Certificate of residence for “self-employed” for Algerian nationals
Starting or taking over a business in France can be an opportunity for long-term establishment. Algerian nationals looking to work as self-employed individuals for more than three months must apply for a specific residence permit.
In a nutshell
- The Franco-Algerian agreement establishes a specific regime for entry, residence and professional activity in France.
- The “self-employed” residence permit authorizes the holder to undertake commercial, craft or industrial activities.
- It is exclusively for Algerian nationals.
- This residence permit is issued for a period of 12 months and can be renewed under certain conditions.
Who does it apply to?
The “self-employed” residence permit is for Algerian nationals looking to carry out commercial, craft or industrial activities in France for a period exceeding three months.
This status is governed exclusively by the Franco-Algerian agreement, which grants Algerian nationals’ freedom of establishment, subject to compliance with the conditions stipulated in this agreement.
Nationals of other countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are subject to different residence permits that enable them to undertake commercial activities.
Company directors who are nationals of the EU, EEA and Switzerland may carry out their activities in France without any special formalities, under the same conditions as French nationals.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Algerian nationals have the right to freedom of establishment in France and can be issued a one-year renewable residence permit specifying their occupation.
To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Obtain a long-stay “self-employed” visa.
- Be registered with the trade and companies register, the trades directory or a professional body.
- Comply with the regulations applicable to their occupation
What activities are permitted?
The “self-employed” residence permit authorizes the exercise in France of a commercial, craft or industrial activity, as declared in the application
What is the length of authorized stay?
The residence permit is issued for a period of 12 months.
It is renewable annually, provided that all legal requirements are met and that the business continues to operate.
How to obtain the “self-employed” certificate of residence?
- Request submitted from abroad
When the applicant resides outside of France, the competent French diplomatic and consular authorities issue a long-stay “self-employed” visa.
The visa application must be submitted online via the France-Visas website, no earlier than three months before the date of arrival in France.
This visa is valid for three months and enables the holder to undertake professional activity upon arrival in France, after providing proof of registration with the relevant legal authorities.
Once in France, the holder must apply for a “self-employed” certificate of residence from the prefecture of their place of residence within two months of arrival
- Request submitted from France
If the applicant is already residing in France under another residence permit, they must apply for a change of status at the prefecture of their place of residence.
The application must be submitted at least two months before the expiry of the current residence permit.
A one-year renewable “self-employed” certificate of residence is issued, provided that certain eligibility conditions are met.
The precise list of required documents is provided by the authority responsible for processing the application, either on its website or at its reception desk.
You can also consult the official information provided by the French authorities.
- The first issuance of the certificate of residence is free.
- The cost of the long-stay visa authorizing entry into France is €99.
How to extend the stay in France ?
The Algerian “self-employed” certificate of residence must be renewed annually.
The prefecture services verify the legitimacy and compliance of the activity carried out based on supporting documents, such as proof of address, tax status or regulatory compliance.
They also check compliance with the rules applicable to the profession practiced, as well as the absence of any public order issues.
The renewal application must be submitted within two months prior to the expiry of the permit.
- Competent authority: Prefecture of the place of residence
- Administrative fee: €225
In the event of a change in professional circumstances, a change of status can be requested from the prefecture no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the residence permit.
The applicant must then meet all the requirements for the new permit being applied for.
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 another residence permit (visitor, employee, depending on their situation).
- Join the main applicant through family reunification, provided that the latter has been legally residing in France for at least 12 months.
For information on the applicable conditions and procedures, you should consult the official information provided by the French authorities.
This page explains the rules applicable to the “Self-employed Professional” residence certificate for Algerian nationals in France. It is based on institutional sources such as the Franco-Algerian Agreement, the French Ministry of the Interior, France-Visas and Business France. It presents information covering eligibility conditions and the procedures to be completed in order to carry out a commercial activity and reside in France. It uses the example of n Algerian national wishing to carry out a commercial activity in France while residing there.