10 Talent Passport Categories — Which One Fits You?
Salarié Qualifié / Travailleur Hautement Qualifié
For employed professionals earning at least 1.5× the average French salary (about €40,000+/year). Employer must be a French company. Requires employment contract.
Création d'Entreprise — Business Creator
For founders starting a French company. Must present a viable business plan and demonstrate financial capacity. Perfect for Americans launching a SASU or startup in France.
Investisseur Économique
For investors committing at least €300,000 to a French business (creating or maintaining jobs). Significant investment required but leads to most stable permit.
Chercheur / Enseignant-Chercheur
For researchers and academics employed by a recognized French research institution. One of the most straightforward Talent Passport categories.
Artiste / Profession Artistique et Culturelle
For established artists with signed contracts with French cultural institutions or organizations. Must demonstrate professional artistic activity.
Renommée Nationale ou Internationale
For individuals of recognized national or international reputation in their field. Requires strong evidence (publications, awards, media recognition, etc.). The most prestigious category.
Diplôme Master ou Équivalent + Contrat
For recent graduates (within 4 years) of a French master's degree who have a job or business creation project in France.
French Tech Visa
Special Talent Passport track for employees of French Tech label startups, investors in French Tech, and founders of innovative companies. Fast-tracked by La French Tech. visa.lafrenchtech.com →
Best Category for American Consultants: "Création d'Entreprise"
If you're an American consultant in France running your own SASU or planning to start one, the Création d'Entreprise category of the Talent Passport is your best route to a 4-year permit. You need: a viable business plan, financial resources to sustain yourself and the business, and evidence of your professional expertise. A strong LinkedIn profile, past client work, and your US market knowledge are your key assets.
How to Apply for the Talent Passport
- Applications made via ANEF (online) for those already in France, or at the French Consulate in the US before arrival
- Document requirements vary by category but generally include: passport, proof of professional activity, financial resources evidence, housing proof, professional qualifications
- First permit: valid 4 years. Renewable for additional 4 years.
- Family inclusion: spouse/partner gets a Passeport Talent — famille de Passeport Talent — also 4 years, with full work authorization. No separate process needed.
- No employer sponsorship requirement for most categories (unlike many other countries' skilled worker visas)
- Leads directly to Carte de Résident after 5 years — the path to permanent residency
Freelancing in France
Building a consulting business in France