France Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 29 July, 2025

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France Rating from Citizen Remote

Overall 4.2

Internet Infrastructure 5.0

Country Stability 5.0

Cost of Living 2.0

Ease of Obtaining Visa 5.0

Taxes 4.0

Quick Visa Facts

Visa length Up to 4 years, based on the duration of your employment contract.

Possible to extend? Yes, the visa is renewable if you continue to meet eligibility criteria.

Who can apply? Non-EU nationals with a French job offer in a highly qualified role and a gross annual salary of at least €41,933.20.

Minimum Income Requirements At least 1.5× the French minimum wage (SMIC) — currently €41,933.20 gross/year as of 2025.

Time for visa applications Typically 4 to 8 weeks, but it may vary depending on the consulate and your application completeness.

Want to know if you can apply?

Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!

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Thinking about building your career in France? The Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa could be your gateway to exciting opportunities in one of Europe’s most dynamic job markets. Designed to attract international professionals with strong qualifications and employment offers from French companies, this visa is part of France’s broader strategy to welcome global talent and boost economic competitiveness.

Whether you’re an engineer, researcher, tech specialist, or highly skilled professional with a French job contract in hand, this visa offers a streamlined path to living and working in France, with benefits that go beyond just a work permit.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa: who it’s for, how to apply, which documents you’ll need, and what to expect once you arrive in France.

Talent Passport – Qualified Employee Visa Overview

The Talent Passport–Qualified Employee is a long-stay visa and residence permit designed to attract highly qualified international professionals to France. It was introduced under the Law on the Rights of Foreigners in France, which came into effect on November 1, 2016, as part of the government’s effort to boost economic attractiveness and global competitiveness.

This specific visa category targets foreign nationals recruited by French companies for roles that require advanced expertise, typically tied to executive or highly skilled positions. It offers a simplified and more advantageous immigration pathway compared to standard work permits.

The visa falls under France’s broader Talent Passport scheme, which includes several subcategories for various types of international talent, such as researchers, artists, entrepreneurs, and more.

Who Is It For?

The Talent Passport – Qualified Employee is intended for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who:

Have a work contract with a French employer for at least 12 months
Will be employed in a highly skilled position (typically requiring a university degree or significant professional experience)
Will earn a gross annual salary of at least €41,933.20 (equivalent to 1.5 times the French minimum wage, SMIC, as of 2024)

This visa is commonly used for professionals in sectors like engineering, information technology, finance, healthcare, research, and industry.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

The Talent Passport – Qualified Employee visa allows you to:

Live and work in France for the duration of your employment contract (initially up to 4 years, renewable)
Apply for a multi-year residence permit upon arrival in France
Bring your spouse and dependent children under a simplified accompanying family procedure (“passeport talent – famille”), with your spouse allowed to work
Enjoy a streamlined visa application process with reduced administrative burden
Apply for long-term residence or naturalization after several years of legal residence

It also provides flexibility if you change employers or roles, as long as the new position continues to meet the eligibility conditions.

France Qualified Employee Visa Requirements

To apply for the Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa, you must gather and submit a set of documents proving your identity, employment, and eligibility. Below is a breakdown of the general documents required, along with important additional requirements that applicants often overlook.

Completed visa application form (Cerfa form No. 14571*05)
Recent passport-sized photos (meeting official specifications)
Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned stay
Copy of previous French visas or residence permits (if applicable)
Signed employment contract with a French company for at least 12 months
Proof of educational qualifications (degree certificates, diplomas)
Proof of professional experience or CV (if applicable)
Police clearance certificate or background check (from your country of residence, if requested)
Proof of accommodation in France (rental agreement, hotel reservation, or attestation d’hébergement)
Payment of visa fees (amount may vary depending on your country)

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

Applicants must show that their gross annual salary meets or exceeds 1.5 times the French minimum wage (SMIC). As of 2024, this amounts to approximately €41,933.20 per year. This is usually demonstrated by the signed employment contract, but additional supporting documents (such as payslips or a company letter) may strengthen your application.

Private Health Insurance

While most employees in France are enrolled in the French social security system, proof of private health insurance coverage may be required if there’s a gap between your arrival and registration. This insurance must cover:

Medical care
Hospitalization
Repatriation

Ensure the policy is valid in France and provides comprehensive coverage. Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans for digital nomads here.

Proof of Accommodation in France

You’ll need to show where you’ll be staying upon arrival. Acceptable forms include:

A rental lease
A hotel booking
A signed accommodation certificate from a host in France (attestation d’hébergement)

The address you provide may also be used to determine which local prefecture will handle your residence permit.

