How to Apply for the Entrepreneur Visa in France: Requirements and Process

France attracts thousands of founders, freelancers, and small business owners each year thanks to its strong economy, global market access, and rich entrepreneurial culture.

The France Entrepreneur Visa, officially known as the VLS/TS entrepreneur/profession libérale, is one of the most common pathways for non-EU nationals who want to start or run a business in France.

This long-stay visa allows you to live in France for more than 12 months, manage a business legally, and gain access to the country’s social and economic opportunities.

This guide explains how to apply for the Entrepreneur Visa in France, who qualifies, what documents you need, the application steps, and how you can eventually transition to long-term residency. You will also learn about financial requirements, family options, and alternative visas for entrepreneurs.

Whether you plan to open a café in Lyon, work as a freelance consultant in Paris, or launch a tech startup in Marseille, this article gives you the practical steps you need to move forward with confidence.

What is the France Entrepreneur Visa?

The France Entrepreneur Visa is a long-stay visa category designed for self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business founders who want to live and work in France. Its official name is the VLS/TS entrepreneur/profession libérale, where VLS/TS stands for Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit).

This visa allows you to enter France, reside for up to 12 months during the first period, and engage in a self-employed professional activity legally.

Once granted, the visa functions both as an entry visa and as a temporary residence permit. After arrival, you validate it online with the French immigration office (ANEF) and gain the right to operate your business, access public services, and renew your stay. The visa can be extended annually if your business remains financially viable and compliant with French regulations.

Unlike EU nationals who enjoy automatic freedom of establishment in France, non-EU citizens require this visa to run a business legally. The Entrepreneur Visa differs from more advanced permit categories like the Talent Passport – Business Creator, which is designed for larger, innovative, or high-investment projects.

The Entrepreneur Visa focuses on small to mid-sized businesses, freelancers, consultants, artisans, and liberal professionals, offering a simpler and more accessible path.

If your goal is to start a modest business or operate as a freelancer, this visa is usually the best fit. If you plan to raise significant investment, create jobs, or launch an innovative startup, you might qualify for alternative pathways like the Talent Passport or French Tech Visa, which we will cover later in the article.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for the Entrepreneur Visa in France is based on both general legal requirements and business-specific criteria. France evaluates applicants on their ability to support themselves financially, contribute economically, and operate a legitimate, sustainable business.

General Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must meet the following conditions:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid passport
• Provide a clean criminal record
• Hold adequate health insurance
• Show proof of accommodation in France (rental contract, hotel reservation, or host attestation)
• Demonstrate financial stability during your stay

These general requirements ensure you can legally reside in France and integrate smoothly during your first year.

Business-Specific Eligibility Criteria

The core requirement for this visa is the ability to run a viable business that generates income equal to or above the French minimum wage.

As of 2025, the minimum annual income threshold is €21,621.60 (based on the French SMIC for full-time work). Your business plan must show realistic forecasts, expected revenue growth, and clear financial sustainability.

France accepts various business activities under the entrepreneur/profession libérale category, including:

• Freelance services (IT, consulting, design, writing, coaching)
• Online businesses (e-commerce, digital marketing, content creation)
• Hospitality and small retail ventures
• Artisan or craft-based activities
• Liberal professions such as architecture, psychotherapy, accounting
• Small import-export businesses
• Local services such as cleaning, photography, or tutoring

Regulated Professions

Some professions in France require special authorization, licensing, or qualifications. These include:

• Healthcare (doctors, nurses, therapists)
• Legal professions (lawyers, notaries)
• Accounting and auditing
• Skilled trades requiring certification (plumbing, electrical work, etc.)

If your profession is regulated, you must secure the appropriate approvals before submitting your visa application.

In special cases, entrepreneurs planning to operate in sensitive industries may need pre-approval from the French Ministry of Economy, a rule expanded in recent regulatory updates.

Application Process Step-by-Step

Applying for the Entrepreneur Visa in France involves several stages, each requiring careful preparation and accurate documentation.

The French authorities assess your application based on your business plan, financial stability, and readiness to operate legally in France. Below is the full, clear step-by-step guide that helps you follow the official process without confusion.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Visa Type

You must apply for the VLS/TS entrepreneur/profession libérale.
This is the long-stay visa valid for business founders, freelancers, and self-employed professionals.
If your project falls under investment, innovation, or high-growth startup plans, you may later switch to the Talent Passport – Business Creator.

Step 2: Prepare a Strong Business Plan

Your business plan is the most essential part of your application. It is used to evaluate whether your project is feasible and will generate enough income in France.

