Most of the world's highly developed economies are facing a significant shortage of qualified personnel. To address the shortage of personnel, representatives of states are developing special visas, one of which is the talent visa. Find out what this permit is, which specialists can obtain a talent visa, and which countries offer this visa.

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The most talented artists, scientists, athletes and engineers who dream of an international career can easily build it abroad, provided that they apply for a talent visa. Read more about the features of obtaining a visa for talented professionals and the countries that offer the permit in this article.

What is a talent visa?

A talent visa is a special residence permit approved to attract qualified specialists working in the fields of economics, science, culture or technology and capable of making a significant contribution to the development of the host country.

The main goal of a talent visa is to strengthen the competitive advantages of the host country by attracting the best professionals and creating additional jobs.

What are the advantages of a talent visa?

1. Easy relocation.

Most procedures for applying for a talent visa provide for simplified application requirements and accelerated processing times compared to standard visas. Holders of this category of permits often receive priority service, which makes the move more comfortable and faster.

2. Moving to a country with a higher quality of life.

Holders of a talent visa after moving can use a first-class health, education and social protection system, as well as modern infrastructure, including advanced transport and technological systems.

3. The right to long-term residence.

After obtaining a talent visa, you can legally reside in the country for a long period of time (months, and often even years). Also, this category of experts has the right to extend the visa or obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit.

4. Career prospects.

A talent visa allows you to work in leading organizations, research centers, innovation hubs and universities of the new state. Holders of such visas can participate in large international projects, improve professional skills and develop their careers.

5. Recognition of merit.

The main condition for obtaining a visa is the presence of achievements in the chosen field. Thanks to this, visa holders gain easier access to leading employers and educational institutions.

6. The possibility of moving with family.

If the applicant receives a talent visa, he can move with family members. Moreover, the spouses of talent visa holders can obtain a work permit, and children - access to high-level education.

7. Simple employment procedure.

A talent visa holder can work in several organizations or enterprises.

8. Financial and tax benefits.

Some countries provide talent visa holders with preferential tax conditions and/or access to programs to support startups and innovative projects.

Who among the foreigners can get a talent visa?

The following categories of foreigners can apply for a talent visa:

1. Researchers and academics.

Outstanding scientists with significant publications, research, patents.

2. Entrepreneurs and investors.

Startup or innovative business leaders.

3. Technology experts.

IT, engineering and other STEM professionals.

4. Artists and cultural figures.

Musicians, artists, writers and other creative individuals with global recognition.

5. Professional athletes.

International-level athletes and coaches who can raise the sporting standards of the host country and enhance its reputation. For example, by participating in competitions, training local teams and individual athletes, including other talent visa holders.

Talent Visa Requirements for Foreigners

Only applicants who meet a strict list of criteria and confirm the professional uniqueness of their achievements can obtain a talent visa:

- Success in the professional field

The applicant for a talent visa must demonstrate the presence of achievements that distinguish him from his colleagues: scientific publications, patents, awards, results of large-scale projects. Some countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia, highlight specific areas in which achievements are especially valued: science, art, technology, sports.

- Availability of recommendations

Visa recipients must have recommendations from recognized experts in the same field and/or from respected organizations.

Talent Visa Application Package

Of course, each country has its own individual requirements for talent visa applicants, but there are also general requirements, in particular, the competence, uniqueness and contribution to progress on the part of a foreigner who wishes to obtain a talent visa must be documented:

1. Resume with an emphasis on key achievements.

2. Portfolio with examples of successful projects, publications, works.

3. Letters of recommendation from experts or organizations confirming the applicant's professional successes.

4. Evidence of awards and significant achievements:

- International or national awards.

- Publications in reputable publications, references to scientific works.

- Data on patents indicating the innovation of the visa applicant.

- Mentions in professional forums, in industry ratings.

5. Financial information

Documents confirming the level of income, if such a criterion applies to applicants for a talent visa.

6. Proof of education.

Diplomas, certificates or other proof of qualifications.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

How to get a talent visa? Step-by-step procedure

To get a talent visa, a foreigner will need to complete the following steps:

Step 1 – Select a country.

From the list of countries that offer a talent visa, select the state to which you would like to move. The list is below.

Step 2 – Assess your compliance with the requirements.

Make sure that you meet the appropriate level of qualifications and have the necessary achievements suitable for the selected country.

Step 3 – Collect a package of documents.

Prepare documents according to the list.

Step 4 – Submit an application.

Fill out the application form through the official portal or visit the consulate, pay the fees and upload the documents.

Step 5 – Attend an interview (if required).

Submit your professional plans and confirm that you meet the criteria in force in the country.

Step 6 – Receive your talent visa.

