The French talent passport is a type of residence permit designed for non-European foreign employees and self-employed individuals who wish to come to the country for different work purposes. As an EU blue card for France, this permit allows the holder to remain for medium to long periods of time to work in Paris or another French city.
Those who wish to move to France for work purposes and qualify for the French talent passport can reach out to our team of immigration lawyers as needed in order to receive personalized information about their situation.
| Short Facts | |
|---|---|
| Definition | Multi-year residence permit for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and researchers who want to live and work in France. |
| Eligible categories | – qualified employees, – founders, – investors, – artists, – researchers, – intra-company transferees. |
| Minimum contract length (Yes/No) | Yes, applies only to contracts or projects longer than three months. |
| Duration and renewal | Valid up to four years and renewable if activity continues. |
| Salary or funding threshold (Yes/No) | Yes, some categories require a minimum salary around €39,500/year. |
| Family members | Spouse and children can usually join under simplified procedures. |
| Required documents | – passport, – work contract, – diplomas, – income proof, – housing proof, – insurance, – ID photos. |
| Application location | Abroad, via embassies, or in France, via Digital Administration for Foreign Nationals in France (ANEF) or prefecture. |
| Interview requirement | Some applicants may be invited to attend an interview at the prefecture or consulate for verification of documents. |
| Processing time | Usually a few weeks to several months |
| Fees and costs | Fees apply for visa or residence application, translation (if needed) or medical expenses. |
| Work authorization (Yes/No) | Yes, allows work in the approved role without extra permits. |
| Biometric data collection | Fingerprints and a digital photo are collected as part of the residence card issuance process. |
| Path to permanent residence | Possible after about five years of continuous legal stay |
| Immigration assistance | Our French lawyers provide full legal support for talent passport applications and renewals. |
Table of Contents
Who can qualify for the French talent passport?
The French talent passport (residence permit) is designed for employees categorized in 9 specific professional activities:
- qualified employees;
- highly skilled employees;
- researchers;
- company creation;
- innovative projects;
- investors;
- social agents;
- artistic professions;
- persons of international renown.
Our specialized immigration attorneys in France can offer additional support regarding the application for the French talent passport and the categories involved. Plus, you can also explore this infographic:
Conditions for self-employed individuals
The conditions that are required for applicants include: having a relevant diploma, an employment agreement of a certain duration, as well as a gross annual remuneration of a certain amount.
The talent passport in France was created in order to increase the country’s economic attractiveness. This means that it is suitable not only for employees, but also for self-employed foreign nationals. As a blue card for France, it will allow the holder to engage in remunerated activities. The following options are available to those who are working in a liberal profession or as self-employed:
- creating a business in France or taking control of an existing French company;
- making a direct economic investment that grants a lasting interest in the recipient company;
- engaging in an innovative economic project (conditions apply for the project to be recognized by a public body);
- taking up a corporate appointment in France, such as receiving a mandate to act as a company’s legal representative in France (subject to conditions).
Conditions for company investments in France
For those who wish to invest in France via a company, the following conditions apply:
- The investment is made through a company that is personally owned by the foreign national, or a company in which the applicant owns at least 30% of the capital;
- The company will create or maintain jobs within the next 4 years following the investment;
- The investment amount must be at least EUR 300,000 (in tangible or intangible assets).
The French talent passport can also apply in the case of individuals with national or international reputation, as well as performers or literary/artistic creators. Our team can give you details.
What are the documents needed for the talent passport in France?
The requirements for the talent passport in France depend on the type of activity or employment the individual will take up in the country. Therefore, in addition to certain standard application documents (such as the applicant’s identification documents), justificative documentation will include: relevant employment agreements, qualifications, proof of previous experience, and others.
Standard application in order to relocate to France through the talent passport, for all the categories, require the following documents:
- valid long-term visa or a residence permit;
- valid passport which includes: personal data, validity dates, entry stamps or visas, etc.;
- proof of address from the last 6 months;
- three passport size photos.
Moreover, based on the category of the application for the talent passport in France, additional documents are required for the specific field. For instance, a qualified employee is required to present: letter from the employee, employment contract, diploma and more. Our immigration attorneys in France are at your disposal in order to offer support regarding documentation for each category of the French talent passport.
Processing time of French talent passport
The processing time for the French talent passport is usually two weeks, however, we remind applicants that this time can vary if the submitted documentation is incomplete or incorrect. This is why we recommend reaching out to our immigration lawyers if you want to obtain residency in France based on this type of permit.
Data on immigration to France
Based on the country’s developing economy and cultural benefits, the immigration to France topic shows some impressive statistical data from the year 2024:
- There were 2,858,083 visas granted in total, an increase of 16,8% compared to 2023;
- The immigration authorities issued 336,700 first residence permits, an increase of 1,8% than in 2023;
- The primary residence permits in France were issued for educational reasons, representing 109,300 of the total.
Furthermore, non-European foreigners can apply for a French talent passport if they are qualified or highly skilled employees, as well as in other cases, as detailed in this article by our team specializing in immigration in France.
Our team also offers services to foreign nationals who are already living in France and wish to make their stay permanent by applying for citizenship in France. If this is your case, do not hesitate to reach out to us for details about the naturalization process. If you wish to know more about the French talent passport or if you require information about other types of visas or residence permits, please contact our immigration lawyers in France.
