International groups often need to appoint a foreign executive as legal representative of their French subsidiary or branch. The “talent – corporate officer” multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour « talent – mandataire social ») is designed for this situation.
What the card allows
The card authorises you to reside in France and to carry out any commercial activity related to the corporate purpose of the company you represent. It is valid for up to four years.
Conditions
You must meet all of the following conditions:
- hold a position of legal representative (for example président, directeur général, gérant) in an establishment or company established in France;
- justify at least three months’ prior work as an employee or corporate officer in an establishment or company of the same group;
- receive a gross annual remuneration of at least three times the minimum wage, i.e. €67,212.60 in 2026.
Note: this threshold follows the minimum wage. Figures published in earlier years (for example €65,629.20) are no longer up to date.
Documents to prepare
In addition to the usual documents (valid visa or residence permit, passport, proof of address less than six months old, e-photo code, signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic), service-public.fr lists:
- proof of your position as corporate officer in an establishment or company established in France;
- proof of your status as employee or corporate officer for more than three months in an establishment or company of the same group;
- proof of resources at least equal to three times the minimum wage (€67,212.60 gross per year).
In practice, the appointment decision, the company’s Kbis extract and documents showing the group link are the usual way to provide this proof.
The procedure
- From abroad: visa application at the French consulate, then validation of the VLS-TS online (stay of less than 12 months) or application for the card on ANEF after arrival (stay of 12 months or more).
- From France: online application on ANEF within two months of entry, or between four and two months before your current permit expires.
If the card is granted, the cost is €350 in tax stamps (€50 stamp duty + €300 tax).
Family
Your spouse and minor children can obtain a “talent – family” card through the simplified “accompanying family” procedure.
Points to watch
- Remuneration paid by the French entity: make sure the corporate decision clearly sets the amount, and that it reaches the threshold on an annual basis.
- Corporate officer and employee at the same time: if you also have an employment contract, the overall structure must be analysed, as another talent category may be more suitable.
- Group link: the group relationship (shareholding, control) must be clearly documented.
Refusal
Since 30 October 2026, the prefecture’s silence is deemed a refusal after 90 days from a complete application as a general rule (decree no. 2026-1001 of 26 October 2026; previously four months). You then have two months to challenge it.
Source: Service-public.fr – Carte talent (checked on 3 November 2026).
Need help with your application?
FATOU BABOU AVOCAT assists employees, entrepreneurs, investors and companies with every step of business immigration to France: eligibility analysis, preparation of the application, follow-up with the consulate or the prefecture, and appeals in the event of refusal.
- Bordeaux office: 11 rue Galin, 33100 Bordeaux, France – +33 9 85 40 18 64 – contact@legalfb-avocat.fr
- Dakar office: 14 rue Woro Fila, Fann Hock, Dakar, Senegal – +221 77 173 69 05 / +221 33 844 29 16 – contact@fbavocat-sn.com
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and amounts change regularly: always check your own situation with a lawyer.