Artists, entrepreneurs, and scientists have the opportunity to live and work in France by obtaining a "Passport of Talent". Designed to boost the economy, this visa allows foreigners to live and work in the country for the first four years. Find out what the French Talent Passport is and everything you need to know about the four-year visa

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Talent visa in France is a special residence permit that entitles artists, entrepreneurs, scientists and other categories of foreigners to live and work in France for a minimum period of four years. This type of visa was launched in 2017 to stimulate the development of the economy.

Who has the right to issue a Talent Passport and what are the features of obtaining the document? All useful information is further in our guide.

Who has the right to apply for a Talent Passport in France?

Citizens of non-EU countries can obtain a French Talent Passport if they make a significant contribution to the economy or culture of France, for example:

- Highly qualified workers - researchers who have a master's degree, artists and artists, as well as people famous in the field of science, literature, art, education or sports.

- Foreign investors and business founders who invest at least 30,000 euros in the French economy are also eligible to apply, but only if they have a master's degree or five years of professional experience.

- Employees or founders of an innovative enterprise, if it is recognized by a French public authority.

- Employees seconded to France by an international company with the appropriate level of qualification.

What is the minimum wage for applying for a Talent Passport?

The minimum salary threshold for issuing a Talent Passport depends on the category to which the foreigner belongs:

- Employees of innovative enterprises and those who work in companies whose activities are related to national or international reputation - not less than the equivalent of the official minimum wage in France (currently 1399 euros per month).

- Employees of international companies - the salary level must exceed the minimum by 1.8 times (2518 euros).

- Highly skilled workers - the salary level must be 1.5 times the average gross salary in France, which is currently €35,891 per year (the permit fee is €53,836 per year).

- Employees holding corporate positions in a French company must have a salary equal to three times the minimum wage, i.e. 4,200 euros.

- Workers in the cultural sector must provide proof of their financial resources equivalent to 70% of the minimum wage for each month of their stay in France (currently €979 per month).

Do you need to speak French to get a Talent Passport?

France has recently introduced stricter requirements for obtaining residence permits, raising the required level of French language proficiency:

- For resident cards and multi-year residence cards – the level was increased from A1 (beginner) to A2 (below average level).

- For the 10-year resident card, it was upgraded from A2 to B1 (lower intermediate level).

Applicants must pass a test to confirm their language skills.

However, you do not need to confirm your level of French language proficiency to obtain a Talent Passport.

Where to apply for a Talent Passport in France?

If you are sure that you meet all the requirements for obtaining a Talent Passport, you can start the application process:

- Foreigners living outside of France should contact the French consulate in their country of residence.

- If you are already in France, you must apply online and make sure you do it 2-4 months before your current residence permit expires.

The fee for issuing a permit is 225 euros.

List of documents for the French Talent Passport

For applicants of all categories, there are four main documents that must be present at the time of application:

- Long-term visa or valid residence permit.

- Your passport (indicating your personal details, expiry dates and any entry stamps or visas).

- Address confirmation less than 6 months old.

- Three photos: If you are applying online, use the electronic photo code provided by the photographer.

Also, depending on which category your application belongs to, you must have additional documents: a letter from the employer, an employment contract, diplomas, a certificate of salary level, documents on the launch of an innovative enterprise, etc.

Is it possible to move to France with the family on the basis of the Talent Passport?

On the basis of the Talent Passport, a foreigner has the right to move to France with his family. Spouses and children of expats will receive multi-year residence permits, which entitle those over 18 to work in the country.

The document can be issued at the local police station upon arrival in France.

How long does it take to issue a Talent Passport in France?

To apply for a Talent Passport, your employment contract and period of stay in France must exceed three months.

Highly qualified employees must have a minimum one-year contract.

You can apply for a multi-year residence permit for up to four years within two months of your arrival in France.

The talent passport can be renewed every 4 years, provided that the foreigner continues to meet the requirements regarding the level of salary and the type of work performed.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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