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VLS-TS — Entrepreneur Visa
VisasFranceVLS-TS — Entrepreneur Visa
FranceFrance•Europe
Open

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 €324

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

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 €225 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.

France

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.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Application feeEUR €99
Validation tax (taxe de séjour)EUR €225
TotalEUR €324

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

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

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

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing2-4 months
View Visa Details
EU Long-Term Residence Permit
France flagFrance

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)

Application Process

1

Prepare a comprehensive business plan

2

Submit visa application online via France-Visas portal

3

Schedule and attend an appointment at the French consulate/embassy

4

Submit biometric data and pay fees

5

Validate the VLS-TS visa online within 15 days of arrival in France

6

Complete business registration formalities in France

Verified Claims (23)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application Steps
Prepare a comprehensive business plan; Submit visa application online via France-Visas portal; Sched…
france-visas.gouv.fr
Dependent Visa
None
expat-in-france.com
Fee Breakdown
Application fee: 99 EUR; Validation tax (taxe de séjour): 225 EUR
ofii.fr
Fees
€99 application fee + €225 validation tax
france-visas.gouv.fr
Forms
—
france-visas.gouv.fr
Included Nationalities
—
france-visas.gouv.fr
Job Offer Required
false
france-visas.gouv.fr
Application Portal
https://france-visas.gouv.fr
france-visas.gouv.fr
Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
4% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€31,000
Quality of Life
173/200
Full Country Guide

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