Roadmap to Starting a Business in France as a Foreigner

Starting a business in France as a foreigner is an exciting opportunity, thanks to the country’s strategic location in Europe and strong government support for innovation. Whether you’re drawn to France’s booming startup ecosystem or its stable economy, it’s easy to see why so many entrepreneurs choose to launch here.

If you’re a non-EU citizen, doing business in France involves more than just a great idea. There are several legal, immigration, and administrative steps that you must first navigate. Each must be done correctly to ensure you can operate your business in France legally.

In this blog, we will break down the entire process: from choosing the right business structure and visa to registering your company and setting up your life in France. Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or launching a full-scale venture, this is your roadmap to building your future in France.

Step 1: Define Your Business Vision and Viability

Before starting any legal steps or visa applications, make sure your business idea is both legal and viable in France. Some sectors, like finance, healthcare, and food services, require special licenses or professional qualifications. Always check if your activity is allowed under French law.

France actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship. Sectors such as tech, e-commerce, digital marketing, consulting, education, and sustainability are especially attractive for foreign founders due to high demand and smoother regulations.

To start a business in France as a foreigner, a detailed business plan is essential. It shows you’ve done your research, understand the market, and have realistic financial projections. This is a key part of getting your visa approved, as it proves the business is sustainable and that you can support yourself in France.

Taking the time to prepare a strong plan early on helps avoid problems later in the process.

Step 2: Understand Your Legal Path to Live and Work in France

Starting a business in France as a foreigner begins with securing the right to live and work legally in the country. France requires all non-EU nationals to hold a valid long-stay visa and residence permit if they intend to stay for more than 90 days and engage in self-employed or commercial activity.

There are several visa pathways designed for international entrepreneurs, including:

• The Entrepreneur Visa (Profession Libérale or Commercial Activity): Ideal for freelancers, consultants, and small business owners.
• The Talent Passport – Business Creator category: A more advanced option for those launching high-potential startups or investing in larger ventures.
• The Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For relocating to an existing business branch or subsidiary in France.

For most solo founders and freelancers, the Entrepreneur Visa is the most accessible and commonly used option. It’s designed to support self-employed professionals and small business creators who can demonstrate a viable business plan, stable income, and accommodation in France.

Suppose you only wish to be a partner in a French company without moving to France and do not intend to hold a management position (President/Manager). In that case, you do not need a specific visa even if you are a non-EU citizen.

Need help meeting the France Entrepreneur Visa requirements? Let our legal team guide you through each step.

Step 3: Choose the Right Business Structure in France

Once you’ve confirmed your pathway to living in France legally, the next key decision is choosing the right business structure for your activity. France offers several legal forms for business creation.

Each business type has different requirements, tax implications, and administrative obligations. The best choice depends on your business model, risk tolerance, and whether you’re working alone or with partners.

Here are the most common company structures for foreign entrepreneurs:

• Micro-Entreprise: A simplified regime, ideal for freelancers or solo service providers. It offers minimal setup costs and simplified accounting, but it’s limited in terms of annual turnover (€77,700 for services in 2025) and isn’t suitable for complex or growing businesses.
  • Want to learn more? Read our in-depth guide on registering as a microentrepreneur in France.
• Entreprise Individuelle (sole trader): A slightly more complex regime than micro-enterprises (accounting, proof of expenses). This regime is for individuals who exceed the turnover thresholds for micro-enterprises but wish to retain a simpler regime than that applicable to companies, given their turnover.
• SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée): A flexible and scalable structure, particularly popular with startups and those seeking investment. It allows multiple shareholders and customizable governance. This is a strong option if you’re planning to scale or partner with others.
• SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée): A common choice for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides limited liability and suits family-run or tightly held ventures. It’s slightly more rigid than an SAS in terms of governance, but remains reliable.

Exploring your business structure options in France? Get legal support for your company formation needs.

Step 4: Apply for the Right Visa (and When to Start the Process)

Once you have decided on a business structure, it’s time to begin applying for the correct residence permit. For most entrepreneurs, that means applying for the Entrepreneur Visa (also known as the “VLS-TS for Entrepreneur/Independent Professionals”).

This visa gives you legal permission to live and work in France while running your own business. To get your application approved, you must demonstrate that your project is serious, viable, and financially sustainable.

Key Requirements for the Entrepreneur Visa

• Sufficient income or investment capital: You must show you can support yourself in France without relying on public funds. A minimum of €20,000–€30,000 in available funds or projected business income is typically expected, though this may vary depending on your business type.
• Viable business plan: Your application must include a realistic and detailed business plan that outlines your strategy, market research, financial forecasts, and how your business will operate in France.
• Proof of accommodation in France: A rental contract, property deed, or official housing certificate showing you have a place to live.

When and Where to Apply

• You must apply from your country of residence at the nearest French consulate or visa application center.
• It’s recommended to start the process at least 2–3 months in advance, as compiling the documents, securing translations, and waiting for approval can take time.
• Once approved, you’ll receive a long-stay visa which must be validated after your arrival in France.

Want to avoid costly mistakes? Get legal clarity on the Entrepreneur Visa in France.

Step 5: Register Your Business in France

Once you have secured your visa, it’s time to make your business official. Business registration in France involves several legal steps. The exact process depends on the business structure you choose (such as micro-entreprise, SAS, or SARL). Below, we have laid out a simplified roadmap of what to expect:

1. Choose Your Legal Form

By this point, you’ll need to confirm the business structure that best suits your goals. For solo entrepreneurs, a micro-entreprise or entrepreneur individuel offers a streamlined option. For those planning to scale a business, a SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) or SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) may be more appropriate.

