France – Standardized Issuance of 12-month Talent Visas Across Jurisdictions 

Nov 4, 2026 | Global

All November Global Immigration Updates:

The French Ministry of Interior has instructed its consulates around the world to issue long-stay “Talent” visas as documents with a validity of 12 months in cases where the applicant intends to stay in France for more than a year.  

Until now, consulates have issued “Talent” visas with an initial validity of just 3 months, requiring the applicant to subsequently request a multi-year residence permit upon arrival in France. These new 12-month visas will serve as the equivalent of a residence permit, meaning that “Talent” visa holders will not need to apply for this document separately once in France. 

This new approach aims to reduce the administrative burden during the first year and avoid unnecessary interruptions to residence and travel rights. Dependent family members accompanying a “Talent” visa holder will also be issued a 12-month visas that are valid as residence permits. 

Please note that not all consulates have begun implementing these instructions. In cases where a 3-month “Talent” visa is issued, the applicant will still need to apply for a multi-year residence permit once in France. 

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