The multi-year “Talent Passport” residence permit is a residence permit intended for non-European foreign nationals who wish to work, start a business, or engage in a high value-added activity in France for a period of more than three months.

Created to enhance France’s economic, scientific, and cultural appeal, it offers a secure legal framework, simplified procedures, and extended rights, particularly for the holder’s family.

This comprehensive guide explains who is eligible, under what conditions, how to apply, and what to do if your application is rejected.

1. What is the “Talent Passport” residence permit?

The “Talent Passport” card is a multi-year residence permit, issued for a period of up to four years, allowing the holder to work without prior authorization.

It applies in particular to:

highly qualified employees,
foreign entrepreneurs and investors,
researchers, artists, and healthcare professionals,
people of national or international renown.

2. Major advantages of the Talent Passport card

A secure length of stay

The card is issued for the duration of the contract or professional project, up to a maximum of four years, with the possibility of renewal.

If the stay is less than one year, a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) “Talent Passport” is sufficient.

Exemption from work permit

The holder can work freely, without the employer having to apply for a separate work permit.

A simplified procedure for the family

The spouse and minor children benefit from the “Talent Passport – Family” scheme, which allows them to:

reside legally in France,
work without restriction,
without going through the traditional family reunification process.

3. Who is eligible for the Talent Passport?

A. Highly qualified employees and executives

Qualified employee

Degree at least equivalent to a master’s degree (or level 7 certification),
Gross annual salary ≥ €39,582.

European Blue Card

Minimum 3-year degree or 5 years of professional experience,
Contract ≥ 6 months,
Gross annual salary ≥ €59,373.

Employee of an innovative company

Recognized innovative company or JEI,
R&D functions,
Salary ≥ €39,582.

Employee on assignment (intra-group mobility)

Seniority ≥ 3 months in the group,
Salary ≥ €39,582.

B. Entrepreneurs, creators, and investors

Business creation

Master’s degree or 5 years of experience,
Real and serious economic project,
Investment ≥ €30,000,
Resources at least equivalent to the minimum wage.

Innovative economic project

Recognition by the Ministry of Economy,
Resources ≥ minimum wage.

Economic investor

Investment ≥ €300,000,
Commitment to create or maintain jobs,
Effective management or ownership of ≥ 30% of capital.

Corporate officer

Position held for at least 3 months,
Remuneration ≥ 3 times the minimum wage, i.e. €65,629.20.

C. Scientific, artistic, and medical profiles

Researcher

Host agreement,
Minimum remuneration of €2,200 (research stays).

Artists and cultural professions

Income ≥ 70% of the minimum wage,
Of which at least 51% must come from artistic activity.

Medical and pharmaceutical professions

License to practice,
Gross annual income ≥ €41,386.48.

National or international renown

Scientific, artistic, sporting, intellectual field,
Income ≥ minimum wage.

4. How to apply for the Talent Passport card?

From abroad

The application is made to the French consulate:

Stay < 12 months: VLS-TS “Talent Passport” to be validated online within 3 months,
Stay ≥ 12 months: 3-month visa + card application on the ANEF upon arrival.

From France