Obtaining a "Talent Passport" for a Tech Entrepreneur

Ivan L., 38, a successful entrepreneur from Saint Petersburg, turned to GARANT.in at the beginning of 2024.

Ivan is the founder of a startup specializing in artificial intelligence, focusing on developing automated data analysis systems for medical institutions. His project has already gained recognition in Russia and several CIS countries, becoming a sought-after tool for optimizing healthcare processes.

Ivan initially considered expanding his business abroad, choosing France as a priority destination due to its robust innovation ecosystem. When he sought assistance, he had already signed several preliminary agreements with European partners, making relocation particularly relevant.

Ivan's Main Goals:

1. Obtaining a long-term residence permit in France for his entire family (his wife and 7-year-old son).
2. We are establishing a company branch in Paris to enter the European market and expand partnerships.
3. Accessing France’s unique innovation ecosystem, including participation in programs like La French Tech, to scale his business.
4. Ensuring a high-quality education for his son, enrolling him in an international school with an advanced French curriculum.

Planning and Choosing a Program

After carefully analyzing Ivan's needs, GARANT.in's legal team recommended applying under the “Talent Passport” program. This program perfectly matched his goals and offered several advantages.

Key Features of the Talent Passport Program:

• A long-term residence permit valid for 4 years, with the possibility of renewal. This status eliminated the need for frequent renewal applications, saving time and effort.
• Work and business rights. Ivan could not only register a branch of his company but also fully develop its activities in France—a crucial step for entering the European market.
• Family inclusion in the application. Ivan's wife received permission for official employment, while their son was granted the right to free education in one of France's top public schools, easing the family’s adaptation process.
• Access to startup support. Ivan gained opportunities to join innovation support programs, including grants and consultations through La French Tech.

The Talent Passport program enabled Ivan to address his professional goals while creating favorable conditions for his family. Together with GARANT.in lawyers, a step-by-step strategy was developed, considering all nuances related to relocation, company registration, and family integration into their new environment.

Why France?

France offers a unique ecosystem for startups and innovative businesses. The country boasts support programs for highly skilled professionals, access to venture capital, and modern hubs for tech companies. Additionally, French residency status granted Ivan and his family visa-free travel across the Schengen zone, a valuable advantage for both business trips and leisure.

Process Overview

Preparation for Application

GARANT.in lawyers conducted a preliminary review to ensure Ivan met all criteria for the Talent Passport program. Key focus areas included:

• Confirming Ivan’s status as the founder of an innovative business contributing to the French economy.
• Providing a detailed business plan justifying the company's operations in France.
• Demonstrating the family’s financial stability to cover living and integration expenses.

Evidence submitted by Ivan:

• A registered company in Russia that had completed several AI projects.
• Contracts with European partners confirming plans for business expansion.
• Publications in international media highlighting his innovative developments, along with industry recognition for his company.

Simultaneously, Ivan began preparing his family for relocation, including selecting a school for his son and studying French.

Document Collection

The legal team compiled and verified the entire package of required documents for submission, including:

• Passports of all family members.
• Marriage and child birth certificates.
• A comprehensive business plan detailing the company's activities, goals, and potential benefits to the French economy.
• Financial documents such as bank statements and tax returns to prove the family’s financial stability.
• Ivan’s portfolio, including professional achievements, awards, and publications.
• Letters of support from partners, industry experts, and organizations confirming the project's significance for France’s economy and innovation sector.

All documents were translated into French by a certified translator, notarized, and reviewed by French lawyers to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Application Submission and Interview

In May 2024, the prepared documents were submitted to the French consulate. Ivan attended an interview where he presented his project and explained its significance to France’s economy and innovation ecosystem.

During the meeting, Ivan elaborated on the advantages of his solutions for medical institutions, addressed questions about his business plan, and outlined his strategy for entering the European market. Thanks to thorough preparation by GARANT.in, the interview was successful.

Review and Approval

The review process took 1.5 months, during which French authorities examined the documents, business plan, and Ivan’s credentials as an entrepreneur. In July 2024, Ivan received a positive decision, and his wife and son were issued visas marked “accompanying family.”

This milestone was a significant step toward integrating the family into French society and achieving Ivan's ambitious business goals.

Results

Obtaining the Talent Passport Residence Permit

Ivan and his family successfully received a 4-year long-term residence permit. This status provided a wide range of opportunities, including the right to live, work, and study legally, as well as visa-free travel across the Schengen zone. With this, Ivan could focus on business development without being distracted by bureaucratic processes.

Company Registration and Operations

With support from GARANT.in, Ivan registered a branch of his company in Paris within just a few weeks. Bank accounts were opened, initial contracts with local partners were signed, and business scaling on the European market began. Early projects in France gained the attention of major industry players, significantly boosting brand recognition.

Integration into the Innovation Ecosystem

Ivan officially joined the La French Tech program, gaining access to government grants, venture capital, and various innovation initiatives. Within months, he secured a grant for startup development and began collaborating with local research centers, elevating his company’s technological capabilities.

Family Integration

The relocation marked an important milestone for the entire family. Ivan’s wife secured a position as an analyst at a prestigious consulting firm, fulfilling her professional ambitions and accelerating her adaptation. Their son enrolled in an international school with an advanced French and English curriculum quickly made friends and participated in school projects related to robotics.

Conclusion

GARANT.in lawyers helped Ivan achieve all his goals:

• Secure a long-term Talent Passport residence permit for his entire family.
• Register a company in France and establish partnerships with local businesses.
• Integrate into the country’s innovation ecosystem.
• Create comfortable living and working conditions for each family member.

Client Testimonial:

"I want to express my immense gratitude to the entire GARANT.in the team for their work! Relocating to another country, especially with a family, can be daunting and complex, but with your support, everything went surprisingly smoothly. You not only helped with the residence permit but also guided us through every step—from company registration to choosing a school for my son. Thanks to you, I can develop my business in Europe, and my family feels at home here. I highly recommend you to anyone looking to explore new horizons. Thank you for your professionalism and attention to detail!" – Ivan L.

If you want to learn more about the Talent Passport program and receive professional support, contact us. We’ll help you bring your dreams of living and working in Europe to life!