France’s Talent Passport explained: eligibility, benefits and application
Discover who can apply for France’s Talent Passport, the 2024 income and language requirements, and how to submit your residency application in two simple steps.
The France Talent Passport is a four-year programme designed to attract highly skilled professionals from outside the EU, granting them the right to live and work in France. Candidates must possess exceptional skills likely to boost the French economy or enrich the nation’s cultural scene.
Who qualifies for the Talent Passport?
The Talent Passport is open to non-EU nationals who can make a significant contribution to France’s economy or culture. Eligible profiles include highly qualified employees earning above-average salaries—such as those holding a master’s degree—alongside artists, recognised experts in science, literature, arts, academia, sports and education.
Founders and investors committing at least €30,000 can apply if they possess a master’s degree or five years of professional experience. Employees or founders of a start-up labelled as innovative by a public body, as well as staff seconded to France by an international firm or legal representatives running commercial operations here, may also qualify.
2024 language and income rules
France has tightened language and income requirements for certain long-stay permits, including the Talent Passport.
The term “Talent Passport” has officially become the “talent passeport salarié qualifié” residence permit to avoid confusion with the term “passport”.
Highly qualified employees working on innovative economic projects—or those whose reputations enjoy national or international renown—must earn at least 1.5 times France’s gross average salary, currently €35,891. Temporary workers on short-term contracts must still draw the minimum wage. Artists must demonstrate monthly resources equal to 70 % of France’s minimum wage (SMIC) for every month spent in the country. All stays of three months or longer require a work contract exceeding the legal minimum duration.
How to apply: two-step checklist
If you are already in France, submit your four-year multi-year residency application within two months of arrival using the State’s dedicated digital portal: https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr and validate it within three months. If you are still abroad, contact the French visa-processing office closest to your home.
Attach supporting documents demonstrating both your personal situation and your employer’s status when filing the online form.
Short-term contracts of 12 months or less are processed as a long-stay visa that also functions as a residence permit and is labelled “passeport talent.”
