“Talent Company Representative” status
To support the establishment and development of international businesses in France, the “Talent – Company Representative” status enables a non-European foreign company director to take the helm of a subsidiary or entity established in France. The “Talent – Company Representative” status enables someone to undertake a corporate mandate in France and to reside in the country.
In a nutshell
- The “Talent Company Representative” status is intended for foreign company directors who are not citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland and are appointed as legal representatives of an entity established in France.
- It is subject to cumulative conditions regarding service within the group, remuneration and actual appointment to the French subsidiary.
- The residence permit is issued for a period of up to four years and is renewable.
- It provides legal security for the appointment of a foreign company director within the context of establishing or expanding a business in France.
Who does it apply to?
As part of the activities of a subsidiary established in France, an international group may appoint as its legal representative a director or employee previously employed by the parent company or another entity within the group.
The corporate officer is a private individual empowered to legally represent the company in France and to bind it in all management acts. They act under the responsibility of the shareholders and work with employee representatives, as well as third parties.
Depending on the legal structure of the French entity, this may include, in particular:
- The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a public limited company (SA) or a simplified limited company (SAS).
- The director of a private limited liability company (SARL).
- The representative of a branch or liaison office of a foreign company.
Foreign company directors from the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland may hold these positions without any residency-related formalities.
Algerian nationals are subject to the specific provisions of the Franco-Algerian agreement. See our dedicated page for more information.
What are the eligibility requirements?
A foreign company director can qualify for “Talent – Company Representative” status if they meet all the following criteria:
- A minimum of three months’ service within a firm or establishment of the same group, as an employee or corporate officer.
- Gross annual remuneration at least equal to three times the minimum wage, i.e. €65,629.08 as of January 1, 2026.
- Appointment as the legal representative of a company or establishment located in France.
What activities are permitted ?
The “Talent – Company Representative” status authorizes the exercise of commercial activity strictly related to the corporate mandate held within the French subsidiary of the international group.
What is the length of the authorized stay ?
The validity period of the residence permit depends on the nature and duration of the project. The maximum duration of the residence permit is four years, which is renewable, provided that the conditions are met.
The long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit
When the intended stay is less than one year, a foreign company director can obtain a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) for “Talent”. This visa:
- Is valid for up to 12 months.
- Enables the holder to begin professional activities immediately upon arrival in France.
- Must be validated online after arrival.
At the end of its validity period, the holder can apply for a “Talent” residence permit, which is valid for up to four years.
How to obtain the « Talent – Company Representative » status?
- Request submitted outside of France
When a company director resides abroad, the application for a long-stay “Talent” visa must be submitted to the relevant French consular authorities.
The application is started on the official France-Visas website, and it can be submitted up to three months before the arrival date in France. The visa grants entry into France and allows for the commencement of business activities upon arrival.
Once in France, the request for a “Talent” residence permit must be completed via the special platform for “Talent” residence permit applications.
After validation, a certificate of approval is issued pending the collection of the permit at an appointment at the Prefecture.
- Request submitted from France
If the company director is already legally residing in France under another status, they must apply for a change of status to the “Talent – Company Representative” residence permit.
The application must be submitted no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the current permit and must be accompanied by supporting documents demonstrating compliance with the eligibility requirements.
Good to know
Throughout the procedure, the foreign talent can check the status of their application on their online account and respond to requests for additional information relating to their case.
The exact list of required documents is provided by the authority responsible for processing the application and is available on the France-Visas website.
This list includes, in particular, documents justifying the appointment, salary, and group affiliation. You can also find a list of documents provided for informational purposes.
The administrative cost includes:
- An administrative fee of €300.
- Stamp duty of €50 upon issuance of the residence permit.
In addition to these amounts, there is, where applicable, the cost of a long-stay visa, which is €99.
How to extend the stay in France ?
The renewal application must be submitted no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the residence permit.
The Company Representative must demonstrate that they:
- Continue to perform their corporate duties.
- Comply with the requirements relating to remuneration.
The renewal fee is €250
If the professional situation changes, an application for a change of status within the regulatory timeframes may be initiated, provided with the specific requirements for the new permit are met.
It will be necessary to meet the eligibility requirements for the new residence permit.
After five years of regular and uninterrupted residence in France, the applicant may apply for a residence permit.
This card:
- Enables to stay in France and carry out your chosen professional activity, subject to obtaining the necessary qualifications in the case of regulated professions.
- Is issued for a period of 10 years and is renewable.
What about accompanying family members ?
The spouse and dependent minor children of the holder of the “Talent – Corporate Officer” status can benefit from accompanying family status, allowing them to reside legally in France.
For more information, please visit our dedicated page: Accompanying Family
At a glance
This page explains the “Talent – Company Director” immigration status, which allows a foreign national to manage the French subsidiary of a group while residing in France. It is based on institutional sources such as the French Ministry of the Interior, prefectures, France-Visas, the MEAE and Business France. It presents information covering eligibility conditions, administrative procedures and residence arrangements for foreign company directors. It uses the example of a foreign company director appointed to head a French subsidiary and completing the formalities required to lawfully carry out their mandate in France and reside there with their family.