Passeport Talent Visa for France 2025:
Passeport Talent Visa for France 2025:
a program for qualified professionals
a program for qualified professionals
France’s Passeport Talent visa in 2025 is a program for talented professionals, investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals that enables a long-term residence permit and the right to work in France for up to 4 years.
France is a major European economy with advanced science, technology, and culture. The talent visa benefits qualified specialists, startup founders, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and creatives: it provides access to the French labor market, social protections, and a streamlined relocation process for the entire family.
France attracts immigrants with its high standard of living, competitive economy, and developed infrastructure (IT, science, culture, sports), which makes obtaining a French talent visa a compelling immigration route.
Legal grounds for the Passeport Talent visa
The Passeport Talent visa is established by French immigration law and governed by CESEDA articles.
It covers a broad set of applicant categories.
For example, qualified employees include:
- Foreign nationals with a contract longer than 3 months and a salary at least 2 times the French minimum wage (SMIC);
- Intra-company transferees of international companies with at least 3 months’ tenure and income of at least 1.8× SMIC;
- Scientists and lecturers with a hosting agreement for research or teaching (up to 4 years) and a master’s degree;
- Professionals holding the EU Blue Card who have a degree (3 years of study or 5 years of experience), a contract of at least 1 year, and income of at least 1.5× the average level (approximately €53,836).
Other categories include:
- Business founders (an approved innovative project and investment);
- Investors (direct investments of at least €300,000 or ownership of at least 30% of a company);
- Authorized executives (at least 3 months’ seniority, a power of attorney, and salary of at least 3× SMIC);
- Individuals with international recognition (science, culture, sports).
Each category has its own requirements for education, experience, and income.
A properly structured case prepared with Murblz specialists significantly increases your chances of obtaining the Passeport Talent visa.
Benefits of the Passeport Talent Visa
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Long validity (up to 4 years)
Unlike short-term visas, Passeport Talent immediately provides a multi-year residence permit (titre de séjour) for up to 4 years, with the possibility of renewal. -
Family visa
The visa holder may bring a spouse and children under 18; family members also receive multi-year “talent” resident cards. The spouse is allowed to work in France immediately without additional permits. The family does not need to go through the standard “family reunification” procedure, which significantly simplifies relocation.
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Work without additional permits
Passeport Talent automatically grants the right to work within the approved category.
The holder may change employers or engage in entrepreneurial activity, as long as it remains within their category. -
Rights similar to local residents
The holder enjoys nearly the same social and economic rights as French citizens: free movement within the Schengen Area, access to healthcare, the ability to study and to work or run a business in France.
You can open your own company, study at universities, participate in volunteer programs, and access social benefits like any resident. -
Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship
After 5 years of lawful residence in France you may apply for permanent residence, and after 10 years you may apply for French citizenship (subject to minimum physical-presence requirements).
How to obtain the Passeport Talent Visa:
Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide
If you are coming as an employee, your employer must complete form 15614*02 for the “salarié qualifié” visa and provide company documents (for example, innovative-company status).
Investors prepare investment documentation; researchers provide a hosting agreement with a university, etc.
The "Visa Wizard" will list all required documents and guide you through the application.
After you confirm the application, you will receive a document checklist and can book an appointment at the consulate or visa center in your region.
At the visa center or consulate, your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be collected, and you will pay the visa fee (typically from €99 for a long-stay visa).
Original documents are returned after verification.
The appointment usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
The consulate or visa center forwards your file to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If you receive a VLS-TS “talent” visa (for stays up to 12 months), you must validate it on the OFII website (the official French immigration authority) within 3 months of arrival.
For longer stays (over 1 year), you will be issued a French category D visa (“visa passeport talent”) valid for 3 months.
After arrival, you submit an online application for a residence card (titre de séjour) via the ANEF portal.
Frequently asked questions about the Passeport Talent Visa
Frequently asked questions about the Passeport Talent Visa
Applications are also accepted from employees of innovative companies, EU Blue Card holders, startup founders with an innovative project, investors, and individuals in culture, science, and sports with national or international recognition.
In total, the program covers more than 10 categories of specialists, each with its own conditions for education, experience, and income.
The key document is the employment contract or business plan (for founders) indicating the position and salary. Diplomas (bachelor’s/master’s), proof of professional experience, and recommendation letters are also required. Additionally, a bank statement or proof of investment, health insurance, and a police clearance certificate may be requested. The France-Visas Wizard will generate the exact checklist for your category.
Subsequently, after 5 years of residence you may be eligible for permanent residence, and after 10 years for French citizenship (subject to residence requirements).
