Entrepreneur Visa in France

Your complete guide to securing your French Entrepreneur Visa.

What is the Entrepreneur Visa for France?

The Entrepreneur Visa for France is a type of long-stay visa and residence permit that allows non-EU nationals to live in France and run their own business. It’s designed for people who want to create or manage a business or work as a self-employed professional 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 Entrepreneur 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 evaluation of your entrepreneurial profile, including your business concept, professional background, and financial capacity, to determine if you meet the criteria for France’s Entrepreneur Visa. Whether you’re launching a startup, acquiring a French business, or developing an independent commercial activity, this personalized assessment helps lay the groundwork for a strong and well-structured application.

Strategic Document Preparation

Your lawyer will guide you through the preparation of all required documents for your visa application. These typically include a comprehensive business plan demonstrating economic viability in France, proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself, a rental agreement or property deed showing accommodation in France, valid French-approved health insurance, a clean criminal record, and any documents specific to your business sector such as professional licenses, diplomas, portfolios, or contracts.

Step-by-Step Application Filing

From accurately filling out application forms to submitting your complete file to the French consulate or through the official online portal, your lawyer will walk you through each step. Their experience helps prevent errors, omissions, or miscommunication that can delay or jeopardize your visa approval.

Simplifying French Administrative Processes

Navigating French bureaucracy can be complex. Your lawyer will act as a liaison, ensuring compliance with all administrative procedures both before and after your arrival in France. This includes registering your business with the appropriate authorities and staying aligned with French legal obligations.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring

Throughout the process, your legal advisor will track the progress of your application, respond to any requests from the authorities, ensure you meet deadlines, and provide timely updates. This continuous support ensures peace of mind and increases the efficiency of your relocation.

Residency Transition After Arrival

Once in France, your lawyer will help you apply for your residency permit (Carte de Séjour). This includes assistance with gathering the correct documents, booking appointments at the prefecture, and ensuring a smooth transition to legal residence.

Assistance in Case of Rejection

If your visa application is refused, your lawyer can help you understand the reasons behind the decision, identify how to strengthen your case, and file an appeal or reapply with a more robust application.

Interested in moving forward with your Entrepreneur Visa?
Book a consultation with our partner lawyers to receive personalized advice and professional support at every stage of your move to France.

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

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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, freelancer, 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 entrepreneur 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 entrepreneur 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.

It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended. French immigration procedures can be complex and vary by consulate. A lawyer ensures that your application is complete, compliant, and submitted properly, reducing the risk of delays or rejection. LegalMova connects you with vetted immigration experts to guide you from start to finish.

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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