France rolls out technology visa to attract international talent

France rolled out a technology visa on 15 June with the intent to lure international talent to its shores. Emmanuel Macron, the French President, described briefly at the Viva Tech conference on how his government would cut down complex regulation to make it easier for foreign talent to come and work and to lend assistance to start-ups with financial assistance in a bid to facilitate the creation of world-class companies. Having a validity of four years, this visa would be issued to employees, investors and founders of start-ups. In addition, it would be a quick procedure to secure a residence permit in France. Christened the ‘Talent Passport’, it would also be extended to the close family members of the skilled workers. Macron was quoted by CNBC as telling it that he wanted France to draw new entrepreneurs, new researchers so that it would become a nation of start-ups and innovation. He wanted this West European country to be a country of unicorns. Macron said that many talented French were leaving the country as the ecosystem was not that attractive. The strategy to adopt is training and retaining talent in the country, he said. Macron submitted another proposal known as a European Venture Fund that can aid start-ups as they grow. He concluded by saying that entrepreneur is the new France. If you want to migrate to France, get in touch with the leading immigration consultancy company, Y-Axis, to apply for a visa.