Certified Translations (If Applicable)

All documents submitted in a language other than French must be accompanied by a certified French translation (traduction assermentée). This is particularly important for:

Diplomas
Work contracts
Civil documents (birth/marriage certificates)

How to Apply for the Talent Passport – Qualified Employee Visa: Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for the Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa involves both online registration and in-person steps. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process efficiently, from preparing your documents to receiving your long-stay visa and eventually your residence permit in France.

Step 1: Secure a Job Contract

Before you apply, you must have a signed employment contract with a French employer for a role that meets the visa salary and qualification requirements (minimum 12-month duration, highly skilled position, and annual gross salary of at least €41,933.20).

Step 2: Complete the France-Visas Online Application

Visit the official French visa portal:

Create an account
Fill out the long-stay visa application form
Indicate that you are applying for the “Talent Passport–Qualified Employee” category
Upload your supporting documents (as required)
Print your application receipt and checklist at the end of the process

Step 3: Book an Appointment at Your Local French Consulate or Visa Center

After completing your online application, you’ll be prompted to schedule an appointment at your nearest French consulate or official visa application center (such as TLScontact or VFS Global, depending on your country).

You’ll attend this appointment to:

Submit your documents
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
Pay the visa application fee

Tip: Bring both originals and copies of your documents, including your passport and work contract.

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview (if applicable)

Some applicants may be asked to attend a brief interview to confirm the purpose of the stay and details of employment. Be ready to explain:

Your job role in France
How your qualifications align with the position
Your housing and financial plans

Step 5: Wait for Visa Processing

Visa processing times vary by country, but generally take 2 to 8 weeks. You can track your application through the France-Visas portal or the visa center’s tracking system.

Step 6: Collect Your Long-Stay Visa

Once approved, you’ll receive a “visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour” (VLS-TS). This is a long-stay visa that also serves as your initial residence permit in France.

Check the visa label for:

The visa type: Passeport Talent–salarié qualifié
Validity dates
Your entry deadline

Step 7: Validate Your Visa Online After Arrival in France

After arriving in France, you must validate your VLS-TS within 3 months:

Enter visa details
Pay a residence tax (timbre fiscal)
Receive confirmation of validation by email

Step 8: Apply for a Multi-Year Residence Permit (if required)

If your work contract exceeds one year, you can request a multi-year residence permit at your local prefecture. This card is typically valid for up to 4 years and is renewable.

Bring:

Your validated VLS-TS
Proof of ongoing employment
Updated supporting documents

Stay Requirements for Talent Passport – Qualified Employee Visa Holders

The Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa is typically issued as a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) that also acts as your residence permit. It allows you to stay and work in France for up to 4 years, depending on the length of your employment contract.

If your contract is for 18 months or less, you’ll receive a long-stay visa without needing a residence card immediately.
If it’s for more than 12 months, you're eligible for a multi-year residence permit valid for the duration of the contract, up to 4 years, renewable.

After arriving in France, you must validate your visa online within 3 months, pay a residence tax, and confirm your address. You're expected to reside primarily in France, and maintain employment that meets the visa’s salary and skill requirements. Significant absences or job loss can affect your status or future renewal.

If you remain employed and compliant, you may later apply for long-term residency or French citizenship after several years of legal stay.

How Much Does the Qualified Employee Visa Cost?

Applying for the Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa involves a few mandatory fees, both before and after your arrival in France. Here’s what to expect:

Visa application fee: €99, paid at your local French consulate or visa application center when you submit your application.
Residence tax (timbre fiscal): Around €225, paid online when you validate your long-stay visa (VLS-TS) after arriving in France.
Additional costs may include:
- Fees charged by external visa service providers (e.g. TLScontact or VFS Global)
- Certified translations of documents not in French
- Private health insurance coverage, if required before you're enrolled in the French healthcare system

These are one-time costs, but keep in mind that renewing your residence permit after several years may involve additional administrative fees. Always check with your local French consulate, as fees can vary slightly by country or region.

Taxes for People With a Talent Passport

If you hold a Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa and live in France, you are considered a tax resident if your main home, job, or economic interests are based in the country. This means you’ll be subject to French taxes, just like any other employee.

