Talent passport in France: a detailed guide for foreigners 2026

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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The Talent Visa in France is a special residence permit that grants entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and other categories of foreign nationals the right to live and work in France for up to four years. The program was launched in 2017 to stimulate economic development and attract qualified professionals from abroad.

In June 2025, Decree No. 2025-539 came into effect, significantly changing the program’s structure. In particular, the word “passport” was removed from the official name—the permit is now simply called “Talent” (previously “Passeport Talent”). In addition, applicant categories were reorganized, and salary thresholds were recalculated using a new methodology.

Who is eligible to apply, and what are the specifics of obtaining the permit? All the useful information is provided below.

Are you planning to move to France under the Talent program?

The immigration guide from the Visit World portal contains step-by-step instructions for applying for a residence permit, current document requirements, and advice on choosing a category.

Who is eligible to apply for a Talent visa in France?

Non-EU citizens may apply for a French Talent visa, provided they will make a significant contribution to France’s economy or culture.

Following the 2025 reform, the categories of applicants have been reorganized. The main ones are:

1. Talent – salarié qualifié (qualified employee). This category includes highly qualified employees, recent graduates of French universities, employees transferred within a corporate group, and employees of young innovative companies.
2. Talent – Carte Bleue Européenne (European Blue Card). Intended for professionals with a higher education degree (at least a bachelor’s degree or 5 years of relevant professional experience) and a high salary.
3. Talent – Porteur de projet (Project Leader). This category brings together investors, leaders of innovative projects, and business founders. Investors must invest at least 30,000 euros in the French economy and hold a master’s degree or have five years of professional experience.
4. Talent – Chercheur (Researcher). For researchers who hold a master’s degree and have a signed hosting agreement with a French research institution.
5. Talent – Profession médicale et de la pharmacie (medical and pharmaceutical professionals). A new category introduced by the 2025 reform for doctors and pharmacists.
6. Talent for professionals in the fields of culture and sports. Artists and athletes who are well-known in their respective fields are also eligible to apply.

Details about the legalization process in France starting in 2026 — read more here.

Minimum salary requirement for applying for a Talent visa to France

The 2025 reform changed the method for calculating salary thresholds. Previously, the minimum salary for most categories was calculated based on the SMIC (minimum wage). Now, the basis is a fixed average annual gross salary figure, which is set annually by order of the Minister of Immigration.

As of 2026, this figure is €39,582 gross per year (decree dated August 29, 2025).

Main salary thresholds:

• Skilled Worker (Talent – salarié qualifié): a minimum of 39,582 € gross per year (equal to the average annual figure).
• European Blue Card (Talent – Carte Bleue Européenne): minimum of 59,373 € gross per year (1.5 times the average).

For other categories (project leaders, researchers, cultural workers), salary requirements vary depending on the nature of the work.

The current thresholds for each category are listed on the official website france-visas.gouv.fr.

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Is knowledge of French required to obtain a Talent Visa?

France recently raised the French language proficiency requirements for certain types of residence permits:

• For residence cards and multi-year residence permits, the level has been raised from A1 (beginner) to A2 (below intermediate).
• For the 10-year residence card, the level has been raised from A2 to B1 (lower intermediate).

Applicants must take a test to confirm their language proficiency.

However, proving French language proficiency is not currently required to obtain a talent visa.

Everything you need to know about student visas for France — find it here.

Where can you apply for a talent visa in France?

The application process depends on the applicant’s location:

• Foreign nationals residing outside France must contact the French consulate in their country of residence.
• Foreign nationals already in France must submit their application online at least 2–4 months before their current residence permit expires.

The processing fee is 225 euros.

For applicants for the European Blue Card, following the 2025 reform, shorter processing times are in effect: applications from family members submitted simultaneously with the main applicant are processed within 90 days. For Blue Card holders from another EU country who are moving to France, the processing time is 30 days.

By the way, we previously reported that France is raising tuition fees for non-EU students in 2026.

List of documents required to apply for a Talent Visa in France

For applicants in all categories, there are four main documents that must be provided when submitting an application:

• A long-term visa or a valid residence permit.
• Passport (showing personal information, expiration date, and any entry stamps or visas).
• Proof of address issued within the last 6 months.
• Three photographs: when applying online, use the digital photo code provided by the photographer.

Additionally, depending on the application category, you must provide supplementary documents: a letter from the employer, an employment contract, diplomas, proof of salary, documents regarding the launch of an innovative business, etc.

Can I move to France with my family on a Talent Visa?

A foreign national is entitled to move to France with their family on a Talent Visa. Spouses and children will receive multi-year residence permits, which allow individuals over the age of 18 to work in the country.

You can apply for this document at the local prefecture upon arrival in France.

For how long is a Talent Visa issued in France?

The employment contract and the period of stay in France must exceed three months. For the European Blue Card, the minimum contract duration is 6 months.

You can apply for a long-term residence permit valid for up to four years within two months of arriving in France. The card’s validity period corresponds to the contract term but does not exceed 4 years.

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

The process of applying for a talent visa requires careful preparation of documents and an understanding of the requirements, which are regularly updated. The immigration guide from the Visit World portal will help you navigate all the stages: from choosing the appropriate category to gathering the required documents and submitting your application.

Order the immigration guide on the Visit World website and prepare to move to France without unnecessary risks or wasted time!

Reminder! In our previous article, we reported that France is introducing a citizenship exam for foreigners starting in 2026.

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