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VLS-TS — Entrepreneur Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €399

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

4% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€31,000

Quality of Life

173/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For self-employed professionals and business creators establishing enterprises in France.

The France Entrepreneur/Profession Libérale visa is a long-stay VLS-TS visa for non-EU nationals who want to create or run a self-employed business or liberal profession. No job offer is needed; applicants must show a viable business plan and financial resources equivalent to the SMIC (€21,876/year in 2026).

The visa is valid for one year, renewable annually. Holders gain full self-employment work authorisation and a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years. No dependent visa is included — family must apply separately. Costs are €99 (visa fee) plus €300 validation tax, payable online within 15 days of arrival.

This visa is ideal for non-EU freelancers, entrepreneurs, and regulated professionals who want to legally operate in France without an employer sponsor.

Curious about life in France?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

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Cost Breakdown

Application feeEUR €99

Validation tax (taxe de séjour)EUR €300

TotalEUR €399

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

France

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Validity10 years (renewable)

Processing2-4 months

View Visa Details

France

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)

Processing4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrate economic viability of the business project

Possess sufficient financial resources (at least equivalent to the French annual minimum wage, SMIC)

Meet specific professional qualifications or diplomas if the activity is regulated

Provide proof of accommodation in France

Hold comprehensive health insurance

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

21,876 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Completed visa application form

Detailed business plan

Proof of financial resources (e.g., bank statements)

Proof of accommodation

Health insurance certificate

Evidence of professional qualifications/diplomas

Criminal record certificate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows legal self-employment and business creation in France
Pathway to long-term residency and potential citizenship after 5 years
Access to French public services and healthcare once registered
Flexibility to work with both French and international clients

Worth Knowing

High burden of proof for business viability
Strict compliance with French tax and social security obligations
Renewal depends on the continued activity and success of the business
Does not automatically include family members (unless under specific Talent Passport categories)