Here’s what you need to know:

Income tax: As a salaried employee, your income is subject to progressive income tax rates. Your employer will withhold tax from your salary each month under France’s pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) system. You’ll still need to file an annual tax return.
Social contributions: In addition to income tax, you’ll pay mandatory social security contributions, which are automatically deducted from your salary. These fund healthcare, retirement, unemployment, and other benefits.
Tax residency starts: Typically, your French tax residency begins when you spend more than 183 days in France per year, but it can start earlier depending on where your center of activity is located.
Double taxation: France has tax treaties with many countries to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income. You should check whether such an agreement exists between France and your home country.
Registration: After arriving in France, you must register with the French tax office (Service des impôts des particuliers) in your place of residence to receive your tax number and declare your income properly.

Understanding your tax obligations is essential for staying compliant, and benefiting fully from public services in France. You may also want to consult a tax advisor, especially if you continue to earn income from outside France.

Living in France with the Talent Passport

Living in France on the Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa offers not only the right to work in a highly qualified role, but also access to a high standard of living, public services, and cultural life. You can legally reside in France for up to four years (renewable), benefit from the public healthcare system once enrolled, and enjoy everyday rights similar to French nationals, including opening a bank account, renting housing, and enrolling your children in school.

The visa also allows for relative flexibility in mobility within the EU Schengen Area for short stays, and after a few years of continuous residence, you may become eligible for long-term resident status or even French citizenship. Many holders of this visa find that it offers a stable, long-term pathway to building a life and career in France, with fewer administrative burdens compared to other types of work permits.

Best Cities to Live in France

Choosing where to live in France depends on your lifestyle, job opportunities, and personal preferences. Whether you're drawn to vibrant city life, cultural charm, or a more relaxed pace, France has something for every international professional. Here are three of the best cities to consider if you're moving to France with the Talent Passport–Qualified Employee visa:

Paris

As the capital and economic heart of France, Paris offers the most opportunities for skilled professionals, especially in sectors like tech, finance, luxury, and consulting. With world-class infrastructure, cultural landmarks, and international schools, Paris attracts global talent, but it comes with a higher cost of living. That said, its professional network and career potential are unmatched.

Lyon

Often considered France’s second city, Lyon is known for its strong economy, especially in industries like biotech, engineering, and digital innovation. It offers a great balance between urban life and affordability, with a rich culinary scene, excellent public transport, and proximity to the Alps for weekend getaways. Lyon is a favorite among expats seeking professional growth without the chaos of the capital.

Toulouse

Toulouse, in the south of France, is a major hub for the aerospace and tech industries, home to Airbus and many R&D centers. The city boasts a warm climate, a relaxed lifestyle, and lower living costs compared to Paris. With a large student and expat population, Toulouse combines innovation and charm, making it a top choice for skilled workers in science and engineering fields.

Cost of Living

The official currency of France is the euro (€). 1 EUR = approximately $1.08 USD (exchange rates may vary).

The average net monthly salary in France is around €2,400, which equates to approximately $2,590 USD after taxes.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Paris

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $1,500 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $2,200 per month
Basic Utilities – $190 per month
Wi-Fi – $35 per month
Public Transport – $2.20 one-way
Groceries (2 people) – $500–$750 per month

Lyon

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $1,000 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $1,600 per month
Basic Utilities – $160 per month
Wi-Fi – $30 per month
Public Transport – $2.00 one-way
Groceries (2 people) – $450–$650 per month

Toulouse

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $850 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $1,400 per month
Basic Utilities – $150 per month
Wi-Fi – $30 per month
Public Transport – $1.90 one-way
Groceries (2 people) – $400–$600 per month

FAQs

Can I bring my family with me on the Talent Passport – Qualified Employee visa?

Yes. Immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) are eligible for a “Talent Passport – Family” visa, which allows them to live in France and gives your spouse the right to work without a separate work permit.

How long does it take to process the Talent Passport visa?

Processing times can vary, but generally range from 4 to 8 weeks after you submit a complete application. Delays may occur depending on the consulate, time of year, or if additional documentation is required.

Can I change jobs in France with this visa?

Yes, but only if the new job meets the same eligibility criteria: a highly qualified role and a gross annual salary of at least €41,933.20 (as of 2025). You must also notify the local prefecture of the change.

Does this visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes. After five years of continuous legal residence in France (including time on the Talent Passport), you may apply for long-term resident status or French citizenship, provided you meet language and integration requirements.

Is knowledge of the French language required to apply?

No, language proficiency is not required for the initial visa application. However, basic French may be needed for daily life, and B1-level proficiency is required if you plan to apply for permanent residency or naturalization.

Can I get help applying for the France Talent Passport – Qualified Employee visa?

If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.

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