A complete business plan should include:

• Executive summary
• Business description
• Market research for the French market
• Competitor analysis
• Financial projections for at least 3 years
• Your professional background and skills
• Operational structure
• Marketing and sales strategy

The financial projection must show the potential income of €21,621.60 or more per year in 2025.
Authorities also check if you have adequate funds to launch your business and sustain yourself during the early months.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

The documentation checklist typically includes:

• Valid passport (issued within last 10 years)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-size photos meeting French specifications
• Detailed business plan
• Proof of financial resources (bank statements, savings, sponsorship, or investment)
• Proof of accommodation in France
• Proof of business structure (auto-entrepreneur, EI, EURL, SASU draft)
• Professional qualifications or certificates
• Criminal record extract
• Health insurance certificate covering your entire stay
• Payment of visa fees

If you are applying from a country where certain documents must be legalized or translated, ensure you follow those rules early to avoid delays.

Step 4: Create Your Application on France-Visas

Applications must start on the official France-Visas portal.
You will:

• Fill out the form
• Select VLS/TS entrepreneur/profession libérale
• Upload initial documents
• Receive a personalized document checklist
• Book an appointment at your local French consulate or VFS center

Your final file must match the checklist exactly.

Step 5: Submit Your Application at the Consulate or VFS Center

On your appointment day:

• Bring all original documents
• Prepare organized copies for submission
• Attend the biometric session (fingerprints and photo)
• Pay visa fees, usually between €99 and €120 depending on your region

The officer may ask questions about your business plan, your experience, how you will sustain yourself, or why you chose France.

Step 6: Wait for Application Processing

Processing time usually ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your country of residence.
Some applications take longer if additional approvals are required from:

• The French Ministry of Economy
• The Prefecture in your future region
• Professional regulatory boards

You may check updates on the France-Visas portal.

Step 7: Travel to France and Validate Your Visa

Once your visa is approved, you must validate it within 3 months of arrival via the ANEF platform.
This converts your VLS/TS into a residence permit valid for 12 months.

You will pay an online tax stamp of €200.

Step 8: Register Your Business in France

Your business must be registered under the correct category:

• Auto-entrepreneur (simplest and most common)
• EI or EIRL for single-owner businesses
• EURL or SASU for more formal structures
• Liberal professionals through URSSAF

After registration, you will receive:

• SIREN number
• SIRET number
• APE code
• URSSAF affiliation

These identifiers allow you to begin operating legally in France.

Validity, Renewal & Transition to Permanent Residency

Understanding the timelines, renewal conditions, and long-term residency options is essential for building your life and business in France.

Visa Validity Period

The VLS/TS entrepreneur/profession libérale is valid for 12 months during the first year.
During this period, you are allowed to:

• Operate your business
• Work with clients within France or abroad
• Travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Renewal Requirements

To renew your residence permit, you must prove that your business remains stable. Renewal is handled at the local Prefecture, not through France-Visas.

Typical renewal documents include:

• Updated business plan (if changes occurred)
• Proof of revenue meeting minimum wage threshold
• Updated financial records
• URSSAF statements
• Tax declarations
• Proof of address
• Valid health insurance

Prefectures usually look for revenue aligned with SMIC (French minimum wage). If your first-year revenue slightly falls short but shows growth, many prefectures still grant renewal.

Transition to Long-Term Residency

After one or more renewals, you may qualify for longer-term options:

Multiyear Residence Permit (2 to 4 years)

Granted if your business shows continued growth and compliance.

Talent Passport Route

If your business expands or becomes innovative, you can transition to:

• Talent Passport – Business Creator
• Talent Passport – Innovative Project

These permits last up to 4 years, making them ideal for fast-growing startups.

Carte de Résident (10-Year Residency Card)

Eligible after 5 years of continuous residence, provided you have:

• Stable income
• Integration into French society
• Clean legal record

French Permanent Residency

Holders of the 10-year card may renew it indefinitely.

Naturalization (French Citizenship)

Possible after 5 years of residency in most cases, with language and integration requirements.

Bringing Family to France

The Entrepreneur Visa allows your spouse and minor children to join you in France through the family reunification process.

How Family Members Apply

Your family members must apply for a long-stay visa for family reasons at the French consulate in their home country. They will need:

• Valid passports
• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates)
• Proof of your legal stay
• Proof of your financial ability to support them
• Proof of accommodation large enough for the whole family

France typically requires that you meet the minimum household income threshold, based on SMIC and family size.

