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Visa D "Visiteur"
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Zlokazov & Company - French immigration, visas, residence permits

  • Residence permit valid for up to four years, with the option to renew. You have the right to establish and manage a company in any legal form under French law.

  • Your spouse and dependent children can live with you and are free to pursue any paid employment in France.

  • You and your family members are eligible to apply for French citizenship after five years of residency in France.

  • There is no legal requirement to speak French or English.

Why France?

France, situated at the heart of Europe, is widely recognized as one of the world's most influential and prosperous nations. As a parliamentary democracy, it boasts a highly developed infrastructure, a respected judicial system, low crime rates, universal healthcare, and a reputable education system. Additionally, France's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through its numerous festivals and fairs.

Ways to obtain a French residence permit through business (key requirements):

  • Entrepreneur

    Applicant must provide evidence of:

    • Opinion provided by the competent authority in France regarding the viability of the business project.
    • Proof of company registration or enrollment in the social security system for self-employed individuals.
    • If the activity is regulated: authorization to practice.
    • Extract from the applicant’s police record or an equivalent document from their country of nationality.
    • A tax certificate verifying the payment of income tax in France (if residing in France).
    • Documents demonstrating the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed commercial, industrial, or craft activity.
    • Proof of income at least equal to the full-time French minimum wage (SMIC)
    • The activity must comply with public safety, health, and order requirements.

  • Regulated and non-regulated independent professions (freelancers)

    Applicant must provide evidence of:

    • Opinion provided by the competent authority in France regarding the viability of the business project.
    • Proof of enrollment in the social security system for self-employed individuals or company registration in France.
    • Authorization for practicing your profession. If the profession is regulated by an Order, provide authorization from the relevant professional Order. For medical or paramedical professions, proof of registration with the Medical Council or, where applicable, authorization to practice from the Ministry of Health.
    • If the activity does not require specific authorization: A signed document detailing your professional project in France and any documents proving your professional qualifications (degrees, certifications, professional experience, etc.).
    • Proof of income at least equal to the full-time French minimum wage (SMIC)
    • If you are continuing an existing activity, you will need to provide proof of the activity’s status and operation.

    Independent professions, encompassing a wide range of intellectual or conceptual activities performed independently, are divided into two main categories: regulated and non-regulated. The former, such as lawyers, doctors, and architects, are governed by professional bodies and require specific qualifications to practice. The latter, including consultants, coaches, and digital professionals, offer more freedom in practice without the need for a dedicated degree.

  • Talent: new business creation

    Startup founder(s) must provide evidence of:

    • A degree equivalent to at least a master’s level, or any document proving at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
    • Proof of company registration (e.g., K-bis extract or SIREN number) or documentation showing that the registration process has been initiated.
    • Certification from the competent authority in France confirming the viability and seriousness of the business creation project.
    • Proof of sufficient resources to support yourself and your family members, at least equivalent to the full-time minimum wage (SMIC).
    • Evidence that the business project is funded with at least €30,000.

  • Talent: innovative business project (including French Tech Visa for founders)

    Startup founder(s) must provide evidence of:

    • Certification from the competent authority in France confirming the innovative nature of the business project.
    • Proof of sufficient resources to support yourself and your family members, at least equivalent to the full-time minimum wage

  • Talent: business investor

    Foreign investors looking to establish themselves in France for a planned investment can apply for a Talent Passport labeled as ‘Business Investor.’

    This option is available if the investor engages in a direct investment through one of the following methods:

    • Personally
    • Through a company they control
    • Through a company where they hold at least a 30% ownership stake

    In addition, applicants must satisfy the following cumulative requirements:

    • They must create, preserve, or commit to creating or preserving jobs within four years of the investment.
    • They must invest or commit to investing a minimum of €300,000 in fixed tangible or intangible assets.

    Direct investments encompass share capital contributions, reinvested earnings, or loans between affiliated companies. However, purely financial investments do not qualify under this program.

  • Talent: Corporate Officer

    Applicants must provide the following evidence:

    • Proof of a gross annual salary of at least three times the French minimum wage (SMIC), in their role as a legal representative of an establishment or company based in France.
    • Proof of employment for more than three months as either an employee or corporate officer within an establishment or company that is part of the same group.

