If you have a project, the three-year, renewable “Compétences et Talents” card allows you to exercise the professional activity of your choice in connection with your project.
You may be granted this card if you are likely to make a significant or lasting contribution, through your skills or talents, to France’s economic development or to its intellectual, scientific, cultural, humanitarian or athletic prestige, and directly or indirectly, to that of your own country.
If you reside abroad, you may apply at the Embassy of France or at your nearest French Consulate. The decision to issue this card is up to the diplomatic or consular authorities.
Your family members (spouse and underage children) will be issued a “Vie Privée et Familiale” card. This card allows your spouse to legally work in France.
The criteria are defined by the Commission Nationale des Compétences et Talents, which meets in France at least twice a year.
• The applicant must submit a credible professional project meeting the criteria set forth by the National Commission.
• The applicant must supply proof that he/she is in every way capable of carrying out this project.
• The application will be accepted/rejected based on:
the project’s interest/quality
the applicant’s motivation/commitment
the applicant’s skills and qualifications
the means to carry out the project.
• University graduates • Qualified professionals, regardless of their level of education • Investors in an economic project • Independent professionals such as artists, authors, athletes, etc. • Senior manager and high level executives employed by a french company that is part of an international group
2 long-stay visa applications
5 standard-size photos
Valid passport with at least one page for a visa stamp + copy of main pages
Police record from the country where the applicant has resided for the last three years
Detailed CV
Long-stay visa application fee
Detailed letter describing the professional project and specifying its interest for France and for the applicant’s country of origin
Any document confirming the applicant’s likelihood of completing the project
Depending on the type of project, other documents are necessary:
To hold a salaried position:
copy of highest-level diploma and job title
local tax return
letter from employer explaining the recruitment of the employee and specifying his/her duties;
copy of employment contract, unless exception is granted
CERFA form
To exercise a commercial, industrial or artisanal profession:
the documents enumerated in points A-1 and B of article I of the attachment to the degree of September 12, 2007, concerning the documents to be produced for the issuance of a temporary residence card authorizing the exercise of a commercial, industrial or artisanal activity.
To exercise an independent profession (liberal professions, artists, writers, athletes, etc.):
copy of highest-level diplomas and job titles
local tax return
if necessary, documents establishing the applicant’s reputation.
For the accompanying family (spouse and minor children):
2 long-stay visa applications
5 standard-size photos
Valid passport with at least one page for a visa stamp + copy of main pages
Civil registry documents establishing family connection with the “competences et talents” applicant.
"All documents must be submitted in triplicate : one original and 2 copies. Failure to do so will prevent you from getting your visa".
