France — Work (Talent Passport — Researcher (postdoc and research posts))

Main requirements

At least a master-level degree; coming to do research or university teaching; a hosting agreement with an approved research or higher-education body stating researcher status, subject and duration. For researchers under a research hosting agreement, a minimum of €2,200 gross/month applies.

Documents

Hosting agreement; passport; CV; master's or PhD; France-Visas form and the other items in the Campus France Iran attachment.

Language

The official source sets no language level for this card; the host sets the working language, usually English in sciences. Talent cards are not covered by the integration contract (CIR), so the 2026 civic-exam and A2 French rule for a first multi-year card doesn't apply; a later resident card requires the civic exam and B1 French.

Costs and proof of funds

Visa at most €99 (per the embassy) and VFS €40; after arrival the talent-researcher card costs €350 when issued (€50 stamp + €300 tax). The rest is covered by salary, but bring money for the first month (rent, deposit).

Steps and timeline

Find a post (institution sites, CNRS, ABG, Euraxess); interview and contract; ZRR clearance if the lab is sensitive; hosting agreement; per Campus France Iran, email [email protected], subject RDV VFS / Passeport Talent, with the agreement, passport scan, CV and mobile number (plus passports of an accompanying spouse/children); submit at VFS Tehran; for stays of a year or more, a 3-month visa then an online card application.

Iran-specific notes

Access to ZRR labs needs security clearance for foreign researchers and refusals are unexplained; per a question raised by a senator in 2025, about 3% of requests were refused in 2023, mostly foreigners. There is no official figure for Iranians, but sensitive fields carry more risk. The Tehran visa service was suspended in July 2025 and, per the embassy, has accepted files again since 14 June 2026; follow notices, and if the booking method changes, the embassy notice prevails.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, permanent residence)

The talent-researcher card allows research and teaching with no work authorisation; spouse and minor children get a talent-famille card via the accompanying-family procedure. After the research ends you can get the one-year job-search/business-creation permit, then a work card or resident card.