Talent (French Tech) vs Talent (Création): which French visa is right for you?
Two founder routes under Passeport Talent: the French Tech Visa for innovative startups, and the Company Creation card for setting up a viable business in France.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Passeport Talent - Innovative Startup Founder (French Tech Visa) (Talent (French Tech)) | Passeport Talent - Company Creation (Création d'Entreprise) (Talent (Création)) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | Entrepreneurs with an innovative economic project endorsed by a recognised support body. | Graduates or experienced people creating a viable company in France with real investment. |
| Government cost | ~€99 visa + €225 residence-permit tax (€200 + €25 stamp) | ~€99 visa + €225 residence-permit tax (€200 + €25 stamp) |
| Processing time | ~2-6 weeks | ~2-6 weeks |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years, renewable | Up to 4 years, renewable |
| Where to apply | At a French consulate abroad or at the prefecture if already in France | At a French consulate abroad or at the prefecture if already in France |
| Work rights | Run and work in your innovative project | Operate the company you create |
| Pathway to PR | After 5 years' residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card or naturalisation. | After 5 years' residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card or naturalisation. |
Which is right for you?
Passeport Talent - Innovative Startup Founder (French Tech Visa) (Talent (French Tech))
Entrepreneurs with an innovative economic project endorsed by a recognised support body.
Full Talent (French Tech) guide →Passeport Talent - Company Creation (Création d'Entreprise) (Talent (Création))
Graduates or experienced people creating a viable company in France with real investment.
Full Talent (Création) guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Talent (French Tech) or Talent (Création)?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Passeport Talent - Innovative Startup Founder (French Tech Visa) (Talent (French Tech)) is the lowest at ~€99 visa + €225 residence-permit tax (€200 + €25 stamp). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Talent (French Tech) or Talent (Création)?
Indicatively Passeport Talent - Innovative Startup Founder (French Tech Visa) (Talent (French Tech)) is the quickest at ~2-6 weeks. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between Talent (French Tech) and Talent (Création)?
Passeport Talent - Innovative Startup Founder (French Tech Visa) (Talent (French Tech)) is for entrepreneurs with an innovative economic project endorsed by a recognised support body. Passeport Talent - Company Creation (Création d'Entreprise) (Talent (Création)) is for graduates or experienced people creating a viable company in France with real investment.