France offers a wide range of visa options for talented professionals, entrepreneurs planning to start a start-up or innovative business, entrepreneurs looking to invest in a business, and creatives looking to contribute to the country's economic and cultural growth. The Talent Passport Visa is a specialised long-stay visa designed to attract highly skilled individuals from various sectors, including business, research, arts and innovation. Here is everything you need to know about the Talent Passport Visa, from eligibility requirements to the application process.

Introduction to the Talent Passport Visa
What is the Talent Passport Visa?
The Talent Passport Visa is a long-stay visa created by the French government to attract highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, artists and researchers to France. It provides an opportunity for talented individuals to live and work in France for an extended period of time, usually up to four years, with the option of renewal. This visa is tailored for those who expertise or innovative idea can contribute to the French economy, culture, or knowledge sectors. It's a flexible option that allows both professionals and their families to reside in France, with family members benefiting from residence permits and work rights.
Who is eligible for the Talent Passport Visa?
The Talent Passport Visa is aimed at individuals who meet specific professional and academic criteria. It's available to:
- Entrepreneurs planning to start or invest in a French business
- Highly qualified employees with a job offer from a French company
- Researchers and scientists undertaking academic projects or innovation
- Artists and performers recognised for their work
- Individuals with a proven international reputation in their field (arts, sports, literature, etc…)
- Recent graduates of French institutions or holders of specific academic degrees working in a highly specialised field
Categories under the Talent Passport Visa
There are several categories of the Talent Passport Visa, each tailored to different professions and activities:
- Highly qualified employee: For those with a job offer that meets the minimum salary requirement, often in management or specialised roles
- Entrepreneur/Innovator: For individuals who are starting or investing in a business that will contribute to the French economy
- Researcher/Scientist: For academics, scientists, and researchers with a project or a role at a French institution or company
- Artist/Performer: For individuals recognised for their contribution to arts, culture, or performance, including musicians, visual artists and filmmakers
- Economic investor: For those making significant financial investments in France either through business ventures or other forms of investment
- Recent graduate or young professional: For recent graduates of French institutions who plan to work in highly specialised fields
- Exceptional talent (art, sport, literature): For internationally recognised professionals in their respective fields who can demonstrate a significant contribution or expertise
Types of Talent Passport Visas
The Talent Passport Visa comes in several categories, tailored to different professional backgrounds and areas of expertise. Below are the key types of Talent Passport Visas and the specific criteria they each address:
Talent Passport for highly qualified workers: The visa is designed for individuals who have a job offer from a French company and meet the minimum salary requirement which is at least 58,160 € gross per year as of 2024. It's intended for high-level professionals such as executives, engineers, or specialists in fields like IT, finance and management. To qualify, applicants must hold advanced qualifications and demonstrate that their expertise aligns with the needs of the French employer.
Talent Passport for business creators: Entrepreneurs looking to start or manage a business in France can apply under this category. To qualify, several key requirements must be met:
- Business creation or takeover: The applicant must intent to either create a new business or take over an existing one on France.
- Minimum investment: A minimum investment of 30,000 € is required, which can be in the form of business capital or personal financial resources.
- Educational or professional qualifications: The applicant must have either a master's degree (or equivalent) or at least 5 years of professional experience relevant to the business field they plan to enter.
- Viable business plan: A well developed, viable business plan must be submitted. This plan should demonstrate the project's feasibility and its potential contribution to the French economy.
- Business permits (if applicable): If the business operates in a regulated industry, the necessary permits must be obtained before proceeding.
Talent Passport for artists and performers: This visa is aimed at artists, musicians, filmmakers and other professionals in the arts who wish to pursue their careers in France. Applicants need to demonstrate a significant career in their artistic field, supported by documentation such as contracts, awards or exhibitions. This category emphasises the cultural contribution the applicant will make in France.
Talent Passport for investors: This visa is designed for individuals who plan to make a substantial financial investment in France. To qualify under this category, the applicant must meet specific criteria such as:
- Investment requirement: The applicant must make a direct financial investment of at least 300,000 € in tangible or intangible assets in France. This investment can be made personally or through a company they control.
- Ownership stake: The applicant must hold at least 10% of the company's capital in which they are investing.
- Job creation: The investment must result in the creation or protection of jobs in France during four years following the investment. There is no specific number of jobs required, but the investment must demonstrate a significant economic impact and contribute to the growth and stability of the French economy.
Talent Passport for researchers: Researchers and scientists looking to work on projects in France can apply for this visa. To be eligible, the applicant must have a research or teaching agreement with a French institution, such as a university or research organisation. This category is ideal for those involved in scientific or technological projects that contribute to France's research landscape.
