You obtained a higher education degree in France and have since returned to your home country. You now wish to come back to France to look for a qualified job or start a business related to your field of study.
In this context, the long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) “job search / business creation” (RECE) allows you to return to France and move forward with your professional plans.
JJP Visas Consulting supports you in checking your eligibility and securing your visa application.
Who can apply for a RECE visa?
You may apply for this visa if you meet all of the following conditions:
- you obtained a higher education degree in France (at least a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification listed by the authorities)
- you previously held a student residence permit or participated in a mobility programme during your studies
- you apply within a maximum period of 4 years after obtaining your degree
- you have a clear plan to either find a qualified job or start a business in France, directly related to your studies
Before starting the process, JJP Visas Consulting reviews your situation to ensure overall consistency and confirm that the RECE scheme is suitable for your case.
What the RECE visa allows in practice
Once issued and validated online after your arrival in France, the RECE visa allows you to:
- return to France for a long-term stay after your studies
- look for a qualified job related to your French degree
or
- prepare and launch a business project aligned with your academic and professional background
This visa is valid for 12 months. During this period, you can stay in France and move forward with your professional plans, with the possibility of switching to another residence status (employee, talent passport, entrepreneur, self-employed, etc.) depending on your situation.
How we support you
For your job search / business creation visa, we guide you through each step of the process.
Step 1: checking your eligibility for the RECE scheme
We start with a detailed analysis of your background to avoid any strategic mistakes. We:
- review your French degree (level, institution, date of completion)
- verify your previous student status and compliance with the 4-year deadline
- assess the consistency of your return project (employment or business creation)
- guide you towards an alternative solution if the RECE scheme is not suitable
This ensures you move forward with a clear and secure legal framework.
Step 2: preparing your long-stay visa application
We then assist you with the full preparation of your application. We help you:
- create a tailored list of supporting documents (degree, previous residence permit, financial resources, insurance, professional project)
- complete the France-Visas application with a clear and structured presentation of your project
- organise your appointment at the consulate or visa centre
- respond to any additional requests from the authorities, especially regarding your professional or business plan
- prepare an appeal in case of visa refusal, if needed
Fee for this step: €600 (excluding visa fees and external service provider fees)
Step 3: assistance with formalities in France
After your arrival, several administrative steps are required to secure your stay. We assist you with:
- online validation of your RECE visa
- communication with the prefecture in case of additional requests or clarification of your project
Fee for this step: €1,000
Full support package: visa and residence process
For comprehensive support, we offer a full package including:
- preparation of your visa application
- validation of your VLS-TS in France
- assistance with transitioning to a residence status adapted to your future activity
Total package cost: €1,500
Payment and refund terms
Payment is made in two stages:
- €600 at the start of the process
- €1,000 after the visa is granted for procedures in France
For the full package:
- €600 at the beginning
- €900 after visa approval
Partial refunds may apply in certain situations (visa refusal, ineligibility or unmet conditions), in accordance with the terms and conditions and after deduction of any administrative fees.
FAQ – RECE visa (job search / business creation)
Need support to return to France?
The RECE scheme requires a careful analysis of your academic background and professional plans. Professional support helps confirm eligibility, structure your application and strengthen the consistency of your project with the expectations of the French authorities.