Talent - Qualified Employee (Passeport Talent - Salarie Qualifie)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- 2-6 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 99 (visa) + EUR 225 (residence card: EUR 200 tax + EUR 25 stamp duty)
- Validity
- Up to 4 years (aligned with contract duration)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For skilled workers or recent graduates hired by a French company. As of 2025/2026, the category is called 'Talent - Qualified Employee' (the word 'Passport' was removed from the name). Minimum gross salary: EUR 39,582/year. Requires a master's degree or equivalent, and a permanent or fixed-term (3+ months) contract with a French employer. No separate work permit (autorisation de travail) needed. Spouse receives 'Talent - Family' card with full work rights.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
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Employment
Must hold a permanent or fixed-term (3+ months) employment contract with a French employer offering minimum gross salary of EUR 39,582/year
Required status: Employed by French company
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Financial
Salary must meet or exceed EUR 39,582 gross per year (2026 threshold)
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 15
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Employment contract showing salary; Minimum amount: EUR 39,582 gross annual salary (2026 threshold)
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Long-stay visa application form; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 99
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Degree attestation
Attesting authority: ENIC-NARIC France or equivalent national authority; Must be apostilled: Yes
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
How to apply
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Online application
Start visa application on France-Visas and employer submits work authorization request if required.
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Document gathering
Prepare employment contract, degree certificates (translated and apostilled), CV, passport, and photos.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at French consulate.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 99 visa fee.
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Document submission
Submit complete application at consulate.
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Processing wait
Processing takes 2-6 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect VLS-TS visa. Validate online within 3 months of arrival. Apply for multi-year Talent residence card within 2 months of arrival at prefecture (EUR 225 fee).