2. Draft Articles of Incorporation (If Applicable)

If you’re forming a company like a SAS or SARL, you’ll need to prepare the statutes. These are the legal documents that define how your business will be managed, capital contributions, shareholders, and more. This must be done before registration and often requires legal guidance to ensure compliance.

3. Register with the Appropriate Authority

All businesses in France must be registered in the Guichet Unique (INPI website). This body varies depending on your business activity:

• Commercial activities – Chamber of Commerce (Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie)
• Freelancers/professionals – URSSAF
• Artisans – Chamber of Trades (Chambre des Métiers et de l’artisanat)

The Guichet Unique forwards your documents to the relevant tax and social security bodies for activation.

4. Open a French Business Bank Account

Opening a business bank account in France is a legal requirement for most business structures (excluding micro-entreprises). You’ll need this to deposit your initial capital (only for companies – SAS and SARL), receive payments, and pay taxes and social charges.

5. Get Your SIRET Number

Once you are registered, your business will receive a SIRET number. This is your official business ID in France. This number is used for invoicing, tax reporting, and administrative procedures.

Step 6: Handle Tax, Social Security, and Compliance

Registering your business is just the beginning. Running it legally and sustainably in France means staying on top of your tax obligations, social contributions, and regulatory compliance.

Understand the French Tax Structure

Your tax obligations will depend on your chosen legal form and business activity. In general:

• Micro-entrepreneur pays simplified social charges and income tax based on turnover.
• Entrepreneur individuel pays social charges and income taxed based on the net profit. It is a slightly more complex regime than micro-enterprises (keeping accounts, justifying expenses) but may still be more advantageous than SAS or SARL.
• SAS/SARL companies are subject to corporate income tax (Impôt sur les Sociétés), and directors may also pay personal income tax on salary or dividends.
• VAT (TVA) registration may be required once you cross specific revenue thresholds or work in certain sectors.

Knowing which taxes apply to your business and when to file is critical to avoiding fines or audits.

Register for Social Security

In France, entrepreneurs and company directors must register with the social security system to be eligible for healthcare, retirement, and other benefits. This process is handled automatically if you register in the Guichet Unique.

Social contributions are not optional. The amount you pay and the regime you pay into vary depending on income and legal form.

Get the Right Insurance

Depending on your industry, you may be required to carry professional liability insurance (responsabilité civile professionnelle). Even if you don’t legally require professional liability insurance, it’s highly recommended to protect yourself against operational risks and client disputes.

If you’re hiring employees, workplace accident insurance is mandatory.

Work with a Local Legal Advisor

French bureaucracy can be overwhelming. Lexidy’s legal team takes the stress out of navigating the intricacies of starting a business in France as a foreigner. Working with a team of lawyers, accountants, and tax advisors makes compliance easier from day one.

Starting your business is only the first milestone. Staying compliant ensures you can grow in France with confidence. Need support with accounting, insurance, or legal filings? Contact us using the form below to get a free consultation!

Step 7: Prepare for Relocation and Life as a Business Owner in France

Before you make the leap and start a business in France, it’s worth preparing for the personal and cultural transition that comes with relocating to a new country.

Securing Housing and Navigating Healthcare

Whether you plan to rent or buy, securing housing early is important, not only for your visa but also for your peace of mind. France has strong tenant protections, but may also require extensive documentation—plan ahead to avoid delays.

For healthcare, all legal residents are eligible to apply for coverage under the PUMA system after three months. Until then, a private health insurance plan is essential. Once you register with Social Security, you’ll gain access to France’s high-quality, low-cost public healthcare.

Join Expat and Entrepreneur Networks

France has a thriving community of international entrepreneurs, especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Joining local business groups, chambers of commerce, and co-working spaces can provide networking, mentorship, and support as you grow your business.

Organizations like La French Tech, Meetup, and expat forums can connect you with others navigating the same journey.

Language and Cultural Considerations

While many French professionals speak English, especially in tech and urban sectors, having a working knowledge of French is a major asset. It helps with everything from bureaucracy to building relationships with clients and partners. While it may be difficult at first, French locals will appreciate the effort you make when speaking their language.

Consider taking a course or hiring a tutor, either online or in person. There are also French language schools for foreigners.

From Visa to Citizenship in France

After launching your business and living in France legally, you’ll be eligible to apply for renewals, then long-term residency, and eventually French (and EU) citizenship.

The Entrepreneur Visa provides a clear pathway to permanence, so long as you remain compliant and economically active.

Relocating to France is about more than business, it’s about building a new life. With proper preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy all that France offers while growing your company on solid ground.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Business in France as a Foreigner

Can I apply for the visa before starting a business in France as a foreigner?

Yes, you must apply for the visa before entering France. For the Entrepreneur visa, a detailed business plan and proof of financial means are required, even if the company isn’t registered yet.

What’s the minimum capital required to start a business in France?

There’s no fixed amount, but you should show sufficient investment (€30,000+ for the talent passport visa for company owners to realistically support your business and personal living costs in France.

Can I bring my spouse/children with the Entrepreneur Visa?

Yes. The Entrepreneur Visa allows for family reunification, meaning your spouse and dependent children can apply to join you and receive residence permits.

What if I want to freelance instead of registering a business in France?

You can apply as a micro-entrepreneur or entrepreneur individuel (sole trader), which is suitable for freelancers. However, you’ll still need to meet income requirements and show a viable activity plan.

Start a Business in France Today with Lexidy

Starting a business in France as a foreigner may seem complex, but with the right roadmap and legal guidance, it’s 100% possible. From choosing the right visa to registering your company and staying compliant, every step is manageable when you understand the system and have expert help on your side.

Ready to start your business journey in France? Apply for your Digital Nomad Visa with expert support.