Talent Passport France: Everything You Need to Know

What is a France Talent Passport?

The France Talent Passport is a long-stay visa designed to attract highly skilled foreign nationals to France, enabling them to live and work in the country for up to four years, with the possibility of renewal. It aims to support France's economic growth by inviting professionals, researchers, artists, and investors. The visa covers various categories, including skilled workers, researchers, company founders, artists, and investors, each with specific eligibility criteria tailored to their expertise and contributions .

Statistics indicate that the most popular categories are highly skilled employees and researchers, accounting for about 60% of all Talent Passports issued. The visa also benefits entrepreneurs, with around 10% of the visas granted to company founders and innovative project bearers. 

Benefits of France Talent Passport

The France Talent Passport, also known as the Passeport Talent or French Golden Visa, is a visa scheme designed to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators to France. Offering streamlined immigration procedures and a host of benefits, it aims to facilitate their integration into the French economy and society.

Streamlined Visa Process

The Talent Passport offers a simplified and expedited visa application process (3-4 months) compared to other French visa categories. This is particularly advantageous for skilled professionals who meet the criteria. 

Duration of Stay

Holders of the Talent Passport can initially stay in France for up to four years. This duration allows for longer-term planning and stability in both professional and personal lives. Furthermore, the Talent Passport can be renewed, providing an opportunity for an extended stay beyond the initial period.

Family Reunification

One of the significant advantages of the Talent Passport is the provision for family reunification. Spouses and dependent children of the main applicant can also obtain visas to join them in France, ensuring that families can stay together.

Employment Flexibility

Talent Passport holders have flexibility in their employment. They can change employers within the same occupational category without needing to obtain a new work permit. According to a survey conducted in France in October 2022, 40% of respondents believed they worked in a flexible environment, both in terms of location and schedule.

Path to Permanent Residency

After holding the Talent Passport for a specified period (often around five years), holders can apply for a long-term residency permit (Carte de Résident). This permit can eventually lead to French citizenship, providing a clear path for integration into French society.

Exemption from Labor Market Test

Holders of the Talent Passport are exempt from the usual labor market test requirement. This means that employers can hire them without needing to demonstrate that no suitable French or EU candidates are available for the position, simplifying the hiring process.

Access to Public Services

Talent Passport holders are entitled to access public services in France, including healthcare, education, and social services. This access is similar to that enjoyed by French citizens, ensuring a high quality of life for visa holders and their families. In France, healthcare spending per capita is approximately €4,300, and the country ranks 11th globally in healthcare efficiency.

Support for Entrepreneurs and Startups

The Talent Passport includes specific provisions for entrepreneurs and startup founders. It facilitates the creation and operation of businesses in France, encouraging innovation and economic growth. In 2023, France saw a record number of 995,000 new businesses registered, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. 

Networking and Professional Opportunities 

Holding a Talent Passport can open doors to professional networks and opportunities within France and across Europe. This can be particularly valuable for career advancement and building international connections. France is home to over 4,500 multinational companies, providing a vast array of networking possibilities. 

Cultural and Lifestyle Benefits

Living in France offers rich cultural experiences, a high standard of living, and access to diverse landscapes and activities. These lifestyle benefits complement the professional advantages of holding a Talent Passport.

Talent Passport Categories

The Talent Passport residence permit in France offers various categories tailored to different professional profiles, enhancing the country's economic appeal for skilled individuals and entrepreneurs who would like to live and work in France, while Financial Independent Person Visa holders do not have the right to work in the country. For qualified employees, possessing a degree equivalent to a Master's and earning an annual salary of around €41,933 or more qualifies for this permit. Those recruited by innovative companies involved in research and development can apply under the "innovative company" category, provided their role directly supports such projects with the same salary threshold.

Highly skilled individuals eligible for the EU Blue Card must hold a higher education diploma or equivalent professional experience, with an annual salary requirement of €53,836.50. Those transferring within an international group can secure a Talent Passport if employed for at least three months with a gross salary exceeding €37,739.52. Researchers collaborating with recognized French institutions can apply, contingent upon their academic qualifications and research objectives.

Entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses in France need either a Master's level degree or five years of relevant professional experience, with a credible business plan. Investors seeking residence based on economic contributions must invest a substantial amount in French companies, either directly or through ownership stakes. Professionals in cultural and artistic fields, as well as those with international renown, can also secure a Talent Passport based on their achievements and planned contributions to French society.

Overall, these categories cater to a wide spectrum of skilled individuals and entrepreneurs, reinforcing France's commitment to attracting talent and fostering economic growth through innovation and expertise.

For more information on the program's requirements, please see the section below.

France Talent Passport Requirements

The France Talent Passport program offers diverse pathways for skilled individuals and entrepreneurs to obtain residency based on specific criteria such as education level, employment engagement, and economic contribution. From highly skilled employment to innovative projects and cultural professions, the program aims to attract and retain talent vital to France's economic and cultural landscape.

