The French Tech Visa is a special visa program introduced by the French government to attract and retain foreign talent in the technology and startup sectors. It is designed to make it easier for highly skilled foreign entrepreneurs, employees, and investors to live and work in France. The French Tech Visa program includes several categories:

1. Talent Passport: This category is aimed at foreign employees, entrepreneurs, and investors who want to work or create a startup in France. There are different subcategories within the Talent Passport, such as the "Talent Passport - Entrepreneur" for startup founders, "Talent Passport - Researcher" for researchers, and "Talent Passport - Employee" for highly skilled professionals.

1. French Tech Founders: This specific category is designed for foreign startup founders who wish to establish their startups in France. To be eligible, the startup must be approved by a French incubator or accelerator that is part of the French Tech network.

1. French Tech Investors: This category is for foreign investors who want to invest in French startups and gain residency in France. The investor must meet specific financial requirements and invest in eligible startups.

1. French Tech Employees: This category is for foreign employees who have been hired by French startups or tech companies. To be eligible, the job offer must meet certain criteria, including salary thresholds and the company's participation in the French Tech ecosystem.

The French Tech Visa program aims to promote France as a hub for innovation and technology, attract international talent, and foster the growth of the French tech ecosystem. It offers various benefits, such as simplified administrative procedures, access to French healthcare, and opportunities to network and collaborate with other entrepreneurs and professionals in the French tech community.

Please note that visa requirements and eligibility criteria may change over time, so it's essential to check the official French government websites or consult with immigration authorities for the most up-to-date information if you plan to apply for the French Tech Visa.

The specific requirements for applying for a French Tech Visa can vary depending on the category you are applying for (e.g., Entrepreneur, Researcher, Employee, Founder, or Investor). However, here are some common requirements and considerations you may encounter when applying for a French Tech Visa:

1. Eligibility Category: Determine which category of the French Tech Visa you qualify for based on your profile and intentions (e.g., entrepreneurship, research, employment, investment, etc.).

1. Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from France.

1. Visa Application Form: Complete the appropriate visa application form, which can typically be obtained from the French embassy or consulate in your home country.

1. Passport Photos: Provide recent passport-sized photos that meet French visa photo requirements.

1. Proof of Eligibility:
• - For Entrepreneurs: A business plan approved by a French incubator or accelerator.
• - For Researchers: A hosting agreement with a French research institution or university.
• - For Employees: A job offer from a French tech company that meets certain criteria, such as salary thresholds and participation in the French Tech ecosystem.
• - For Founders: Approval of your startup by a French incubator or accelerator.
• - For Investors: Proof of investment in French startups and compliance with financial requirements.

1. Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in France.

1. Health Insurance: Show proof of valid health insurance coverage during your stay in France.

1. Travel Itinerary: Provide information about your travel plans, including your intended date of arrival in France.

1. Criminal Record: Some categories may require you to provide a clean criminal record certificate from your home country.

1. Proof of Accommodation: Demonstrate that you have arranged accommodation in France.

1. Payment of Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa application fees. The fee amount can vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.

1. Interview (if required): Be prepared for an interview at the French embassy or consulate, which may be part of the application process.

1. Medical Certificate: In some cases, you may need to submit a medical certificate, especially for long-stay visas.

1. Language Proficiency: Depending on your category and circumstances, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in the French language.

1. Proof of Intentions: Provide evidence of your genuine intentions to work, study, invest, or research in France.

Please note that these requirements can change over time, and additional documentation or conditions may apply depending on your specific circumstances and the category of the French Tech Visa you are applying for. It's crucial to consult the official website of the French consulate or embassy in your home country and seek guidance from immigration authorities for the most up-to-date information and guidance regarding your visa application.

If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, then you don’t need a French Tech Visa. You have the right to move freely within France, as per EU law.

However, if you’re a national of a non-EU or EEA country, you can apply for a French Tech Visa to reside in France for longer than 90 days.

The French Tech Visa program offers different categories for individuals in the technology and startup sectors who wish to live and work in France. Below are the main categories and who can apply for each:

1. Talent Passport - Entrepreneur: This category is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to create and develop their startup in France. To be eligible, you typically need to have a business plan that has been approved by a French incubator or accelerator that is part of the French Tech network.

1. Talent Passport - Researcher: Foreign researchers who wish to conduct research in France can apply under this category. You must have a hosting agreement with a French research institution or university.

1. Talent Passport - Employee: This category is for highly skilled foreign professionals who have been offered a job in France. The job offer must meet certain criteria, including salary thresholds and the company's participation in the French Tech ecosystem.

1. French Tech Founders: Foreign startup founders who want to establish their startups in France can apply under this category. Your startup must be approved by a French incubator or accelerator that is part of the French Tech network.

1. French Tech Investors: Foreign investors who wish to invest in French startups and gain residency in France can apply under this category. There are specific financial requirements and investment criteria that must be met.

The eligibility criteria and application process may vary for each category, and it's essential to check the official French Tech Visa website or consult with the relevant French authorities for the most up-to-date information and requirements. Additionally, meeting the criteria often involves demonstrating your qualifications, business plan, or financial capacity, depending on the specific category you are applying for.

Keep in mind that the French Tech Visa program is designed to attract talent and promote the growth of the French tech ecosystem, so it may have specific requirements and benefits tailored to individuals in the technology and startup sectors.

Applying for a French Tech Visa involves several steps, and the specific requirements and procedures can vary depending on the category you are applying for. Here is a general overview of the steps you might follow when applying for a French Tech Visa:

1. Determine Your Eligibility: First, determine which category of the French Tech Visa you are eligible for based on your profile. The categories include Entrepreneur, Researcher, Employee, Founder, and Investor.

1. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, which typically include your passport, visa application form, proof of eligibility, and supporting documents. The specific documents required can vary depending on your category.

1. Secure a Job or Business Opportunity (if applicable):
• - If you are applying as an employee, secure a job offer from a French tech company that meets the eligibility criteria.
• - If you are an entrepreneur or founder, ensure that your startup business plan is approved by a French incubator or accelerator (for the Entrepreneur or Founder categories).

1. Apply for a Visa: Depending on your home country and the category you're applying for, you may need to apply for a long-stay visa, residence permit, or a specific French Tech Visa. Contact the nearest French embassy or consulate to initiate the visa application process.

1. Submit Your Application: Submit your visa application along with all required documents to the relevant French consular or visa processing center. Be prepared to pay the visa application fee.

1. Attend an Interview (if required): In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview at the French consulate or embassy as part of the visa application process. The interview aims to assess your eligibility and intentions.

1. Wait for Visa Approval: The processing time for visa applications can vary depending on your location and the specific visa category. It's essential to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

1. Receive Your Visa: Once your visa is approved, you will receive a visa sticker or stamp in your passport, allowing you to enter France.

1. Arrive in France: Travel to France within the visa's validity period, which is typically 3 months for long-stay visas.

1. Complete Residence Procedures: After your arrival in France, you may need to complete additional residence permit procedures, depending on your visa category. This might include visiting the local French prefecture or immigration office.

1. Obtain a Residence Permit (if required): Depending on your category, you may need to convert your visa into a residence permit for the duration of your stay in France. The procedures and requirements can vary, so consult with the relevant authorities.

1. Comply with Visa Requirements: Ensure that you comply with all visa and residence permit requirements during your stay in France, including renewing your permit if necessary.

It's essential to consult the official French Tech Visa website and the French consulate or embassy in your home country for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding the specific requirements and procedures for your visa category. The application process can be complex, so consider seeking assistance from legal or immigration experts if needed.