Europe
France immigration and visa guide
France welcomes international professionals and founders via the multi-year Talent Passport (Passeport Talent), French Tech Visa, and EU Blue Card.
Ministère de l’Intérieur & France-Visas (OFII)
- Processing time
- 3 – 8 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in France
Key requirements
- Recognized Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification
- Employment contract with French entity or validated business creation plan
- Annual gross salary meeting Passeport Talent minimum threshold (typically 1.5x to 2x SMIC)
- Submission via France-Visas portal and validation through OFII upon arrival
How to apply for a France visa: step by step
- 1
France-Visas Application Submission
Create file on France-Visas portal and book appointment at TLScontact or VFS Global center.
2 - 4 weeks
- 2
Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) Issuance
Consulate issues long-stay visa stamped Talent Passport or Employee with multi-entry validity.
2 - 4 weeks
- 3
Online OFII Validation & Carte de Séjour
Validate visa online within 3 months of arrival to receive multi-year Carte de Séjour at the local Préfecture.
1 - 2 months
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
Can graduates of French universities get citizenship faster?
Yes, under Article 21-19 of the French Civil Code, individuals who successfully complete 2 years of higher education leading to a degree from a French university can apply for French citizenship after only 2 years of continuous residence.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in France. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Ministère de l’Intérieur & France-Visas (OFII)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Ministère de l’Intérieur & France-Visas (OFII) on the official website before applying.