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Documents Required for Talent Visa France

The France Talent Passport visa requires a comprehensive array of documents tailored to each category, ensuring that skilled professionals and entrepreneurs meet specific criteria for employment, business creation, research, and cultural activities in France.

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Talent Passport France Application Process

The process involves multiple steps and varies slightly depending on whether the applicant is applying from outside France or already resides in France. The overall application process looks like the following:

Step 1. Requesting Certification

First, the applicant needs to request a letter certifying the existence of a real and serious plan to form an economically viable business in France. This request is made online via a specific platform dedicated to the Talent Passport process. The applicant must submit various supporting documents to demonstrate that they meet the required criteria. 

Step 2. Submitting Applications

Applicants living outside France should submit their applications to the French consular authorities in their usual place of residence. The application process for a “Talent Passport” long-stay visa begins on the official France-visas website. Upon arrival in France, this visa allows the applicant to work immediately. The foreign talent must then apply for the relevant Talent Passport on a dedicated platform to finalize the residence permit application. Once the application is validated by the Prefecture, a certificate of approval will be issued, which acts as a temporary residence permit until the final permit is collected. Throughout the process, applicants can monitor the status of their application, respond to additional document requests, and review decisions made via their online account. For those already living in France under a different type of residence permit, they must apply for a change of status on the dedicated website, providing documentation to prove eligibility for the desired residence permit.

Step 3. Timing for Initiating the Procedure

The timing for initiating the procedure is crucial. Applicants living abroad should start no earlier than 3 months before their intended arrival date in France, while those already in France should begin the procedure 3 months before their current residence permit expires.

Step 4. Costs Involved

Applicants must pay a tax of €200 to the French Immigration and Citizenship Office (OFII) and a stamp duty of €25 when the permit is issued. Additionally, the long-stay visa authorizing entry into France costs €99, bringing the total administrative cost for obtaining the Talent Passport to €225.

Step 5. Extending Your Stay

Renewal applications must be submitted 3 months before the residence permit expires, with applicants required to show they still meet the original permit conditions, including proof of continued business activity and income equivalent to the SMIC (€21,203.00 as of January 1, 2024). The administrative cost for renewal is also €225. If there is a change in the professional status of the applicant, they can apply for a change of status 3 months before the current permit expires for a Talent Passport, or 2 months before for other permits. The new permit's eligibility requirements must be met and documented.

Step 6. Applying for a Residence Card

After 5 years of legal residence in France, foreign talents can apply for a resident card. This card is valid for ten years and can be renewed. It allows the holder to engage in any professional activity, provided they have the necessary qualifications if working in regulated professions. 

Talent Passport France Processing Time

The processing time for a Talent Passport in France can vary depending on several factors, including the backlog at the consulate or embassy where you apply and the specific category of the Talent Passport. Generally, the processing time can range from a few weeks to a few months. Here are some general guidelines:

• Preparation and Submission. Ensure all your documents are in order before submission. This step can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
• Application Review. Once submitted, the application review process typically takes between 2 to 8 weeks.
• Approval and Issuance. After approval, the issuance of the Talent Passport can take an additional 1 to 3 weeks.

It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of your intended travel date to accommodate any potential delays. 

Do I Need to Have Accommodation in France to Apply for a Talent Passport?

Yes, you need to have accommodation in France to apply for a Talent Passport. Providing evidence of accommodation is mandatory for the visa application process. This requirement ensures that you have a place to stay when you arrive in France and register your residence.

Does a Spouse Need to Apply Separately for a Talent Passport Visa?

No, a spouse does not need to apply separately for a Talent Passport visa in France. When you obtain a Talent Passport, your spouse can also benefit from a similar visa status. The Talent Passport visa includes provisions for accompanying family members, allowing them to join you in France under the "Talent Passport - Family" category.

What is the Salary Requirement for a Talent Passport in France?

To be eligible for the Talent Passport as a qualified employee in France, applicants must have a gross annual pay of at least €42,406, which is twice the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC) as of January 1, 2024. They must also hold either a permanent employment contract or a fixed-term employment contract for at least three months with an employer established in France. In addition, they need to possess a qualification equivalent to a master's degree obtained in France​. 

How Can Golden Harbors  Help You Get a Talent Passport in France?

Golden Harbors can provide expert assistance in navigating the Talent Passport process in France, ensuring you find the best path to align with your professional aspirations and personal goals. Our team offers personalized guidance throughout the entire process, from understanding eligibility criteria to handling all legal and administrative procedures.

Whether you are seeking to advance your career, work in a specialized field, or establish a business in France, Golden Harbors is your dedicated partner in achieving your relocation and professional objectives. We support you in gathering the necessary documentation, preparing for interviews, and liaising with French authorities to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Trust Golden Harbors to make your transition to working in France as seamless as possible, leveraging our expertise to help you secure your Talent Passport and embark on your new journey with confidence.