The multi-year Talent Passport covers skilled employees, researchers and founders in one family of permits. This guide covers every main route to live and work in France, what each one asks of you, what it costs and how long until you can settle for good.
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland can live and work in France without a visa. The routes below are for everyone else.
Do you need a visa for France?
Up to 90 days in any 180 inside the Schengen Area. Many nationalities need a Schengen visa for this; EU/EEA/Swiss citizens never do.
The main routes at a glance
| Route | Type | Valid for | Fee | Leads to residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talent Passport — qualified employee | Work | Up to 4 years | €99 long-stay visa | Yes |
| Employee work visa | Work | 1 year, renewable | €99 long-stay visa | Yes |
| Talent Passport — business creator | Business | Up to 4 years | €99 long-stay visa | Yes |
| Student visa | Study | Length of the programme | €50 | No |
Each route in detail
Talent Passport — qualified employee
For graduates hired by a French company at a salary above the threshold; family members join on the same permit.
- Valid for: Up to 4 years
- Fee: €99 long-stay visa
- What it asks for: University degree, job offer from an employer there and salary above the yearly threshold
- Counts toward permanent residence: yes
Official page for the Talent Passport — qualified employee
Employee work visa
Standard employer-sponsored work permit; the employer requests authorisation before you apply.
- Valid for: 1 year, renewable
- Fee: €99 long-stay visa
- What it asks for: Job offer from an employer there
- Counts toward permanent residence: yes
Official page for the Employee work visa
Talent Passport — business creator
For founders with a serious business project and at least €30,000 invested.
- Valid for: Up to 4 years
- Fee: €99 long-stay visa
- What it asks for: Business plan or startup backing and savings to support yourself
- Counts toward permanent residence: yes
Official page for the Talent Passport — business creator
Student visa
For admitted students; master's graduates can then get a one-year permit to find work.
- Valid for: Length of the programme
- Fee: €50
- What it asks for: Admission to a university there and savings to support yourself
- Counts toward permanent residence: no
Official page for the Student visa
How to apply
- Pick the route. Match your purpose (work, study, remote work, business) to one route. Each route has its own conditions.
- Gather documents. Collect the documents for that route. Translations and certified copies can take weeks, so start early.
- Apply. Submit online or book an appointment at the embassy, consulate or visa centre that covers where you live.
- Give biometrics. Most long-stay visas need fingerprints and a photo taken in person.
- Wait for a decision. Processing times vary by route and embassy. Don't book non-refundable travel until you have the decision.
- Register after arrival. Many countries ask you to register your address and collect a residence card within a few weeks of arriving.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Passport valid for the whole stay, with blank pages
- Completed application form
- Recent biometric photos
- Proof of the purpose: job contract, admission letter or proof of income
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof you can support yourself
Permanent residence and citizenship
Permanent residence: 5 years. 10-year resident card after 5 years of legal residence.
Citizenship: 5 years. Naturalisation after 5 years, reduced to 2 years after a French master's degree.
Dual citizenship: allowed.
Official sources
Checked against official sources in June 2026. Visa rules change — always confirm with the official source before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.
See which of these routes fit your passport, experience and education on the France visa page, and browse live jobs from company career pages — filter for visa sponsorship to see employers that say they sponsor.