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VLS-TS — Self-Employed Person or Liberal Profession Visa
FranceFrance•Europe
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VLS-TS — Self-Employed Person or Liberal Profession Visa

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

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 4 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €399

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

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

Long-stay visa for self-employed individuals and liberal professionals (consultants, doctors, architects, etc.) establishing business or professional practice in France.

The France Self-Employed/Liberal Profession visa is a long-stay VLS-TS permit for non-EU nationals who want to set up a business or independent practice — consultants, architects, doctors, and similar professionals. No employer sponsor is needed; applicants self-petition and must show a viable business plan.

Granted for 1 year and renewable, the permit can convert to a multi-year entrepreneur residence card and ultimately to permanent residency. Income must meet the French minimum wage (SMIC, around €21,876/year). Dependents join via family reunification after 18 months; spouses cannot work on a dependent visa.

This visa is ideal for self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs who want to establish an independent practice or business in France without needing a French employer.

France

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Cost Breakdown

Visa application feeEUR €99
Validation taxEUR €300
TotalEUR €399

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

Must be a non-EU citizen aged 18 or older

Must demonstrate the economic viability of the proposed business or professional activity

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

If the profession is regulated, must hold the necessary qualifications and authorization to practice in France

Must provide a detailed business plan or proof of professional activity

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

21,876 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Business plan

Professional qualifications

Financial proof

Banking information

Curriculum vitae

Accommodation proof

Application Process

1

Develop business plan

Create detailed business or professional plan

2

Gather documents

Collect business plan, financial documents, qualifications

3

Apply for visa

Submit application at French consulate

4

Present business case

Demonstrate viability and economic contribution

5

Pay fee

EUR 99 visa fee

6

Await decision

4-8 weeks processing

7

Validate visa

Online validation within 3 months

8

Register business

Formally establish business in France

9

Apply for residence

Apply for multi-year entrepreneur residence permit

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Self-Employed Person Visa Application—

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