Key Takeaways
• Talent Passport targets skilled non-EU professionals, offering 11 subcategories for living and working in France long-term.
• Applicants need a valid passport, proof of qualifications, job contract, and must pay fees totaling over €300 per person.
• Processing usually takes 10–12 weeks; successful applicants can bring family, and renew permits as long as conditions persist.
The Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) under the French Republic Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) is a special permit made to bring talented people from outside the European Union to France 🇫🇷. It helps France 🇫🇷 attract skilled workers, researchers, artists, businesspeople, and others who want to work or invest in France 🇫🇷 for more than three months. If you are not from a European Union country and want to live and work in France 🇫🇷 as a skilled professional, the Talent Passport is one of the best choices. This guide gives you all the details you need—from who can get it, what documents are needed, costs, timeframes, and the full step-by-step application process for all main Talent Passport groups.
What Is the Talent Passport (VLS-TS)?
The Talent Passport is a long-stay visa that also acts as a residence permit in some cases. It makes it simpler for highly-skilled non-EU nationals to live and work in France 🇫🇷 for a long time. If your stay will be 12 months or less, the VLS-TS works as both your visa and your first residence permit. For longer stays, you apply for a multi-year residence permit in France 🇫🇷 after you arrive.
There are different types of Talent Passport, covering:
- Qualified Employees (highly educated professionals)
- Recruitment in Innovative Companies (working for new or high-tech companies)
- Highly Skilled Employment (EU Blue Card holders)
- Researchers (doing scientific work)
- Business Investors (bringing money and jobs to France 🇫🇷)
- Innovative Economic Projects (starting a special new project recognized by French public authorities)
- Artists, performers, company managers, famous personalities, and more
Who Can Get a Talent Passport? Key Subcategories
Each subcategory has its own rules. Here’s a closer look at the main groups:
1. Qualified Employee
- Education: Must have a master’s degree (or similar)
- Work Contract: A job offer in France 🇫🇷 for at least 3 months
- Salary: At least €41,933 per year (before taxes)
- Other Conditions: No extra requirements
2. Recruitment in an Innovative Company
- Education: Same as Qualified Employee (master’s degree or similar)
- Work Contract: Tied to a job in research or development with an “innovative” company (officially recognized)
- Salary: At least €41,933 per year
- Other Conditions: Company must have government recognition as “innovative”
3. Highly Skilled Employment (EU Blue Card)
- Education/Experience: Three-year university degree OR five years’ professional experience
- Work Contract: Valid for at least 12 months
- Salary: At least €53,836.50 per year (before taxes)
- Special Rule: If you already have an EU Blue Card from another EU country and have lived there for 18 months, you can transfer to France 🇫🇷
4. Researcher
- Education: At least a master’s degree
- Work Contract: A hosting agreement with a French research institution
- Other Needs: Proof of the planned research period
5. Business Investor
- Investment: Direct investment in France 🇫🇷 of at least €300,000
- Other Needs: Show how your investment will create or save jobs
6. Innovative Economic Project
- Recognition: The project must be officially recognized as innovative by a public body
- Plan: Clear, detailed project plan
- Income: Sufficient money to cover at least the national minimum wage (SMIC) in France 🇫🇷
- Other Needs: Notification from the official public body
Other Categories
France 🇫🇷 also grants Talent Passports to artists, company heads, self-employed professionals, well-known personalities, and employees sent from overseas branches.
What Documents Do You Need?
Every applicant must provide certain documents and some specific to their category. The main items include:
- Valid passport (must not expire soon)
- Visa application form (fully filled out)
- Recent passport photos
- Education proof: Degree certificates or qualifications (if required)
- Work contract or agreement: Signed by the French employer or research host
- Salary/investment/documents: Like job offer, salary statements, investment receipts, or project recognitions
- Accommodation proof: Proof of where you will live in France 🇫🇷
- Health insurance: Needed for some categories
- Employer form (Cerfa n°15615*01): If required, filled out by your French employer
- For family: Marriage certificate, birth certificates for children, and proof family can join you
Note: Each subcategory has specific document needs. Always check the latest list at the France Visas official website.
Document Tips
- All papers must be in French or come with an approved translation.
- Photocopies and originals may both be required.
- Missing or unclear documents can slow down or stop your application.
How Much Does It Cost?
Applying for a French Republic Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) under the Talent Passport has several fees:
- Visa application fee: €99 (for each applicant, including children)
- Residence permit issuance tax: €200 (paid after approval)
- Stamp duty: €25 (paid along with residence permit tax)
- Spouse permit fee: €225
- Each dependent child’s visa fee: €99
Important: Sometimes, employers help pay these costs for qualified workers. Ask your French employer if they will cover any expenses.
How Long Does the Process Take?
From the time you submit your full application and documents, most people wait 10 to 12 weeks for a decision, but sometimes it can take up to 90 days. Delays are common if papers are missing or if authorities need extra information.
Tip: Be sure to check your email often and reply quickly if the embassy asks for anything else.
How Long Is the Talent Passport Valid?
It depends on your plans:
- Staying up to 1 year: You get the VLS-TS Talent Passport, which lasts for your stay (up to one year). You must validate this visa online within the first three months after arriving in France 🇫🇷.
- Staying more than 1 year: After arriving in France 🇫🇷, apply at the local prefecture for a multi-year residence permit. This permit will last as long as your job or project (up to four years). You can renew it if you still meet the rules.
Family: Family members—spouse and young children—get the right to live, work, and study in France 🇫🇷 for as long as your residence permit is valid.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Here is a simple step-by-step approach to help you apply for the Talent Passport under the French Republic Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS):
1. Find the Right Subcategory
- Use the France Visa Wizard online.
