Example of obtaining a French Talent Visa to apply for a residence permit

This summer, Vladislav (33, biotechnological software engineer) contacted our agency for advice on immigration to France with his family. Four years ago, the young specialist obtained a master's degree in Biomedical Engineering and got a job in a company engaged in the development of bionic prostheses.

After meeting a Frenchman at a professional event, Vladislav first thought about how to obtain a French residence permit to develop his innovative project abroad. The client turned to the specialists of the international company GARANT IN for advice and assistance in obtaining a long-term visa.

Preparation and selection of the programme

In a personal conversation with our agent Vladislav told us about his promising project to develop an electronic knee module - a new generation prosthesis that restores the lost functions of the affected organ. A foreign colleague, whom he had already told us about, offered him equity participation in a similar start-up project.

We offered the client to apply for residency under the ‘Talent Visa’ programme developed by the government to attract promising specialists to the country, but beforehand to conduct a legal audit of the project to assess possible risks.

Within 1 week our specialists collected all the technical documentation for Vladislav on the project he was interested in. After making a final decision we moved on to the next stage - preparation of estimates and collection of documents.

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit

Vladislav planned to move together with his wife Olga (29 years old, researcher) and minor son Egor (7 years old).

To apply to the French consulate we needed copies of the following documents with translation:

• all pages of the internal and foreign passport;
• marriage and birth certificates of the child;
• completed application forms in 2 copies;
• bank statements confirming the availability of sufficient funds to live in the country (minimum 20,000€ per main applicant);
• copies of educational diplomas.

We then proceeded to have the documents apostilled. Next, the agent contacted a representative of the French company to conclude a shareholding agreement. We also attached the document arguing the reason to apply for a visa to the case. After paying the consular and service fee (225€) we submitted the application for consideration to the French Consulate in the Russian Federation, having warned Vladislav about approximate waiting time - maximum 2 months.

A positive decision on the application came 1.5 months later, along with an entry permit. Our client and his family flew to Paris within a week, where he immediately applied to the OFII immigration service for registration. In parallel, we took care of obtaining medical insurance and opening a bank account for Vladislav in a French bank, where the client transferred 300 000 € to fulfil the financial condition of the investment. After that the bioengineer applied to the local prefecture for a residence permit.

After another 2 weeks Vladislav and his wife were invited to the visa centre to submit biometric data and receive plastic residence cards for 4 years.

Advantages of ‘Talent Visa’

Long-term visa ‘Passport Talent’ gives candidates the following advantages:

1. the possibility of obtaining residency status for all family members;
2. minimum income verification requirements - 20 000 € per 1 applicant;
3. family members get the right to work, run a business and receive free school education in the country;
4. free movement within the EU countries;
5. the right to obtain a French passport upon naturalisation.

French Tech Visa is one of the most affordable ways to obtain French residency. To participate in the programme foreign specialists from the sphere of management and business can choose 1 of 4 directions:

• Starting your own company - requires an investment of at least 30,000€, a business plan for the future development of the project, a Master's degree or at least 5 years;
• experience in a similar field; investing 300,000€ or more in an existing company on an equity or loan basis - will be required to maintain or create jobs for local employees throughout the duration of the visa;
• launching your own innovative project - you will need to obtain approval from the authorities and prove your wealth (minimum income per person in France for 2022 is at least 1498€/month);
• employment in a French company as an authorised representative - the candidate must have at least 3 months of work experience in a similar position, obtain a power of attorney to carry out his activities and have an annual income of at least 55 000 €.

Also eligible for a French residence permit are:

1. professionals of young innovative companies and employees transferred to international branches, with an annual income of at least 33,000-37,000€;
2. scientists and researchers with a master's degree, going on long-term business trips for scientific research on the basis of foreign enterprises of science or higher education institutions;
3. highly qualified employees of European Blue Card level with a 1-year contract and an annual income of at least 53,000€;
4. outstanding cultural and sports figures with a certificate of international recognition.

All of them can apply for a long-term visa for 4 years with the possibility of extension, and after 5 years of permanent residence in the country to apply for permanent residence in France. After 10 years, residents may consider French citizenship.

Interested in ways of obtaining residence permit in Europe? Contact GARANT IN agency. Our managers will find the best solution for you that suits your goals and budget!