For the innovative economic project branch, obtain recognition of the project’s innovative character from the ministry responsible for the economy and show sufficient resources for yourself and your family, at least the full-time gross SMIC. The separate business-creation branch has different conditions.
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
Preparation
(2)Innovative-project residence documents
DocumentConditionalFor the residence card, provide valid stay and identity evidence, address under 6 months, e-photo, ministry innovation opinion, full-time SMIC resource evidence and signed Republic-principles undertaking.
Verified officialVisa and Issuance Fees
DocumentInformationalCheck fees for the procedure actually required: the standard long-stay visa application fee is €99, subject to exemptions or reductions. If a first Talent residence card is granted, its tax and stamp total €350. Do not treat both payments as due in every case.
Verified official
Application
(3)Permit Duration
InformationalThe Talent permit is typically issued for a maximum duration of four years and is renewable.
Verified officialOnline Application Submission
MandatoryFollow the applicable sequence: seek the economy ministry’s opinion on the project; applicants abroad apply for the visa via France-Visas. A Talent VLS-TS for a stay under one year is validated online within 3 months after arrival; stays of at least one year require the online Talent residence-card procedure.
Verified officialInnovative Project Creation
MandatoryFor the innovative economic project branch, obtain recognition of the project’s innovative character from the ministry responsible for the economy and show sufficient resources for yourself and your family, at least the full-time gross SMIC. The separate business-creation branch has different conditions.
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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