France’s passeport talent (talent passport) is a visa option for people wishing to live and work in the country.
We look at what it involves and the types of workers who can obtain one.
Passeports talent are visas which make it easier for foreign workers to come to France and contribute to the country’s economy.
It is possible to obtain one if your work contract or the time you plan to spend in France is superior to three months.
The passeport talent is valid for a year, but after arriving in France, you will have three months to apply for a carte de séjour which corresponds to the terms of your visa, allowing you to stay for up to four consecutive years.
The visa can also enable your family to join you and get a multi-year carte de séjour.
Who can get a passeport talent?
Talent visas are granted to people “that are likely to make a significant or lasting contribution – directly or indirectly – to the development of the French economy, as well as its culture, science, sports through their skills and talents.”
Likely applicants are split into several categories:
Employees
- Employees of “young, innovative companies” - if your work will be directly linked to the company’s research and development and your salary will be equal to twice the French minimum wage (i.e. at least €39,494 per year currently).
- Highly-qualified employees - if your work contract is for a year or more and you have completed at least three years of study in higher education or have five years professional experience at a comparable level. In this case, your salary must be 1.5 times the average stated by the government each year (i.e. €35,891 since June 26, 2016).
- Employees of multinational groups - If you have been employed for at least three months by your company, and it belongs to an international group. You will be eligible for the passeport talent if you have an assignment to carry out in the French branch of the organisation. Your salary must be at least 1.8 times the annual French minimum wage.
- Higher education or research workers - If you have been asked to carry out an educational or research-based project lasting less than four years in a French higher education establishment. You must have at least a master’s degree.
- Performers - If you are going to be working for more than three months in France. You can either be employed or self-employed.
Self-employed workers
- Creating or taking control of a French business - You must invest at least €30,000 in the business, which can be commercial, artisanal or industrial. You must have at least a master’s degree or five years’ professional experience at a comparable level
- Investing in a French company - You may run the company or hold at least 30% of its capital. You will be planning on creating or saving jobs in the four years following your investment, which will be at least €300,000.
- Taking up a position as corporate officer in a French company - If you have been involved with the company for at least three months. Your salary must be equal to at least three times the annual French minimum wage.
- Engaging in an activity linked to your national or international reputation - This involves work in the worlds of science, literature, the arts, academia or sport. You must be in France for more than three months and prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
How does the application work?
If you are in the UK, you can start your application through the official visa service France Visas.
When applying for a passeport talent – either from a visa centre in your home country or at your local prefecture if you are already in France – the documents you must provide will likely include:
- Your passport
- Proof of address from the last six months
- Three photos of yourself
- The Cerfa n૦15614 form filled in by your employer (if you are employed)
- Your work contract
- Proof of your qualifications
- Any other documents relevant to your offer of employment
- Proof of funds
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Proof of healthcare cover of up to €30,000 for your stay in France
However, the evidence required will vary depending on your situation.
The application process reportedly costs €296 altogether.
EU citizens are, of course, exempt from visa requirements.
You can find out more about passeports talent on the French visa service website.
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