The visa for a liberal profession or independent activity allows a foreign national to settle in France to exercise a non-salaried economic activity. This scheme is intended for both individual entrepreneurs and liberal professionals wishing to create an activity or take over an existing structure, within a framework strictly regulated by foreign national law. Obtaining this permit relies on a thorough analysis of the project’s viability, the applicant’s qualifications, and the compliance of the planned activity with French economic, social, and regulatory requirements.
What are the eligibility conditions?
To be eligible for the visa and residence permit authorizing the exercise of an independent or liberal activity in France, the applicant must notably justify:
- A real and economically viable project for the creation or takeover of a commercial, industrial, artisanal, agricultural, or liberal activity.
- The compatibility of the activity with public safety, health, and tranquility.
- A financial investment consistent with the nature of the project, generally assessed starting from €30,000.
- Sufficient personal resources to support themselves and their family, at least equivalent to the annual minimum wage (SMIC) in force (which is €21,876.40 per year as of January 1, 2026).
- When the project is part of an existing company, the ability to generate sufficient remuneration for the director constitutes a determining criterion in the review of the application.
Benefit from an A to Z support package for your project
Our support method is based on an individualized analysis of each project. It takes into account both regulatory requirements and administrative practices observed during the processing of applications by consular and prefectural authorities. The A to Z support takes place in 3 steps:
Step 1: Project analysis and regulatory preparation
This first phase consists of evaluating the legal and economic solidity of the project and informing the applicant about the entire administrative process. It includes notably:
- The study of the project’s economic viability.
- The identification of the most suitable legal status.
- The preparation of preliminary formalities before the visa application.
Documents prepared or analyzed include:
For a commercial, industrial, or artisanal activity:
- The application for a temporary residence permit authorizing the exercise of a commercial, industrial, or artisanal activity (Form 13473*01).
- The opinion of the interregional foreign labor platform (MOE) when required.
- The detailed business plan and multi-year projected budget.
- Proof of financing (bank certificate, guarantee commitment).
- The commercial lease promise, domiciliation contract, or sublease.
For a liberal profession:
- Application for a temporary residence permit ‘Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession’ (Form CERFA 13473*01).
- Signed document specifying your professional project in France.
- Proof of professional capacity (diplomas, qualifications, professional experience, etc.).
- Business plan demonstrating that the activity will provide resources at least equivalent to the SMIC.
- If a regulated activity (health, law, architecture, etc.): authorization to practice issued by the professional order or competent authority.
- Professional lease promise or domiciliation contract.
- Proof of sufficient resources.
Step 2: Long-stay visa application
We handle the complete assembly of the visa application file, entry on the France-Visas platform, and organization of the appointment at the competent center for filing the file.
Step 3: Formalities after arrival in France
After obtaining the visa, we support the applicant in their procedures in France:
- Application for the residence permit.
- Assembly of proof of domiciliation and professional registration.
- Signing the commitment to respect the principles of the Republic.
Personalized assistance is provided by telephone or email throughout the process.
What is the cost for support to obtain this visa?
This support is subject to a personalized, no-obligation quote, established according to the complexity of your case and the support time required. Contact us to receive your quote.
This quote does not include:
- Visa fees
- The service fees of the provider responsible for receiving applications
- The residence-permit tax
- Stamp duty
What are the terms of payment and refund?
Payment, staggered according to the progress of the package’s three steps, along with the applicable refund conditions, will be communicated to you with your quote, or detailed upon simple request. The terms for quotes, payment, and refunds follow the same principles, adjusted pro rata to the steps selected if you wish to benefit from only one or two steps of the package.