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?
To benefit from our expertise, you should expect: €3,000
This price does not include: Visa fees, service fees of the provider (VFS, TLS), the tax on the residence permit, and the stamp duty.
What are the terms of payment and refund?
Payment is made in three installments, prior to each step: €1,000 before Step 1, €1,000 before Step 2, and €1,000 after obtaining the visa.
Refund conditions:
- When regulatory conditions cannot be met, the first third is refunded, minus €400 in management fees (€600 refunded).
- If a relevant alternative is proposed but refused by the applicant, the first third is refunded at 50% (€500).
- In the event of a visa refusal, the second third is fully refunded if the applicant waives appeals.
- No refund of the third installment is provided in case of withdrawal or renunciation of stay.