Published on: March 01, 2025 | Article No: 308 | By: @rprasanth_kumar
Question from a community member
Dear Prasanth,
I have been working in France for the past three years under the Passeport Talent – Salarié en Mission (CdS PT SEM) residence permit. My wife, as a dependent on my status, is also working under the Passeport Talent – Salarié en Mission Famille (CdS PT Famille) permit, earning €44,000 per year.
Now, I would like to convert her residence permit from a dependent status to an independent Salarié permit without changing her job. Neither of us has pursued education in France. I would like to know if this is possible and, if so, what the procedure would be.
Additionally, if my wife transitions to a Passeport Talent – Salarié permit, would I be able to convert my residence permit to be her dependent while continuing my job?
The reason for this query is that I want to increase my job opportunities. Since my current status requires visa sponsorship, changing my residence permit status could improve my chances of finding a suitable role.
Thanks in advance for your answer.
My Answers
Unfortunately, your spouse is not eligible for an independent Carte de Séjour Passeport Talent – Salarié Qualifié (CdS PT SQ) or Carte de Séjour Passeport Talent – Carte Bleue Européenne (CdS PT CBE) because:
- She did not study in France.
- Her salary is below the threshold of €53,800 required for CdS PT CBE.
For more details on work permits after studying in France, refer to this resource: Work Resident Permits After Graduating in France. Before proceeding, I recommend reviewing the risks involved with Passeport Talent – Salarié en Mission permit explained in the following articles:
- Changing Employers Before Completing 2 Years in France.
- FAQ on Resident Permit Status After Job Resignations and Terminations.
Steps to Convert Residence Permit
Step 1: Converting Her CdS PT Famille to CdS Salarié
- Her employer must apply for a Work Permit if it has not already been issued. More information is available here: French Work Permit – Everything to Know.
- Once the work permit is approved, she can apply for a residence permit conversion offline at the local Préfecture, as this process is not yet available on the ANEF website.
Step 2: You become her Dependent
- If she obtains a regular CdS Salarié, she will not be eligible to add you as a dependent through the quick dependent residence permit process.
- Only individuals holding any category of Passeport Talent (CdS PT) can invite their spouses through the accelerated process.
- The alternative would be to go through the Regroupement Familial process, which is lengthy and complex: Family Reunification – Bringing Family to France.
Potential Solutions
- She finds a job with a salary of at least €53,800, which would allow her to switch to a CdS PT CBE and add you as her dependent.
- You find a job that pays at least €53,800, which would enable you to switch to a CdS PT CBE and add her as your dependent.
Anything below this salary threshold could complicate your situation in France, making residence permit transitions more challenging.
Conclusion: While transitioning your wife’s dependent residence permit to an independent one is definitely possible, there is no advantage in it as a family. Increasing the salary and getting the Cds Passeport Talent CBE (EU Blue card) route for either of you would be the most viable long-term solution for securing residence and work flexibility in France.
Cheers,
Prasanth Ragupathy
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It’s Really appreciated the time and effort Prashanth is doing consistently. It’s really helpful for many of the people
..I would like to share some information about his …There is One possible option to change the Visa Category from Passport Talent Salary on mission to Passport Talent (Qualified Salary) even they don’t study in france /eu.. If her company have innovative in nature / startup ( the government give the option to hire the Foreign National with the if they give the required salary (45k).. if the company fall into this category..she can ask the HR about tax relaxation certificate that their company received form French Government) .. mine was the similar case .let me know if you need any further information
Hello Brahma,
Thanks for the reminder. I will add it as an option too. But, The Carte de séjour Passeport Talent – Eentreprise Innovante is very specific and concerns only a few companies.
Cheers,
Prasanth