Long-stay visas (Type D)
French Talent Passport (Passeport Talent / Talent)
A multi-year long-stay visa and residence permit for highly skilled workers, researchers, founders, investors and cultural talent, with fast-track rights for accompanying family members.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issued by
- French consulate abroad, then the prefecture / ANEF for renewal
- Route type
- Long-stay visa (VLS-TS) then multi-year Talent residence card
- Maximum duration
- Up to 4 years per card (tied to contract/project length)
- Family
- Talent (famille) permit for spouse and children, with the right to work
- One of the route's main advantages over standard work visas
- Qualified-employee salary threshold
- Around €39,582 gross/year
- Set by decree (revised August 2025); verify the current figure before relying on it
Who it's for
- Master's-level qualified employees hired by a French employer
- Researchers holding a hosting agreement with an approved organisation
- Entrepreneurs, innovative project leaders and investors
- Company directors and legal representatives
- Artists, performers and authors, and people of established renown
- Employees seconded on assignment within an international group
Requirements
- Fit one of the defined Talent categories (each has its own criteria)
- Meet the salary or resources threshold for that category, where one applies
- Hold the relevant qualification, contract, hosting agreement or project approval
- Provide proof of accommodation and comprehensive health cover
- Valid passport and the required supporting documents for the chosen category
What you can do
- Live and work in France for the activity your category covers
- Bring family through the Talent (famille) route, with work rights for your spouse
- Obtain a multi-year card (up to 4 years) rather than renewing annually
- Build towards a long-term residence card and, later, citizenship eligibility
How to apply
Identify the correct Talent category and gather the category-specific documents. Apply for the long-stay visa through France-Visas and the competent consulate before travelling.
On arrival, validate the VLS-TS online within three months and pay the applicable tax/stamp duty. Before the visa expires, apply for the multi-year Talent card at the prefecture (via the ANEF online portal).
Documents
- Valid passport and France-Visas application form
- Evidence for the chosen category (employment contract, hosting agreement, project/business plan, proof of renown, etc.)
- Proof of qualifications where required
- Proof of income/resources meeting the category threshold
- Proof of accommodation and health insurance
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It is the same scheme; the government simplified the branding to 'Talent' from 2025, but the underlying categories and multi-year card remain.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related French visas
- WORKHIGHLY SKILLEDEU-WIDEEU Blue Card (Carte bleue européenne)The EU-wide route for highly skilled workers, issued in France as a Talent 'European Blue Card' permit for graduates or experienced professionals holding a high-salary contract.View visa details
- WORKEMPLOYER-SPONSOREDWORK PERMITEmployee / Temporary Worker Visa (VLS-TS salarié / travailleur temporaire)The standard employer-sponsored work visa for a French job that does not meet Talent criteria. It requires a work permit and is issued as either 'employee' for open-ended roles or 'temporary worker' for fixed-term ones.View visa details
- STUDYENROLLED STUDENTSPART-TIME WORKStudent Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS étudiant)The long-stay visa that doubles as a residence permit for international students enrolled at a French higher-education institution, allowing full-time study alongside limited part-time work.View visa details