What is the Talent Card for business creators?
France attracts many foreign entrepreneurs and international investors who wish to develop a business in Europe. To encourage international talent to settle in France, the government has introduced a specific residence permit known as the Talent Card.
This residence permit allows foreign entrepreneurs to create, invest in, or develop a business activity in France and reside legally in the country for several years.
In this context, starting a company in France is often an essential step. Certain legal formalities, such as the deposit of share capital, must be completed before the company can be officially registered.
A French notary can assist entrepreneurs in securing these legal steps and issuing the required certificate of deposit of funds.
The Talent Card – Business Creator or Investor is a multi-year residence permit granted to foreign nationals who wish to launch or develop a business activity in France.
This residence permit allows entrepreneurs to:
- live and work legally in France
- create or develop a business activity
- obtain a residence permit valid for up to four years
- facilitate the residence of family members in France
The objective of the Talent Card is to attract international entrepreneurs, investors, and innovative business projects to the French economy.
Can a foreigner start a company in France?
Yes. A foreign national can create a company in France even if they are not yet a resident.
Several corporate structures are commonly used by entrepreneurs, including:
- the Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS)
- the Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL)
Creating a company in France generally requires several legal steps:
- drafting the company’s articles of association
- depositing the share capital
- registering the company with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS)
Once the company is registered, the entrepreneur can continue the administrative procedures required for residence in France.
Share capital deposit: a mandatory step
When establishing a company in France, the founders must deposit the cash contributions forming the company’s share capital.
This deposit can be made with:
- a bank
- a notary
- or the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations
Once the funds are deposited, the depositary issues a certificate of deposit of funds, which is required for the company’s registration.
For foreign entrepreneurs, depositing the share capital with a notary can be particularly helpful when opening a business bank account in France is difficult or time-consuming.
Why deposit share capital with a French notary?
A notary in France is a public officer appointed by the State who guarantees the legal security of transactions.
In the context of company formation, a notary can:
- receive the funds corresponding to the company’s share capital
- issue a certificate of deposit of share capital
- ensure the legal security of the operation
- assist foreign entrepreneurs with administrative procedures
This solution is particularly useful for non-resident founders who face difficulties opening a bank account in France before their company is registered.
Starting a business in France and obtaining a Talent Card
Can a foreigner start a company in France?
Yes. Foreign nationals are allowed to start a company in France. However, they must comply with the legal formalities required for company formation, including the deposit of share capital and company registration.
Does creating a company allow you to obtain a Talent Card in France?
In certain situations, starting a company may allow a foreign entrepreneur to apply for the Talent Card. This residence permit is intended for individuals who plan to develop a genuine economic project in France.
How much share capital is required to start a company in France?
The minimum share capital depends on the legal structure chosen.
For example:
- a Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS) can be created with freely determined share capital
- a Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) can also be created with freely determined share capital
However, for certain residence permit applications such as the Talent Card, the business project may require a significant investment (in particular a business project investment of at least €30,000).
Can share capital be deposited with a notary?
Yes. Share capital can be deposited with:
- a bank
- a notary
- or the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations
The depositary will then issue a certificate of deposit of funds, which is required to register the company.
Why do foreign entrepreneurs use a notary to deposit share capital?
Foreign founders sometimes encounter difficulties opening a French business bank account before their company is registered.
Depositing the share capital with a notary allows them to:
- securely deposit the funds required for the company’s formation
- obtain the certificate of deposit needed for registration
- proceed with the creation of the company without banking delays
Create your company in France with the assistance of a notary
France offers a stable legal environment and attractive business opportunities for international entrepreneurs.
The public notary office Chassaint & Cerclé Notaires assists both French and international entrepreneurs with the deposit of share capital and the legal formalities required for company formation in France, helping secure their business projects.
This service allows you to securely deposit your funds and obtain the certificate required for company registration, even if you are not a resident in France.
Submit your share capital deposit request online and start your company formation process today. For more information, click here.
