Talent Passport: France’s Premium Skilled Worker Visa
The Passeport Talent is a multi-year residence permit (up to 4 years) designed to attract high-skilled workers, researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs. It offers 10 distinct categories, each with specific eligibility criteria.
10 Categories
| # | Category | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highly Qualified Employee | Salary ≥ 2× SMIC (~€43,000/yr) + Master’s degree |
| 2 | EU Blue Card | Salary ≥ 1.5× national average + diploma |
| 3 | Employee on Assignment | Intra-company transfer, salary ≥ 1.8× SMIC |
| 4 | Researcher | Hosting agreement from French research institution |
| 5 | Innovative Startup Founder | Incubator support (Station F, etc.) + viable project |
| 6 | Economic Investor | ≥ €300K direct investment + job creation |
| 7 | Company Director | Salary ≥ 3× SMIC + manage French company |
| 8 | Artistic/Cultural Talent | Professional artistic activity in France |
| 9 | Renowned Person | International reputation in science, arts, sport |
| 10 | French Tech Visa | Accepted by La French Tech-approved program |
Benefits
Duration: Up to 4 years (renewable). Family: Spouse receives automatic “Passeport Talent — Famille” with full work rights. No labor market test: Employer doesn’t need to prove no French candidate available. Multi-entry: Travel freely in/out of Schengen zone. Path to 10-year card: After 5 years of residence.
Application Process: Step by Step
From outside France: Apply at the French consulate in your country of residence. Required documents: valid passport, passport photos, proof of qualification (diplomas, work experience), employment contract or business plan, proof of financial resources, health insurance. Processing time: 2–6 weeks depending on consulate. From inside France: If you already hold a valid residence permit, apply at your local préfecture. Processing time: 2–4 months.
Salary Thresholds (2025–2026)
| Category | Minimum Salary | Approximate Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Qualified Employee | 2× SMIC | ~€43,000 |
| EU Blue Card | 1.5× national avg | ~€53,000 |
| Intra-company Transfer | 1.8× SMIC | ~€38,700 |
| Company Director | 3× SMIC | ~€64,500 |
| Economic Investor | N/A | €300K+ direct investment |
Family Rights
One of the Talent Passport’s strongest advantages: your spouse or partner receives an automatic “Passeport Talent — Famille” residence permit with full, unrestricted work rights. No separate work permit needed. No labor market test. No employer sponsorship required. Children receive residence rights and access to France’s free public education system immediately. The family permit is valid for the same duration as the primary holder’s permit.
Renewal and Path to Permanent Residency
Renewal is straightforward if you maintain the qualifying conditions. Apply at your préfecture 2–4 months before expiration. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may apply for a carte de résident (10-year renewable permit). Requirements: French language proficiency (B1 level minimum), stable and sufficient income, integration into French society (assessed through a citizenship interview). After 5 years of residence with the 10-year card, you may also apply for French citizenship (naturalization) — granting EU citizenship and visa-free access to 190+ countries.