2026 has only just begun, and we have already secured our first project approval of the year from DRIEETS for a family with a child.
Processing time — 3 working days.
In the context of tightening migration controls within the EU, such timeframes are rare. Below, we explain how the strategy was structured.
Initial Situation
The family had been living in Turkey for three years.
By the end of 2025, it became clear that they needed a stable European status with a transparent path to permanent residency and the ability to run a business.
The initial plan was to apply for a French residence permit under the “Visiteur” category.
However, after analyzing the case, we proposed a different strategy — Passeport Talent (business creation).
Why We Rejected the “Visiteur” Status
The “Visiteur” status:
- does not grant the right to work;
- limits business activity;
- is not a strategically strong long-term instrument.
In 2026, passive residency is no longer a universal solution.
The client is an experienced IT entrepreneur with a proven professional background.
Ignoring this asset would have been a strategic mistake.
Chosen Strategy: Passeport Talent — Company Creation
The “Passeport Talent” status provides:
- the right to conduct business in France;
- official employment within one’s own company;
- an accelerated path to long-term residency;
- the possibility to include family members in a single application file.
Under current conditions, this is one of the most sustainable legalization models.
Project Timeline
December 2025
— Development of a detailed business plan (sector: software development).
— Financial audit of the client and preparation of the complete application file.
Early January 2026
— Deposit of €30,000 capital to a French notary’s account.
January 19, 2026
— Submission of the project to the Ministry of Economy via the regional authority.
January 22, 2026
— Official DRIEETS approval received.
Processing time — 3 working days.
For comparison: the standard practice in recent years ranged from several weeks to several months.
Why This Case Is Particularly Relevant in 2026
With the launch of EES and ETIAS systems in the EU, the era of:
- “visa runners,”
- frequent exits to reset stay limits,
- semi-legal residence schemes in Europe
has effectively come to an end.
Today, only a full residence permit in a stable jurisdiction guarantees:
- freedom of movement;
- financial transparency;
- asset protection;
- a predictable legal status.
Current Dynamics for Passeport Talent
At the beginning of 2026, we are observing accelerated processing at the DRIEETS stage — from 8 to 48 hours.
However, as the number of applications increases toward spring, processing times will inevitably grow.
The market is responding to tighter controls — demand for strategic residence permit formats is rising sharply.
Conclusion
This case is not about “fast approval.”
It is about choosing the right strategy.
The client obtained:
- legal working status in France;
- a clear path toward permanent residency;
- a compliant platform for scaling an IT business;
- a stable jurisdiction for the family.
In 2026, those who win are not the ones looking for simple solutions, but those building a systematic legalization model.
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