“Entrepreneur/ Liberal Profession” status
The “Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession” status enables non-European foreign nationals to start or carry out an independent activity in France, provided that the project is economically viable and that it respects public order.
In a nutshell
- This residence permit is for non-European citizens looking to work as a self-employed individual in France.
- It applies to commercial, craft, industrial, and professional activities.
- The project must be economically viable and respect public order.
- The permit is issued for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal under certain conditions.
Who does it apply to?
The “Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession” status is for nationals of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who wish to work as a self-employed professional in France.
Nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can work as self-employed professionals in France without any special formalities, under the same conditions as French nationals.
Algerian citizens are subject to the specific provisions of the Franco-Algerian agreement and must refer to the rules applicable to their situation.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for the “Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession” temporary residence permit, the applicant must demonstrate:
- The economic viability of their project.
- Their ability to earn a salary at least equivalent to the minimum wage, which was €21,876.36 as of January 1, 2026, when joining or managing an existing business.
- An activity compatible with public safety, health and order
What activities are permitted with this residence permit?
The “Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession” temporary residence permit only authorizes the exercise of the self-employed activity described in the project submitted with the application.
Any substantial change to the activity carried out may require a new administrative procedure or a change of status.
What is the length of the authorized stay?
The “Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession” temporary residence permit is issued for a period of 12 months and is renewable under certain conditions.
How to obtain “Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession” status?
- Preliminary step: Economic viability assessment
Before applying for a visa or residence permit, the project leader must request an assessment of the economic viability of their project.
The application is submitted online via the Digital Administration for Foreign Nationals in France platform, in the section dedicated to “Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession” residence permit projects.
The supporting documents must demonstrate the seriousness, coherence, and feasibility of the project.
- Visa or residence permit application
When the applicant resides outside of France, they must submit their application to the competent French consular authorities. A long-stay “Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession” visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) is issued for a period of 12 months.
The application can be submitted no earlier than three months before the date of arrival in France.
Once in France, the holder must validate their long-stay visa (VLS-TS) online on the dedicated platform. No action is required at the Prefecture during the first year of stay. The applicant is then requested to attend the mandatory medical examination and/or the welcome visit.
If the applicant already resides in France with another residence permit, they must apply for a change of status at the Prefecture of their place of residence. The application must be submitted no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the current residence permit.
A temporary “Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession” residence permit valid for one year, which is renewable, is then issued.
The exact list of required documents is provided by the authority in charge of the application and on the official France-Visas website.
You can also find the list of required documents provided for informational purposes.
- Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS): €99
- Online validation fee: €300
- Residence permit stamp duty: €50
How to extend the stay in France?
The renewal application must be submitted to the Prefecture of residence no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the residence permit. The applicant must demonstrate:
- Their continued employment.
- Income from this employment at least equivalent to the minimum wage, which was €21,876.36 as of January 1, 2026.
- Ongoing compliance with the conditions for issuing the permit.
The administrative fee for renewal is €250.
To obtain a multi-year residence permit, the applicant must demonstrate A2 level language proficiency and present proof that they have passed the civic examination.
In the event of a change in professional circumstances, a change of status can be requested at the Prefecture, provided the applicant meets the requirements of the new permit being applied for.
After five years of regular and uninterrupted residence in France, the applicant may be eligible to apply for a residence permit (subject to obtaining the necessary qualifications in the case of regulated professions). This permit is valid for 10 years and authorizes the holder to undertake any professional activity.
What about accompanying family members?
Family members of entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals do not benefit from a simplified procedure specific to this status.
However, they can:
- Apply for a residence permit (visitor, employee, depending on their situation).
- Join the main applicant through family reunification, provided that the main applicant has been legally residing in France for at least 18 months.
For information on the applicable conditions and procedures, you should consult the official information from the French authorities.
At a glance
This page explains the “Entrepreneur / Self-employed Professional” immigration status in France. It is based on institutional sources such as the French Ministry of the Interior, France-Visas, the ANEF platform and Business France. It presents information covering on eligibility conditions, administrative procedures and the conditions for carrying out a commercial or self-employed professional activity in France. It uses the example of a foreign entrepreneur wishing to create or carry out an activity in France and completing the necessary formalities.