- Double-check if you fit into groups like Qualified Employee, EU Blue Card, Researcher, Investor, etc.
2. Gather All Your Papers
- Prepare all required documents listed above, plus anything specific to your subcategory.
- Get everything translated into French (if needed).
- Make clear copies and keep the originals ready.
3. Fill Out the Application and Apply Online
- Go to the France Visas portal.
- Complete the digital application form for the “Talent Passport” VLS-TS.
- Your French employer may need to submit some papers on your behalf.
4. Pay Application Fees
- When you send in your application, you must pay the visa fee (€99 per person) online or as instructed.
5. Set Up and Attend Your Embassy Appointment
- Book a meeting at the nearest French consulate or visa center.
- Go in person, bring all your documents, and answer questions if asked.
- A short interview may take place (not always, but be ready).
6. Wait for Decision
- Embassy staff check your information.
- Processing usually lasts 10–12 weeks but can be up to 90 days.
- Stay in touch with the consulate in case they need more information.
7. Get Your Talent Passport Visa
- On approval, collect your long-stay visa.
- Review all details for mistakes.
8. Enter France 🇫🇷 with Your Visa
- Bring your passport, visa, and key supporting documents when you enter the country.
9. Validate Your Visa/Apply for Multi-Year Card
- If your stay is up to one year: Go online (within three months of arrival) and validate your VLS-TS “Talent Passport” via the official French government website.
- If your stay is longer: After arrival, visit your local prefecture with all documents and apply for a multi-year residence permit. The length matches your work or project period but only up to four years.
10. Family Member Applications
- At the same time, family members (spouse and kids) can apply for their permits by submitting proof of family relationship.
- Their permits let them live, work, and study in France 🇫🇷 as long as yours is valid.
11. Renewal
- To keep your status, apply for renewal before your card expires.
- Show you still meet all the original conditions (job, research, investment, etc).
Summary Checklist – What You Need
- Valid passport
- Completed long-stay “Talent Passport” application form
- Recent photographs
- Proof of education/qualifications
- Work contract or agreement (signed)
- Salary/investment/project recognition proof
- Proof of where you’ll stay in France 🇫🇷
- Health insurance (if needed)
- Employer form Cerfa n°15615*01, if applicable
- Proof of family relationship (for dependents)
- Official translations (if your documents are not in French)
- Payment receipts for all required fees
Note: Always check the official government website for the latest updates and document lists.
Important Tips and Things to Avoid
- Be careful not to skip required documents, as this is the most common reason for delays.
- All documents must be true and correct. False or incomplete applications can lead to denial.
- Translate everything into French using a certified translator when necessary.
- Start early. The application and processing can take two to three months.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
- Problem: Missing document or translation → Fix: Check the embassy checklist twice before applying.
- Problem: Job contract not long enough or salary too low → Fix: Make sure job offer meets required minimums.
- Problem: Unrecognized university degree or employer → Fix: Get your degree or employer recognized before applying.
- Problem: Didn’t validate visa after arrival → Fix: Use the government’s online system as soon as possible (within 3 months).
What Happens After You Move to France 🇫🇷?
With your Talent Passport, you can:
- Work legally in France 🇫🇷 in your approved job or project
- Bring your family to live, work, and study with you
- Change employers, as long as your new job still fits your original subcategory rules
- Travel freely in and out of France 🇫🇷 as long as your permit is valid
- After several years, you may qualify for long-term residence or even French nationality if you meet other conditions
Where to Get More Help
If you have questions about the Talent Passport, you can:
- Visit the France Visas official site for up-to-date requirements, official forms, and contacts
- Call or email your local French consulate or embassy
- Seek advice from your future French employer’s human resources team
- For complex cases or urgent needs, consider getting help from legal or immigration professionals
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Talent Passport is becoming one of the most preferred routes to France 🇫🇷 for global talent in many sectors, thanks to its clear rules and the ability for family members to join and work.
Final Points to Remember
- The Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) under the French Republic Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) is a strong path for skilled professionals and investors who want to work, do research, or start projects in France 🇫🇷.
- The main steps are: pick your subcategory, gather all needed documents, apply online, attend your consulate visit, enter France 🇫🇷, validate your visa or get your multi-year residence permit, and renew on time.
- Family can join you right away and also get work and study rights.
- Double-check all details with the official France Visas portal to make sure nothing has changed before you apply.
Getting your Talent Passport can open new doors for you and your family in France 🇫🇷 if you plan ahead and follow every step with care.
Learn Today
Talent Passport → A French long-stay visa for highly skilled non-EU nationals, often granting the right to live and work in France.
VLS-TS → A French Long-Stay Visa that also functions as an initial residence permit for stays up to one year.
EU Blue Card → A permit for highly skilled non-EU professionals to live and work in EU countries, including special transfer rules to France.
Cerfa n°15615*01 → A standardized French government employer form, sometimes required for Talent Passport visa applications.
SMIC → The French national minimum wage, used as a reference for economic requirements under some Talent Passport subcategories.
This Article in a Nutshell
France’s Talent Passport empowers skilled professionals and investors to live, work, and innovate in France. With subcategories for employment, research, investment, and art, applicants must provide supporting documents and pay fees. The process, while detailed, enables families to accompany and offers a clear route toward long-term residence—or even French nationality.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• French Long-Stay Visa guide for international students
• French Republic Schengen Visa: Your Complete Guide to Type C
• Bruno Retailleau weighs stricter rules for French citizenship
• Mayotte faces new limits on birthright citizenship under French law
• TLScontact to Take Over French Visa Applications in U.S. Starting 2025
