Freelance Visa in France

Your complete guide to securing your French Freelance Visa.

What is the Freelance Visa for France?

The Freelance Visa for France is a type of long-stay visa (VLS-TS) that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to live and work in France as self-employed professionals. This visa is also referred to as the “entrepreneur/profession libérale” visa, and it is the main legal pathway for freelancers, consultants, artists, and independent service providerswho want to operate legally in France.

This visa is intended for non-EU nationals who want to:

  • Start a business in France (commercial, industrial, artisanal, or agricultural);

  • Work as a freelancer, consultant, or self-employed professional;

  • Take over an existing French business.

To be eligible, you must provide:

  • A solid business plan proving your activity is viable in France;

  • Sufficient financial means to support yourself (at least equal to the French minimum wage, approx. €1,400/month in 2024);

  • Professional experience or qualifications related to your activity;

  • A clean criminal record (no threat to public order);

  • Proof that you will register your activity with the proper French authorities once in France.

A long-stay visa (VLS-TS) valid for 1 year, acting as your residence permit;

It can be renewed if your business remains active and compliant;

After several years, you may qualify for permanent residency or French citizenship.

You must apply at the French consulate in your country of residence before traveling to France.

Looking to simplify your path to securing an Freelance visa for France? Our trusted immigration law partners are here to support you every step of the way. From tailored legal advice to hands-on help with your application, you’ll benefit from expert guidance to make your move to France smooth and stress-free. Get in touch today and take the first step toward building your professional future in France.

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How can we help you with moving in France?

We work closely with a network of trusted attorneys who can assist you with every step of the process, including:

Personalized Eligibility Review

An immigration lawyer will conduct a thorough assessment of your freelance profile, including your professional background, intended activity in France, and financial capacity, to determine if you meet the criteria for France’s Freelance Visa (visa “entrepreneur/profession libérale”). Whether you’re a remote consultant, creative professional, or independent service provider, this personalized review helps lay the foundation for a strong and well-supported application.

Strategic Document Preparation

Your lawyer will guide you through the preparation of all required documents for your visa file. These typically include a statement or outline of your freelance activity, proof of sufficient financial resources, a rental agreement or proof of accommodation in France, valid French-approved health insurance, a clean criminal record, and supporting documents such as diplomas, certifications, portfolios, or service contracts, depending on your field.

Step-by-Step Application Filing

From accurately completing the application forms to submitting your full file to the French consulate or via the official online visa portal, your lawyer will guide you through every step. Their expertise helps reduce errors and avoid delays, ensuring your application is submitted correctly and on time.

Simplifying French Administrative Processes

French administration can be complex, especially for independent professionals unfamiliar with the system. Your lawyer will help you comply with all administrative procedures before and after arrival in France, including registering your freelance activity with URSSAF or the relevant professional body, and understanding your social security obligations.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring

Your legal advisor will monitor your application from submission to decision. If additional documents or clarifications are requested by the authorities, your lawyer will respond quickly to keep the process on track and avoid unnecessary delays.

Residency Transition After Arrival

Once you’re in France, your lawyer can assist you in applying for your residency permit (Carte de Séjour), ensuring you have all the necessary documents and appointments in place for a smooth transition to legal residence as a freelancer.

Assistance in Case of Rejection

If your visa application is denied, your lawyer will review the reasons for the refusal, help you strengthen your file, and assist in filing an appeal or submitting a stronger reapplication if needed.

Ready to launch your freelance activity in France?
Book a consultation with our partner lawyers to receive tailored legal guidance and full support through every stage of your visa process.

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1. World-Class Healthcare

France offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world—affordable, accessible, and high-quality, even for newcomers with the right residency status.

2. Exceptional Quality of Life

From charming villages to bustling cities, France combines a slower pace of life with modern comforts, excellent public services, and beautiful surroundings.

3. Rich Culture and History

France is a global cultural hub, home to world-famous museums, historic architecture, festivals, and a deep appreciation for art, fashion, and literature.

4. Gourmet Food and Wine

Enjoy world-renowned cuisine, daily fresh markets, and an incredible variety of regional wines and cheeses—part of everyday life, not just for tourists.

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Eligible activities include commercial, industrial, artisanal, agricultural, or liberal professions (e.g. consultant, artist, therapist). The business must be legal, viable, and genuinely intended.

A complete file generally includes:

  • Business plan

  • Proof of funds

  • Criminal background check

  • Relevant diplomas, certificates, or professional documents

No. The freelance visa does not include family members by default, which means your spouse and children cannot be added directly to your application.

However, you can apply for family reunification visa for your spouse and children, once your residence in France is legal and stable.

Yes, but you must submit a concrete and detailed business plan showing how the idea will be implemented and sustained economically in France.

No, speaking French is not a formal requirement for the freelance visa. Your application will be evaluated based on your business plan, financial stability, and legal compliance—not your language skills.

You must show that your planned activity will generate at least the equivalent of the French minimum wage (SMIC)—currently around €1,400 to €1,600 per month. A detailed and credible business plan, as well as projected income or client contracts, will help support this.

There is no legal obligation to hire employees, but creating jobs can strengthen your application and prove economic value.

Yes, as long as your main business activity is registered and operated legally in France, and you comply with local tax and social security obligations.

You can operate either as an auto-entrepreneur (micro-entrepreneur) or create a registered business structure (like SASU, EURL, etc.), depending on your activity and income level.

You must:

  • Validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months

  • Register your business with the URSSAF, INSEE, or appropriate chamber (e.g. Chambre de Métiers)

  • Comply with French tax and social security regulations

Yes, but you must inform the relevant authorities and ensure the new activity remains compatible with your residence permit type.

Yes. The visa allows short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) in other Schengen countries, but your main residence and activity must remain in France.

Need-to-Know Info

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

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