Duration of Residence Permits for Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Independent Professionals (Freelancers)

Entrepreneurs and Independent Professionals (Freelancers)

The temporary residence permit for entrepreneurs and independent professionals allows the holder to conduct business activities related to an approved project. This residence permit is initially valid for 12 months and can be renewed under certain conditions. After holding the initial 12-month residence card and meeting specific eligibility criteria, you may qualify for a 4-year temporary residence card during the next renewal process.

All Talent categories

The duration of this residence permit depends on the nature, characteristics, and duration of the project. The maximum validity is four years and is renewable.

Residence Permits for Family Members

Entrepreneurs and Independent Professionals (Freelancers)

Family members of foreign entrepreneurs and independent professionals, including spouses and minor children, do not automatically receive residence permits following the approval of the main applicant’s request.

However, they can independently apply for residence permits through the following options:

  • Visitor Status: For family members who wish to reside in France without engaging in employment.
  • Employee Status: For family members who secure a job in France.
  • Student Status: For family members intending to study in France.

Additionally, family members may apply for residency in France through the family reunification procedure. This option is available to foreign nationals who have legally resided in France for at least 18 months and wish to bring their spouse and children to join them.

All "Talent" residence permit categories

  • The family of a "Talent" residence permit holder (spouse and minor children) can benefit from the simplified accompanying-family procedure and obtain a "Talent - Family" residence permit without having to go through the family reunification process. Your spouse and minor children will receive residence permits valid for the same period as your own.
  • Additionally, your spouse will be authorized to engage in any professional activity in France, whether as an employee or an entrepreneur, without needing to apply for additional work authorization.

Long stay visa D «visiteur» to France

If you are just beginning to think about starting your business in France but are not yet ready to set up a company, you may benefit from a long-stay "visiteur" visa, which allows you to stay in France for the whole year but does not permit any professional activity. Once you have decided to launch your business, you can apply to change your status through a prefecture in France.

Major requirements:

• Proof of funds to meet living costs in France not less than €1,477.94 net per month as of June 1, 2026.
• Proof of accommodation in France for permanent living (rental agreement, property deed).
• Proof of your professional status and financial situation.

Procedure for Obtaining a Long Stay Visa (D) or Residence Permit in France for Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Independent Professionals (Freelancers)

  • Company formation or registration as a self-employed individual in the French social security system and obtaining an official opinion from a competent authority in France regarding your project.

  • Booking an appointment at a French consular office or an authorised visa center or a prefecture in France.

    • If you don't hold a French residence permit yet you should initially obtain the appropriate visa D for France while in the country of your citizenship or your permanent residence.
    • If you already hold a residence permit in France, you should apply at the prefecture of your place of residence in France.

  • Filing Documents: Submit the required documents at a French consular office, an authorised visa centre, a prefecture in France, or via the official website of the French Ministry of the Interior (ANEF), for all "Talent" residence permit categories.

    Processing time of your file will depend on the reason for obtaining a visa (residence permit) and can vary from several weeks to several months.

    • If you submit your documents through a prefecture in France or via the official website, and your application is approved, you will receive a card titled "carte de séjour," indicating the validity period and your rights to work or engage in professional activities in France.
    • If you file your visa application with a consular office of France abroad (or an authorised visa center) and your application is approved you'll initially get a visa D to enter France. After that you'll have to apply to the French prefecture of your place of residence for the "carte de séjour" or in the case of VLS-TS visa D, validate your visa online and in some cases pass a medical examination.
    Processing time of issuing a "carte de séjour" in France may take several months.

Ready to start your project in France?

Every entrepreneur’s situation is different. Tell us about your plans using our enquiry form and we’ll review them personally and reply within 24 hours — with a tailored action plan and a clear quote. There’s no charge to enquire.

After the consultation, you will understand:

  • A clear roadmap tailored to your circumstances

  • The ways we can support you through the process

  • What it takes to secure a favourable decision in your particular case

  • The full cost of our services, with no hidden extras

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French startup visas for investors and independent professionals
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