Once approved, your talent visa will be available for collection in the form of a sticker or other physical document. You may need to complete additional steps, including taking biometrics.

When can a talent visa be refused?

Most foreigners are refused a talent visa if they have:

- insufficient qualifications;

- errors in the documents;

- an incorrectly completed application.

That is why before applying, check the compliance with the requirements of the program in force in the selected country, prepare a complete package of documents, carefully fill out the application form, take into account the application deadlines and additional conditions.

Can I apply for a talent visa with my family?

You can apply for a talent visa with your family members: spouse, minor children.

A number of programs allow family members to not only reside in the country, but also work and study.

Which countries offer talent visas?

31 countries in the world offer talent visas:

- Australia – Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES);

- Australia – National Innovation Visa (subclass 858);

- Austria – Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte für Besonders Hochqualifizierte;

- Belgium – Professional Card for Self-employed;

- United Kingdom – Global Talent Visa;

- Germany – EU Blue Card;

- Hong Kong – Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS);

- Greece – Greece Talent Visa;

- Denmark – Special Individual Qualifications;

- Israel – Visas for Foreign High-Tech Experts;

- India – G20 Talent Visa;

- Ireland – Critical Skills Employment Permit;

- Canada – Global Talent Stream;

- China – R Visa;

- Latvia – Startup Visa;

- Malaysia – Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T);

- Netherlands – Highly Skilled Migrant Permit;

- New Zealand – Global Impact Visa (GIV);

- New Zealand – Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa;

- UAE – Golden Visa;

- Poland – Poland Highly Skilled Permit;

- Portugal – Startup Visa;

- Saudi Arabia – Premium Residency;

- Serbia – Talent Residence Permit;

- Singapore – Tech.Pass;

- USA – O-1 Visa;

- Thailand – Smart Visa "T" (Talent);

- Taiwan – Global Elite Card;

- Turkey – Türkiye Tech Visa;

- France – Titre de séjour talent (formerly Passeport Talent);

- Czech Republic – Highly Qualified Employee Card;

- South Korea – E-6 (Culture and Entertainment);

- Japan – Highly Skilled Professional Visa.

Top Most Popular Talent Visa Programs in the World

- USA

O-1 Visa is designed for artists, scientists and entrepreneurs who can prove their uniqueness through international recognition, awards, significant projects. Publications, awards, recommendations and contracts are suitable as evidence. The O-1 talent visa allows you to work in the USA on a temporary basis within the framework of an approved project or with a specific employer.

- United Kingdom

Global Talent Visa can be obtained by leaders in the fields of technology, science, art and culture. Approval from one of the authorized organizations and confirmation of significant achievements are required. Visa holders can work without restrictions, independently choose projects, move to the country with their family and after 3-5 years apply for a permanent residence permit.

- France

Titre de séjour talent is designed for qualified professionals, including researchers, startups, artists and other cultural figures. Family members can be accompanied, who have access to the labor market and social security.

- UAE

Golden visa for scientists, innovative entrepreneurs, creative professionals who make a significant contribution to the development of the country, etc. Talent visa holders in the UAE receive valuable benefits, including a long-term residence permit (10 years), the ability to work without a “sponsor”, access to exclusive medical and educational services.

- Canada

A Global Talent Stream visa applicant must meet strict criteria, including the presence of scarce skills. Also, to obtain a permit, it is necessary to sign a contract with a local employer. If everything is fine with the documents, you can get a visa in 2 weeks.

- Australia

The Australian talent visa is intended for outstanding specialists, including researchers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals, who can make a significant contribution to the development of the country. Visa holders receive the right to a PMP and the opportunity to apply for citizenship in the future.

- Thailand

Smart Visa "T" (Talent) is intended for skilled workers in priority sectors, including digital technologies, biotechnology, robotics and healthcare. The applicant must provide proof of qualifications, including a master's degree or higher, an employment contract for a period of 1 year and a salary of at least 100,000 baht/month.

Is it possible to apply for a talent visa to different countries at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to apply for talent visas to different countries at the same time, since the process of submitting and considering applications is carried out by independent immigration authorities of each state. However, it is important to consider that each country has its own requirements for documents, including their validity periods. It is important to carefully follow the application rules for each country, including ensuring compliance with all criteria and preparing an individual set of documents.

A talent visa is not just a document, but the key to new opportunities: building an international career, improving the quality of life and professional growth. So choose a country and embark on a new mysterious journey.

Let's remind you! Artists, entrepreneurs and scientists have the opportunity to live and work in France thanks to a document called the "Talent Passport". This visa, designed to stimulate the economy, allows foreigners to live and work in the country for the first four years. We have already told you what the French Talent Passport is and everything you need to know about the four-year visa.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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