This is the qualified-employee branch: a qualifying French master-level qualification or nationally authorised CGE-labelled level 1 diploma, and a contract longer than 3 months paying at least €39,582 gross annually. The employer is exempt from a separate work-authorisation application. EU Blue Card, innovative-company employee and intragroup assignment are separate branches with their own rules.
Visa, first residence-card and renewal charges differ by the actual procedure. Check the linked official fee schedule and permit page before payment; exemptions, reduced rates and additional service charges may apply.
The decision time depends on the visa or residence-card procedure and the responsible authority. Eligibility periods, appointment waiting, visa validation and filing deadlines are separate; this page does not promise a universal decision time.
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Source-backed requirements
Eligibility
(1)Qualification
DocumentMandatoryFor this qualified-employee branch, provide a qualification obtained in France at least equivalent to a master’s degree, or a CGE-labelled level 1 diploma issued by a nationally authorised higher-education institution. A foreign master or 5 years’ experience is not a substitute under this branch.
Verified official
Qualification
(1)Employment contract
MandatoryProvide an employment contract longer than 3 months with gross annual remuneration of at least€39,582 for this qualified-employee branch.
Verified official
Preparation
(3)Regulated profession evidence
DocumentConditionalProvide the authorisation, qualification, certification, declaration or registration required to practise the regulated occupation.
Verified officialQualified-worker residence documents
DocumentConditionalFor the residence-card application, provide valid stay evidence, identity documents, address evidence under 6 months, e-photo, diploma, employer attestation and signed Republic-principles undertaking.
Verified officialIdentity evidence for residence card
DocumentMandatoryFor the qualified-employee residence card, provide passport identity, validity, entry-stamp and visa pages, or an officially accepted alternative identity document. Check visa travel-document rules separately.
Verified official
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Source citations
service-public.fr — Carte talent (multi-year residence permit)
Service-Public.fr (French administration)
service-public.fr talent card (verified 1 June 2026): EUR 350 by tax stamps (EUR 50 duty + EUR 300 tax) once granted; one category needs a contract over 3 months with gross pay of at least EUR 39,582; validate the long-stay visa online within 3 months. No decision time.
Official links
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