France talent passport from Cameroon

France · About 43 weeks with us, as an indication: it depends on your file and on the authorities.

Book an appointment for this visa

The talent passport is now called the talent card (carte talent). It is a multi-year residence permit for skilled profiles: qualified employees, EU Blue Card holders, researchers, company founders, artists and people with a recognised reputation.

From Cameroon, you first apply for a long-stay visa marked talent on France-Visas. You then lodge the file at TLScontact. In France, the card can last up to four years.

We help you find the right category, check the degree and salary rules, and build a file consistent with your contract or project.

Who is it for?

  • Qualified employee with a master's degree or equivalent and a contract in France.
  • Highly qualified professional aiming for the EU Blue Card.
  • Researcher hosted by a research organisation.
  • Founder of a business, an innovative project or an investment in France.
  • Artist or person with a national or international reputation.

The main conditions

  • Fit one of the categories set by law.
  • Hold the degree the category requires: often a master's or equivalent; at least three years of higher education or equivalent experience for the EU Blue Card.
  • Earn at least the official threshold for the category, set relative to the French minimum wage or a reference salary.
  • Depending on the category: employment contract, hosting agreement, business project or proof of your reputation.
  • A valid passport and planned accommodation in France.
  • The fees set by the authorities (see the official page).

How long does it take?

Times depend on the consulate and the season; the visa is requested on France-Visas and the card online once in France: check service-public.gouv.fr.

The steps

  1. Initial consultation

    Documents to prepare

    • Valid passport
    • Detailed CV
    • Diplomas

  2. Employment contract

    Documents to prepare

    • Employment contract
    • Job description

  3. Work authorisation (if required)

    Documents to prepare

    • Work authorisation

  4. Preparing the documents

    Documents to prepare

    • Passport photos
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Health insurance certificate
    • Proof of means

  5. France-Visas application

    Documents to prepare

    • France-Visas receipt

  6. Consulate appointment

    Documents to prepare

    • Appointment confirmation

  7. VLS-TS visa issued

    Documents to prepare

    • Passport with the visa

  8. Entry into France

  9. Visa validation (OFII)

    Documents to prepare

    • Validation certificate

  10. Talent passport residence card

    Documents to prepare

    • Residence card

Fees are discussed at the appointment, depending on your situation.

What we check with you

  • We check that the job title, the salary and your degree match the category you are aiming for.
  • The wrong category or a salary below the official threshold leads to refusal: it is the first thing we check.
  • For a talent employee, the employer does not need a separate work authorisation: tell them, to avoid wasted steps.
  • Your spouse and minor children can come with a talent-family card, without family reunification: prepare their civil records at the same time.

Book an appointment for this visa All visas for France

Frequently asked questions

Talent passport or talent card: what is the difference?

It is the same scheme under a new name. Service-public.gouv.fr now calls it the talent card, a multi-year residence permit. Many pages still use the old name.

What degree do I need?

It depends on the category. Most require a master's or equivalent. The EU Blue Card requires at least three years of higher education or equivalent experience. Some categories accept experience instead of a degree.

How long does the talent card last?

Usually the length of your contract or project, up to four years. It is renewed from France.

Do I need a visa before leaving Cameroon?

Yes. For less than twelve months, a long-stay visa that serves as a residence permit (VLS-TS) marked talent, to validate online within three months. For a year or more, a three-month long-stay visa, then you apply for the card in France within two months of arrival.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse and minor children can get a talent-family card through the accompanying family procedure. It is simpler than family reunification.

Where do I lodge the file in Cameroon?

After the France-Visas form, at TLScontact in Yaoundé, Douala or Garoua, depending on your region. The French consulate decides.