Talent — International Reputation

The Talent — International Reputation is the most prestigious and flexible of France's talent residence categories. Established under Article L421-21 of CESEDA, it targets foreign nationals with established or potential national or international renown in scientific, literary, artistic, craft, intellectual, educational, or sporting fields. Unlike most other talent sub-categories, this card authorizes the exercise of any professional activity, whether salaried or self-employed, without restriction to the specific field that justified its issuance. E-sports players and coaches are eligible as a recognized sporting discipline.

• Demonstrated national or international reputation in the relevant field
• Activity planned in a scientific, literary, artistic, craft, intellectual, educational, or sporting field
• Evidence of reputation: awards, publications, press coverage, exhibition catalogues, international competition results, letters of recognition from professional bodies
• Sufficient annual resources at least equal to the gross SMIC (€21,876.40/year as of January 2026)
• Valid passport
• No formal educational qualification required

• Valid passport (civil status pages, validity, entry stamp pages)
• Long-stay visa or current residence permit
• Proof of domicile in France (utility bill, rental agreement, or housing tax notice, less than 6 months old)
• Digital photo (e-photo code)
• Signed commitment to respect French Republic principles
• Evidence of national or international reputation (awards, publications, press coverage, exhibition catalogues, professional body endorsements)
• Evidence of planned activity in France
• Proof of sufficient resources meeting the SMIC threshold
• Civil status documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable)

The card is valid for up to 4 years and is renewable. Renewal must be submitted 4 to 2 months before expiry via the ANEF online platform. After 5 years of continuous residence, renewal cannot be refused and the renewed card is valid for 4 years.

Spouse (18+) and minor children receive talent-famille residence cards via the simplified famille accompagnante procedure, without the standard family reunification process. The card authorizes both salaried and self-employed work. Employers of family members are exempt from the foreign worker employment tax. Fee: €225 per family member (rising to €350 from 1 May 2026). After 5 years, renewal cannot be refused. Talent card holders and their family members are fully exempt from the civic exam and A2 French language test requirements introduced in January 2026.

Holders residing in France become tax residents subject to income tax on worldwide income. Tax residency is determined by multiple criteria: having one's home or main place of stay (183+ days/year) in France, exercising one's principal professional activity in France, or having the centre of one's economic interests in France. France has tax treaties with over 120 countries.

From abroad, apply for a long-stay visa (€99) via the France-Visas portal at the French consulate. If the stay is under 12 months, a VLS-TS may be issued and must be validated online within 3 months of arrival. For stays of 12 months or more, a 3-month visa is issued, and the holder applies for the multi-year residence card via the ANEF platform within 2 months of entry.

Processing time: 2-8 weeks for visa; up to 4 months at prefecture (silence constitutes refusal)

Fees (from 1 May 2026): €99 long-stay visa + €350 residence card (€300 tax + €50 stamp duty). Before 1 May 2026: €225 residence card (€200 tax + €25 stamp duty). Renewal from 1 May 2026: €250 (€200 tax + €50 stamp duty).

After 5 years of continuous residence on a talent card, holders may apply for a 10-year EU long-term resident card. Requirements include stable resources at SMIC level, health insurance, French language proficiency at B1 level, and republican integration. Absences must not exceed 6 consecutive months or 10 months total during the 5-year period.