Talent Passport for recent graduates: This visa is designed for non-EU graduates who have completed higher education in France and wish to stay and work. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Degree from a French higher education institution: The applicant must have obtained a Master's degree or higher from a recognised French institution.
- Employment or business creation: The applicant must either have an employment contract with a French company that meets specific salary requirements. The gross annual salary must be at least twice the French minimum wage (SMIC), which is around 42,500 € per year as of 2024. Alternatively, the applicant may have a plan to create a business in France based on the qualifications obtained through their degree.
- Business plan (if creating a business): If the applicant intends to start a business, they must present a viable business plan. This plan should demonstrate the project's feasibility and its potential contribution to the French economy.
- Duration of employment or business plan: The employment contract or business plan should demonstrate a long-term commitment, as the Talent Passport for recent graduates can be granted for up to 4 years, with the possibility of renewal.
Talent Passport for economic innovation: The economic innovation visa is for individuals who are involved in innovative projects with significant economic potential. Entrepreneurs, startup founders or innovators can apply under this category. To qualify, applicants must meet the following key requirements:
- Innovative projects: The applicant must be carrying out or planning to carry out an innovative project in France. This project should be officially recognised as innovative by a public organisation, such as BpiFrance (the French public Investment Bank), or another qualified authority.
- Recognition of innovation: The project must be certified as innovative by a competent French authority. This can be achieved through certification from BpiFrance or a partnership with a business incubator or innovation cluster (pôle de compétitivité)
- Sufficient financial resources: The applicant must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves while developing their innovative project in France.
- Viable business plan: A viable business plan must be presented and should outline the innovative project's scope, its economic impact, and how it will contribute to the French economy.
- Employment or company creation: The applicant must either work for a company engaged in innovative activities or establish their own innovative business in France.
Planning to move to France but confused about visas? Book your VIP Visa & Relocation consultation today. Our expert will answer all your questions and help you avoid any headaches or pitfalls.
General eligibility requirements
To apply for a Talent Passport Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria that vary depending on the category of the visa. However, there are general requirements that all applicants must fulfil to be considered eligible. Below are the key criteria:
Proof of professional activity or talent
Applicants must demonstrate a recognised talent, skill, or professional activity relevant to the visa category they are applying for. This could range from artistic achievements to research publications or business ventures. The proof must show that the individual's skills or contributions will benefit France, whether in the cultural, economic or scientific sectors.
For example:
- Artists can provide contracts, awards, or exhibitions
- Researchers need to show research agreements
- Business creators must submit a viable business plan
Financial requirements
Applicants must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents during their stay in France. For entrepreneurs and business creators, this may include demonstrating personal or business investment capital. The specific financial requirements varies depending on the visa category:
- Highly qualified workers need a minimum annual salary of 58,160 € gross per year
- Investors must meet a required investment amount (see above)
- Recent graduates must show a sufficient income from their job offer (around 41,500 € per year)
Professional qualifications or experience
Most Talent Passport categories require applicants to have specific qualifications or professional experience.
For example:
- Highly qualified workers need to hold advanced degrees and several years of experience in their field
- Artists and performers should have documented experience and recognition in their field
- Researchers must hold qualifications relevant to their field and provide proof of previous work or academic accomplishments
Proof of French employment contract (if applicable)
For categories where employment in France is required, such as the Talent Passport for highly qualified workers and the Talent Passport for researcher, applicants must not only provide a valid French employment contract, but also ensure that the employer submits a demande d'autorisation de travail (work authorisation request). This essential step must be completed via the official French government platform here. The contract should clearly specify the duration of employment and confirm that the salary meets the minimum threshold for the applicable Talent Passport category.
Educational requirements (for recent graduates)
Applicants applying under the recent graduates category must have completed a master's degree or higher in France. In addition to educational credentials, they need a French job offer that aligns with their qualifications. The position should meet the financial and professional standards required for the Talent Passport Visa.
How to apply for the Talent Passport Visa
The process for applying for the Talent Passport Visa involves several steps and requires a careful compilation of the documents.
Document checklist
Before starting the application process, it's crucial to gather all necessary documents. Here is a general checklist that applies to most Talent Passport Visa categories:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport for at least three months after the visa's expiration date
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of resident for your stay in France. This can be demonstrated by one of the following compliant documents:
- A long-term rental agreement: This should commit the property owner for at least one year, although the tenant may give notice and leave with just one month's notice
- Proof of property ownership: This is shown through the acte de vente authentique (official deed of sale)
- Attestation d'hébergement: A letter from a friend or family member stating they are hosting you at their French address. You can generate the document here.
