Research / Scientist in France
One documented route of this kind in France, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Talent Passport — Researcher / University Lecturer
A multi-year Talent Passport residence permit for non-EU researchers and university professors conducting research or teaching in France under a formal hosting agreement with a recognised research organisation or higher-education institution. No employer labour-market test is required.
- Processing time
- Varies by consulate for the visa; prefecture decision on the multi-year card within standard administrative deadlines (typically 2–3 months)
- Validity
- Up to 4 years (matching the hosting agreement duration, maximum 4 years); short stays under 12 months use a 1-year VLS-TS
- Language requirement
- No statutory language requirement for initial grant
- Permanent residence
- 5 years of continuous legal residence in France
- Citizenship
- 5 years of legal residence with demonstrated integration
Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality (Algerian nationals excluded)
- At least a Master's-level degree
- Hosting agreement (convention d'accueil) signed with a recognised French research organisation or higher-education institution
- Valid passport
- Proof of accommodation in France
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Hosting agreement (convention d'accueil) specifying nature, duration, resources, and coverage required
- Diploma or degree certificate at Master's level or above with certified translation if not in French required
- Proof of accommodation in France required
- Health insurance covering the stay required
- Passport photographs required
Official fees
- Long-stay visa application (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR
- First-issue multi-year residence permit tax (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR
- Permit stamp duty (from 1 May 2026) 50 EUR
- Permit renewal (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 250 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Obtain a hosting agreement
Negotiate and sign a convention d'accueil with the French research organisation or university. The agreement must specify the research programme, duration, resources, and coverage arrangements.
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2
Apply for a long-stay visa
Submit the visa application with the hosting agreement at the French consulate. For stays under 12 months, request a VLS-TS valid for 1 year. For stays of 12+ months, a 3-month visa is issued first.
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3
Arrive and validate
For stays under 12 months, validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival. For stays of 12+ months, proceed to step 4.
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4
Apply for multi-year residence permit (stays ≥12 months)
Within 2 months of arriving in France, submit the application for the multi-year 'researcher-talent passport' residence card at the local prefecture. Pay the permit tax (€300 + €50 stamp = €350).
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5
Receive multi-year card
The prefecture issues the card valid for the duration of the hosting agreement, up to 4 years.