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L. 421-14 — Talent - Researcher

Working Holiday PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

3-8 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €449

Stay Duration

Up to 4 years (renewable)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

4% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€31,000

Quality of Life

173/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Long-stay permit for researchers, doctoral students, and professors hosted under a convention d'accueil with a certified French research or higher-education institution.

The Passeport Talent – Chercheur is a French long-stay visa for researchers, scientists, doctoral students, and university professors. It uses a hosting agreement (convention d'accueil) from a certified French research or higher-education institution in place of a standard work permit. A Master's degree is required.

The permit covers up to four years and is renewable. No labor market test applies. Spouses join under a simplified family procedure and may work freely. Permanent residency is accessible via the carte de résident. Fees: €99 visa + €350 residence permit (from May 2026).

This visa is ideal for internationally mobile researchers and doctoral candidates with a formal French hosting agreement who want multi-year authorization without a labor market test.

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Cost Breakdown

Visa application feeEUR €99

Residence permit taxEUR €300

Residence permit stamp dutyEUR €50

TotalEUR €449

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

France

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Validity10 years (renewable)

Processing2-4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport

Master's level degree or equivalent

Validated hosting agreement (convention d'accueil) from an approved French research or higher education institution

Proof of sufficient means of subsistence

KEY CRITERIA

Education

master or higher

Min. Income

27,600 EUR/yr

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No labor market test required
Simplified family reunification allowing spouses to work
Pathway to permanent residency and potential French naturalization

Worth Knowing

Work authorization is strictly limited to the activities defined in the hosting agreement
A change of status procedure is required if changing employers or research projects