- Proof of professional activity or talent (contract, portfolios, business plans, certificates etc…)
- Financial proof such as bank statements, job offer, business capital
- Proof of health insurance with coverage for the duration of the stay
- Proof of qualifications or experience such as diplomas or professional certifications
- French employment contract if applicable
- Certified translations – see more on our article here.
Step-by-step application process
Here is the application process:
- Determine eligibility: Identify the correct Talent Passport category that fits your situation and ensure you meet the specific eligibility criteria for that visa type. If you are uncertain or would like some professional advice, you can book a consultation call with our relocation expert.
- Complete the application form: Fill out the official long-stay visa application form. The form is available on the France-Visas website.
- Submit the application: Attend your appointment and submit your completed application form along with the required documents. Ensure all originals and copies are submitted.
- Make an appointment: Schedule an appointment at your nearest French consulate. Some consulates subcontract this to private companies (VSF Global in the US, TLS-contact on the UK, etc.). But don't worry, it will always start on France-Visas and you'll get the proper link and process to book an in-person appointment.
- Provide biometric data: You will be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, during your application.
- Attend a visa interview: You will be required to attend a visa interview. Read our article on how to prepare for the visa interview here.
Where to apply
All applicants must submit their visa application through the official France-Visas online platform. This centralised system allows you to complete the application process, upload documents, and track your visa status. Once your online application is complete, you may need to schedule an appointment for biometric data collection, depending on your country of residence.
Planning to move to France but confused about visas? Book your VIP Visa & Relocation consultation today. Our expert will answer all your questions and help you avoid any headaches or pitfalls.
Common challenges and mistakes to avoid
Applying for the Talent Passport Visa can be a complex process, and even small mistakes can lead to delays or rejections. Here are some of the most common challenges applicants face and how to avoid them.
Misunderstanding document requirements: A common mistake applicants make is providing incorrect or incomplete documents, which can lead to visa rejections or delays. For example, when it comes to health insurance, many applicants mistakenly submit travel insurance, which is insufficient for long-term stays and can result in the visa being limited to six months or even rejected.
Additionally, proof of income can be another pitfall. If you are relying on non-French investment accounts like 401k or brokerage statements, these might confuse French consulates as they may not fully understand foreign financial schemes. It's important to provide clear and recognisable documents such as regular income statements or French banking accounts and make sure you are fully aware of the specific documents requirements for your visa category.
Delays due to incorrect translations: If your documents are not in French or English, a certified translation is sometimes required. One of the most common issues applicants face is submitting incorrect or uncertified translations, which can significantly delay the visa process.
Only translations done by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté) recognised by French authorities are accepted. Ensure that your translations are both accurate and officially certified. Always check with the French consulate or embassy for specific translation guidelines before submitting your application. You can read more on this on our article here.
Financial proof issues: Another common challenge is providing insufficient or unclear financial proof. Applicants often submit incomplete bank statements, outdated financial documents, or fail to demonstrate a steady source of income required for their stay in France.
For certain visa categories, like the Talent Passport for Investors or Highly Qualified Workers, it’s critical to present clear financial records showing that you have enough resources to live in France without government assistance. Make sure that all financial statements are up-to-date, complete, and, if necessary, translated into French. Failing to provide adequate financial proof can lead to visa denial.
FAQs about the Talent Passport Visa
How long does the Talent Passport Visa last?
The Talent Passport Visa is typically granted for an initial period of up to four years, depending on the specific category and the duration of your employment or professional activity in France. In addition to meeting the visa category requirements, the applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay. This can be shown through contracts, income from performances, or other relevant sources. After the initial period, you may apply for renewal or request a long-term residency permit, depending on your continued eligibility and circumstances in France.
Can I bring my family with the Talent Passport Visa?
Yes, the Talent Passport Visa allows you to bring your immediate family, including your spouse and dependent children, to France under the Family Accompanying Talent Passport (Passeport Talent Famille). Your family members will be granted a residence permit that allows them to live and, in some cases, work in France during your stay.
Can I change jobs or start a new business on this visa?
In some cases, yes. Depending on the type of Talent Passport Visa, you may have flexibility to change jobs or start a new business. For instance, the Talent Passport for Entrepreneurs or Talent Passport for Business Creators provides more freedom for professional changes. However, if your visa is tied to a specific employment contract, such as the Highly Qualified Workers Visa, you may need to notify French authorities or seek a visa amendment before changing roles.
What happens if my visa application is rejected?
If your visa application is rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision. The French consulate or embassy will provide a reason for rejection, and you can submit additional documents or corrections in response. It's crucial to address any issues promptly, such as missing documents or insufficient financial proof, to strengthen your appeal. Alternatively, you can reapply with a more complete application.
Join our LIVE webinars! Get your questions answered and gain valuable insights by participating in our engaging live sessions. Don’t miss out and register now!