The Passeport Talent is a French residence permit (carte de séjour) introduced in 2016 to attract highly skilled foreign nationals, researchers, innovative entrepreneurs, internationally recognised talent, and their families to France. It replaces a number of previously separate visa categories and is issued for up to four years, renewable, under Article L421-1 et seq. of the CESEDA (Code de l'entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d'asile).
Eligibility covers a range of profiles: employees on a contract with a French company earning at least 1.5 times the annual SMIC; researchers associated with a recognised institution; founders of innovative companies; artists of international renown; highly skilled employees of an intra-company transfer; and recipients of specific French research grants. Family members (spouse and dependent children) are granted an accompanying Passeport Talent Famille permit allowing them to work freely in France without a separate work authorisation.
The Passeport Talent does not require a prior labour market test (opposabilité de la situation de l'emploi), making it faster to obtain than standard work permits for many profiles. Applications are made via the French consulate in the applicant's country of residence. For employers sponsoring foreign talent into France, the Passeport Talent is typically the most appropriate instrument for skilled professional hires.