The question of access to professional activity for the spouse holding a “Passeport Talent – Family” residence permit has long raised uncertainties, particularly with regard to business creation.

Between legal ambiguities and divergent administrative practices, the situation lacked clarity. However, a recent clarification by the French authorities now provides a decisive answer.

A legal framework that long remained uncertain

What the CESEDA provides

Article L.421-22 of the CESEDA provides that the spouse of a foreign national holding a “Passeport Talent” residence permit is issued a multi-year residence permit bearing the mention “Talent – Family.”

This permit grants the right to engage in a professional activity, without explicitly distinguishing between salaried and self-employed activities.

A source of uncertainty since 2021

Since the repeal of Article L.313-21 of the CESEDA on 1 May 2021, no provision clearly referred to the right to work of the “Talent – Family” spouse.

In practice:

• it was generally accepted that the spouse could engage in salaried employment;

• however, some commercial court registries refused to register companies, considering that the permit did not authorize self-employed activity.

This divergence in interpretation placed the spouses concerned in a situation of legal uncertainty.

A decisive official clarification

On 21 November 2025, the French authorities updated the official Service-Public.gouv.fr website, providing a long-awaited clarification.

It now expressly states that:

• the spouse holding a “Talent – Family” residence permit is authorized to engage in salaried and/or self-employed professional activity,

• and may therefore create a company in France.

This clarification puts an end to divergent interpretations and constitutes an official reference for administrative bodies and relevant authorities.

What are the practical consequences?

This clarification entails several concrete effects:

• the “Talent – Family” spouse may create and manage a company;

• they may carry out an independent or liberal professional activity;

• no specific work authorization is required;

• and, in the case of salaried employment, the employer is exempt from the tax for hiring a foreign national.

It therefore secures the professional projects of families accompanying Passeport Talent holders.

Key takeaways

• The legal framework applicable to the “Talent – Family” spouse long remained uncertain.

• An official clarification from the Public Service in November 2025 confirms the right to engage in both salaried and self-employed activities.

• The spouse may now create a company without any legal ambiguity.

• This development enhances the attractiveness of the Passeport Talent scheme for international profiles and their families.

Any questions? Contact us on contact@22-55.fr or via our LinkedIn page!