Immigration News October 2026

“Talent” Visas: changes to visa issuance procedures

The French Ministry of the Interior has recently issued new instructions to French consulates, with the aim of standardizing the issuance of 12-month long-stay visas equivalent to residence permits (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour – VLS-TS) to applicants falling under the “Talent” categories, including their family members, when their intended stay in France exceeds one year.

Until now, the procedure generally involved the issuance of a 3-month long-stay visa (visa de long séjour - VLS), followed by an application for a multi-year resident permit at the relevant prefecture in France. This change aims to simplify administrative procedures during the first year of residence and reduce the risk of interruptions to residence and travel rights.

Key points to note:

• Simplified procedures: a 12-month VLS-TS aims to waive the need for prefecture appointments and formalities during the first year, as the visa is validated online.
• Renewal planning: renewal procedures should be anticipated from the eighth month of the visa’s validity.
• Changes to fees: the applicable tax stamp fee is 300€ for the first year, followed by 250€ for the renewal.

The implementation of these new instructions is expected to become more widespread over time; however, they are not yet being applied systematically. Some consulates have already begun implementing the new instructions, while others continue to issue 3-month visas.

We therefore strongly recommend checking the details and conditions stated on each visa as soon as it is issued by the relevant consular authorities. These elements determine the procedures to be completed after arrival in France, including any visa validation requirements or residence permit applications that may need to be anticipated.

International travel while a resident permit or DCEM application is being processed

Processing times for resident permit and DCEM (travel document for foreign minors) applications can be lengthy. It is therefore essential to plan international travel carefully when these applications have been submitted after arrival in France.

We strongly recommend that applicants do not leave France while their application is still pending and has not yet been approved by the competent authorities. Leaving France during this period may cause difficulties when attempting to return, including the risk of being refused entry if the individual does not hold the documents required to re-enter the country.

This precaution applies to foreign employees and, where relevant, their family members who have a residence permit and/or DCEM application pending.

With the Christmas holiday period approaching, we recommend checking each individual's immigration status before arranging any international travel and ensuring that they hold the necessary documents to return to France.

Our Immigration Department remains at your disposal should you require any further information.