for more structured profiles, ready to invest in an ambitious project and settle in France on a long-term basis. It offers greater legal security, stability of residence, and facilities for settling the family. It is also a title that enhances the credibility of the project leader with financial and institutional partners.
Why seek assistance?
The success of an entrepreneurial project in France depends as much on the quality of the project as on its proper presentation to the authorities. Putting together the application, fine-tuning the business plan, providing proof of financing, and positioning the project in line with the expectations of the prefectures or consulates are all points that should not be overlooked.
Our firm supports international entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey:
- Advice on choosing the right residence permit;
- Assistance in preparing the application file (business plan, financial documents, articles of association, etc.);
- Assistance in dealing with the administration (consulate, prefecture, OFII);
- Post-installation follow-up and renewal of the permit;
- Support for the arrival of family members and the acquisition of social rights.
Conclusion
Between the flexibility of the “Entrepreneur” visa and the stability of the Talent Passport, there is no one-size-fits-all solution: it all depends on your project, your resources, and your goals. Personalized legal support will help you secure your settlement and maximize your chances of obtaining the right residence permit.
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