What It Means To Invest In France Under Its Talent Passport Business Investor Program

The French have been central to global transformations in the past and are continuing to expand their influence in the present. It is known for many things globally but holds a dominant position in the region for its business-friendly temperament. In the year 2021, it was ranked at the top in the EY Attractiveness Survey, positioning it as a European leader. Its government has introduced a big basket of reforms for more than a decade now. These reforms have been especially helpful during the pandemic. Foreign investors kept showing a strong inclination towards the French economy – and the country knows that very well!

To draw investment talent from all over the world, it has introduced what is called the “Talent Passport Business Investor” program. It offers an opportunity for those foreign investors who wish to settle in the country and carry out systematic investments in the economy. What are the modalities for the same? I have listed the most important ones below. In order to invest in France through this program, here are things that you should know.

1. The program is specific to certain people
   Very much like other investor visa programs in the neighboring European countries, the French program only applies to those who do not belong to the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. In case you belong to any of these three regions, you are automatically eligible to invest in the country the way a French national is.
2. The Eligibility Criteria
   The foreign investor must directly invest in the French economy to be eligible under the program. There are three options available: the applicant can invest personally, through a company under their control, or through a company in which they hold a minimum of 30 percent shares. In addition, the applicant must ensure that the investment will create jobs within a period of 4 years and that they will invest a minimum of EUR 300,000 in tangible or intangible assets.
3. Documents to be furnished
   The authorities require a slew of documents for perusal. The applicant must submit the long-stay visa application form, a France visa receipt, a valid passport issued within ten years, proof of nationality and marital status, and passport-size photos.
   In addition, you must provide documentary proof of the company’s ownership or shareholding in a company. As well as the proof that your investment has created or can potentially create jobs within four years of investment. Aside from these, there may be other documents depending on the kind of investment you are making.
4. The duration of stay
   The investors should note that the said program is not a shortened route to permanent residence or citizenship in the country. The maximum time an investor can stay in the country under the permit is four years; the said permit is renewable in nature.
   When the duration of stay is less than a year, the investor should apply for a long-stay visa; for more than a year, then a Talent passport Residence Permit. Also, while applying for renewal, the application for the same must be furnished at least three months prior to the expiration of the residence permit.
5. What else you should know
   The French program does allow the applicants to include their family members. Under the Talent Passport Permit, the family members – the spouse and the dependent children – will be put under the accompanying family status. When the spouse applies, a Talent Passport-Family residence permit will be issued.
   As long as the permit is valid, the family is authorized to undertake any employment activities. To avail of this benefit, there are accompanying fees; EUR 225 for the spouse’s residence permit and EUR99 for every visa issued to the accompanying family member. 

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This report/news/ranking/statistics has been prepared only for general guidance on matters of interest and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, CEOWORLD magazine does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.

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