Family Benefits in France

Once approved, your spouse and children can enjoy:

• Legal residence for the same period as your permit
• Access to the French healthcare system
• Enrollment in France’s public or private schools
• Access to community services
• Ability for the spouse to work (in some cases depending on the visa type)

Families also benefit from stability and improved integration when living together in France.

Financial & Logistical Considerations

Bringing family members means planning for:

• Additional living costs (housing, groceries, utilities)
• School enrollment formalities
• Health insurance for dependents
• Local administrative registrations

Many applicants secure larger accommodation before initiating reunification.

Financial Considerations and Support

Financial stability is a core requirement for the Entrepreneur Visa in France. The authorities want to ensure that you can support yourself, sustain your business, and maintain a stable income during your first year in the country.

Minimum Income Requirement

To qualify, your projected income must meet or exceed the French minimum wage.
For 2025, the annual threshold is €21,621.60 (based on SMIC).
Your financial projections should reflect realistic revenue streams that can cover:

• Rent
• Food
• Utilities
• Transport
• Healthcare
• Business costs

If you plan to bring your family, you will need additional income to demonstrate sufficient financial support.

Business Funding Options in France

France offers several funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Some common sources include:

• Personal savings
• Bank loans from French or international institutions
• Microloan programs like ADIE
• Regional grants available in certain French areas
• Support from Bpifrance for startups or innovation-driven projects
• EU-funded programs for eligible sectors

While the Entrepreneur Visa does not require large investment amounts, showing a clear, stable funding plan increases your approval chances.

Cost of Living Considerations

The cost of living varies significantly by region.
Examples:

• Paris: €1,200 to €1,800 monthly for a studio apartment
• Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse: €700 to €1,100
• Smaller towns: €500 to €800

Include these expenses in your budget planning since your revenue must realistically cover your living and business operations.

Alternative Visa Options for Entrepreneurs

The Entrepreneur Visa works well for freelancers, consultants, and small business owners. However, entrepreneurs with bigger growth plans or substantial investments might find better options in alternative visa types.

Talent Passport – Business Creator

This residence permit is ideal for entrepreneurs who plan to create a business with:

• High economic impact
• Innovative activity
• A minimum investment of €30,000
• Detailed economic contribution to France

The Talent Passport offers a stay of up to 4 years, faster processing, and a smoother path to permanent residency.

French Tech Visa

This option suits startup founders in the tech or digital sector. It supports innovative business projects backed by:

• French Tech–certified incubators
• Accelerators
• Venture capital partners

It is a strong choice for high-growth companies planning scalable operations.

Investor Visa

For entrepreneurs or investors who plan to invest significantly in France, the Talent Passport – Investor offers a path for those willing to invest:

• At least €300,000 into a French business
• Or commit to job creation or protection

This visa offers long-term residence and access to broader economic activities.

When to Choose Alternatives

A different visa option may be better if:

• You plan to hire employees quickly
• You want visa validity longer than 12 months upfront
• Your project involves high innovation or technology
• You need accelerated pathways to permanent residency

How Immigration Experts Can Help

Applying for the Entrepreneur Visa requires careful attention to the details of business planning, legal requirements, and document preparation. Many applicants choose to work with immigration lawyers or consultancy firms to improve approval chances.

Benefits of Using a Professional

• Expert review of your business plan
• Identification of missing documents or weak financial projections
• Guidance on consulate expectations
• Preparation for visa interview questions
• Advice on choosing the best business structure in France
• Support through the validation and renewal process
• Assistance with family reunification applications

Professionals also stay updated with French immigration regulations, helping you avoid errors that could delay or damage your application.

Services Typically Offered

• Full document preparation
• Business plan refinement
• Legal structuring for your French business
• Communication with French authorities when needed
• Support creating an ANEF account and validating your visa
• Step-by-step residency renewal guidance

This support helps applicants navigate the complex requirements confidently, especially those unfamiliar with French administrative procedures.

Conclusion

Applying for the Entrepreneur Visa in France is a structured process that rewards clear planning, financial stability, and a strong business vision.

This visa gives you the opportunity to start or grow a business in one of Europe’s most attractive economies while enjoying the benefits of long-term residency.

When you prepare your documents carefully, build a realistic business plan, and understand the timelines involved, your chances of approval increase significantly. Once in France, staying compliant with renewal rules and maintaining a healthy business performance opens the door to multiyear permits, permanent residency, and even citizenship.

If you want additional help, professional immigration services can guide you through each step and ensure your application is consistent with French requirements. With preparation and persistence, you can successfully begin your entrepreneurial journey in France.

FAQ Section: Common Questions About the Entrepreneur Visa in France