The “Compétences et Talents” Card
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 live in the United Kingdom, you may apply at the French Consulate General in London or in Edinburgh if you live in Scotland. 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.
What are the criteria?
The criteria are defined by the Commission Nationale des Compétences et Talents that 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 provide the proof that he/she is in every way capable of carrying out his/her 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.
Who might be eligible?
University graduates
Qualified professionals, regardless of their level of education
Investors involved in a specific project
Self-employed 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
Documents requested:
2 long-stay visa applications (download here)
5 standard-size photos
Valid passport with at least one page for the visa stamp + copy of main pages
Criminal record from the country(ies) where the applicant has lived in the last three years
Full CV
Long-stay visa application fee (equivalent to 99 € in Sterling Pounds)
Cover letter giving full details of the project and highlighting its relance and interest to France and to the applicant’s home country
Any document ascertaining the applicant’s likelihood of completing the project
Depending on the nature of the project, those documents will also be required:
The applicant will be salaried:
copy of highest-level diploma and job title
tax return
sponsor letter from prospective employer explaining the recruitment of the employee and specifying his/her duties
copy of employment contract, unless exception is granted
CERFA form (foreign employee authorization request – simplified contract)
The applicant will exercise a commercial, industrial or traditional profession:
the documents stated in points A-1 and B in article I of the decree of the September 12, 2007 - documents to be produced to be granted a temporary residence card to exercise of a commercial, industrial or traditional activity(click here to view the list)
The applicant is self-employed or an artist, author, athlete, etc.:
copy of highest-level diplomas and job titles
tax return
if applicable, documents attesting of the applicant’s reputation
For the accompanying family (spouse and minor children):
2 long-stay visa applications (download here)
5 standard-size photos
Valid passport with at least one page for a visa stamp + copy of main pages
Civil registry documents establishing family links with the “competences et talents” applicant
To apply and make an appointment, please send an email to ls.londres-fslt diplomatie.gouv.fr