What is the "Projet économique innovant"?
The Passeport Talent is France's multi-year residence permit for talent and economic contributors. The « projet économique innovant » category is designed for individuals who come to France to carry out an innovative economic project that has been recognised by a French public body. It is one of the most flexible routes for founders, deep-tech innovators and startup builders — issued for up to 4 years, renewable, and it lets your family join you under the linked « passeport talent (famille) » permit.
The crucial first step: for this category, the decisive requirement is recognition of your project by an eligible French public body. Securing that recognition — not the visa paperwork itself — is usually where applications are won or lost.
Eligibility Criteria
Core requirements
- Recognition by a public body: your innovative economic project is recognised by an eligible French public institution or programme.
- Genuinely innovative: the project is demonstrably innovative in its technology, business model or approach.
- Economic viability: evidence the project is viable and sustainable (business plan, funding, traction).
- Sufficient resources: personal financial resources at least equivalent to the annual French minimum wage (SMIC).
Who recognises an "innovative project"?
Recognition typically comes from public institutions and supported programmes, such as:
La French Tech
Membership or selection in a recognised French Tech programme or community.
Bpifrance
Support, labelling or funding from the French public investment bank.
Approved incubators
Selection by a recognised incubator, accelerator or innovation structure.
Public grants & labels
Public innovation funding, competitions or official innovation labels.
What the permit gives you
- A multi-year residence permit (up to 4 years), renewable.
- The right to carry out your project and work in France without a separate work authorisation.
- Family reunification from day one via the « passeport talent (famille) » permit for your spouse and children.
- A pathway towards a multi-year and long-term residence in France.
The process — step by step
- Secure recognition of your innovative project by an eligible public body (the key milestone).
- Prepare your dossier: recognition evidence, business plan, proof of resources and supporting documents.
- Apply for the long-stay visa / Passeport Talent at the French consulate or, if already in France, the préfecture.
- Arrival & validation in France, then renewal as your project develops.
Documents you will typically need
- Evidence of recognition / support from the eligible public body.
- A clear, innovation-focused business plan and viability evidence.
- Proof of financial resources (≥ annual SMIC).
- Passport, civil-status documents and standard application forms.
How we help
We are a specialist guidance and preparation service — we help you understand the criteria, position your project for recognition, and structure a compelling dossier. Specifically, we assist with:
- Mapping the right recognition route for your project and profile.
- Structuring your project narrative to highlight innovation and viability.
- Organising your evidence and supporting documents (you remain the author of your project materials).
- Planning the application timeline once recognition is obtained.
We provide preparation and coaching, not regulated legal representation. For formal immigration advice and submission, we work with regulated partners.
Exploring other routes? Compare the other Passeport Talent categories, the UK Innovator Founder Visa, or the UK Global Talent Visa for tech.
Free Tip Sheet: Pitching Your Innovative Project in France
Key considerations when presenting your innovative project to French public bodies for recognition under the Passeport Talent scheme.