Self Employed Visa in France

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What is a Self Employed Visa in France?

The Self Employed Visa in France, also called as Entrepreneur Visa, is a residence permit for foreign company founders or that allows to set up a company in France and live there. The validity period of this residence permit is 12 months, renewable subject to conditions.

Who is Eligible for the Self Employed Visa?

The entrepreneur must offer proof of the following in order to qualify:

An economically feasible activity and, if he/she joins an existing company, its ability to provide him/herself sufficient compensation (at least equal to the minimum wage, which is set at €20,966.40 as of May 1, 2023),
An activity suitable for the needs of public safety, health, and order.

The temporary residency permit with the designation “Entrepreneur/Self-Employed” authorizes the performance of the business activity in conjunction with the project being proposed.

Where to Apply for an Self Employed Visa?

You live outside France

Candidates living outside of France should submit an application to the French consular authorities in their normal home for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) that is equal to a residence permit and is designated “Entrepreneur/independent professional.”

This VLS-TS has a 12-month expiration date and permits the bearer to conduct business.

Once they are in France, Entrepreneurs must use the dedicated platform administration-etrangers-en-france to authenticate their VLS-TS. During the first year of residence, there is no need to apply for a residence permit with the Prefecture. The foreign individual is thereafter required to go to a compulsory medical exam and/or welcome visit.

You are already living in France

If candidates are already in France on a different form of residence permit, they must apply for a change of status to the Préfecture (office of the Prefect, the local representative of national government) in their place of residence.

The individual in question will be granted a 12-month renewable ‘Entrepreneur/independent professional’ temporary residence permit.

Ready to navigate the complexities of the Self Employed visa in France? Contact our partners, experienced immigration lawyers, to receive personalized guidance, expert advice, and professional assistance with your visa application. Let us help make your extended stay in France a seamless and successful experience. Reach out to us now to start the process!

How can a lawyer help me with self employed visa?

A lawyer can help you by providing legal advice and guidance throughout the application process. Some ways a lawyer can assist you include:

Eligibility assessment: A lawyer will review your business plan and financial situation to ensure you meet the French government’s requirements for a self-employed visa. This includes having a viable business plan and proof that your business will generate sufficient income to support you in France.

Business structure advice: They can assist you in selecting the best legal structure for your business in France, whether it’s as a sole trader (entrepreneur individuel), a freelance professional (profession libérale), or creating a small company (auto-entrepreneur or Société).

Document preparation: A lawyer will guide you in compiling the required documents, which generally include:

A comprehensive business plan demonstrating the viability of your business.
Proof of financial resources to support yourself while your business grows.
Proof of professional qualifications or experience relevant to your self-employed activity.
A health insurance policy valid in France.
Lease agreements or proof of accommodation in France

Visa application submission: The lawyer will help you submit your visa application to the French consulate in your home country, ensuring all forms and documents are complete and meet the consulate’s requirements, reducing the risk of rejection.

Navigating French administration: French bureaucracy can be complex, and a lawyer can help you with local administrative processes, including registering your business with the appropriate French authorities (like URSSAF or the Chamber of Commerce) and obtaining necessary licenses or permits.

Residence permit process (Carte de Séjour): After obtaining the visa and arriving in France, a lawyer can guide you through the process of obtaining your residency permit, or carte de séjour. This step is essential for staying long-term and legally operating your business.

Tax and social security guidance: A lawyer can provide advice on your tax obligations as a self-employed individual in France and assist you in registering for the French social security system, ensuring compliance with local laws.

Appeals and follow-ups: If your visa application is denied, a lawyer can assist in appealing the decision or correcting any issues with your application to improve the chances of success.

If you’re interested in starting your self-employment journey in France, we’d be happy to discuss how we can help you through each stage of the process. Would you like to set up a meeting to explore your options?

Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you and guide you through the entire application process. Let us help you make your dream of living and working in France a reality.

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Why France?

Obtaining a self employed visa in France offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it opens an opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most captivating countries, with its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Secondly, the visa enables access to France’s thriving digital and tech ecosystem, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth. Lastly, you will immerse in the warmth of French hospitality, savour its delectable cuisine, and explore its diverse regions while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.

Cultural immersion

Experience the rich French culture.

Location

Explore Europe without visa restrictions.

Stable economy

France has a stable and growing economy

Delicious cuisine

Taste world-renowned French food and wine.

Affordable living

Cost of living is lower compared to other European countries.

Healthcare access

Access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services.

Skilled workforce

France has a highly skilled and multilingual workforce.

Travel Opportunities

Explore diverse regions within France.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I begin the procedure?

The procedure should begin no later than three months before the intended date of arrival in France.

If the applicant is already in France, the procedure should begin two months before the current residence permit expires.

What's the cost of the Self-Employed Visa?

At the time of online validation, applicants must submit a tax payment of €200 to the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII). On top of this tax, residency permits additionally include a stamp duty fee of €25.

The long-stay visa required for entrance into France costs €99 in addition to the administrative fee of €225.

This is the cost implicid of getting the visa, the cost of our immigration lawyers to help you with the process can vary depending on each case. To get an accurate quotation of our immigration services, contact us to explore your case with a free consultation.

Extending your Self-Employed Visa

Applications for renewal must be submitted two months prior to the expiration of the residence permit.

Applicants must present documentation proving they are still in compliance with the requirements for receiving their permission.

The applicant must be able to demonstrate continuing compliance with the requirements established for permit eligibility at the time of the application for renewal with the Prefecture in order to renew a “Entrepreneur/Self-Employed” residence permit.

The founders of the company must additionally show that the Company has continued to operate and that it has generated resources equal to the SMIC, or €20,966.40 as of May 1, 2023. It has an administrative cost of 225€.

Can my family come with me?

Families accompanying foreign talent in this category are not eligible for the fast-track process but may still apply for a residence permit separate from the primary applicant (visitor status, employee status, etc., if the candidate has secured employment in France).

Otherwise, under the conditions of family reunification, families may petition for residency in France. When foreign nationals who have been legally residing in the country for at least 18 months want to bring their spouse and children to join them, family reunification terms apply.

Our Team

For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful immigration process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams, whether it’s residence in France or simply an investment.

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