Can a Foreigner Start a Business in France?

/in /by

Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Your Situation

You are:

  • A non-EU national

  • Currently residing outside of France

  • Planning to move to France

  • Intending to start or take over a business

What You Need to Know

If you’re a non-European national who wants to move to France to work as a business owner — whether in trade, industry, or craftsmanship — you must first apply for a visa. After arriving in France, you will need to obtain a residence permit.

The type and duration of this permit depend on the nature of your business activity.

Steps to Start or Acquire a Business in France

🛂 1. Apply for a Long-Stay Visa

Before arriving in France, you must request a long-stay visa marked “Entrepreneur/Professional” (VLS-TS). This visa allows you to:

  • Enter France legally

  • Reside for more than 3 months

  • Begin your company setup process without needing an additional residence permit initially

You can apply via the official France-Visas platform or through the French consulate in your country of residence.

🕒 You may apply up to 3 months before your planned arrival in France.

Types of Residence Permits Available

Permit Type Duration Requirements
Temporary Residence Permit (Entrepreneur/Professional) 1 year – A real and serious business project
– Proof of economic viability
– Annual personal resources of at least €21,203
– Business activity must comply with public order and safety
Multi-Year Residence Permit – “Talent Passport: Business Creator” Up to 4 years – A serious and viable company creation project
– An investment of at least €30,000
– At least a master’s degree or 5 years of comparable professional experience
– Proof of personal financial resources (minimum €21,203/year)
– Certification of the project’s feasibility and seriousness

Here’s a summary of the documents you may need to prepare (requirements can vary by consulate):

  • Completed long-stay visa application form

  • Visa fee payment confirmation (France-Visas receipt)

  • Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond your departure from France)

  • Civil status and nationality documents (passport or full birth certificate)

  • 3 recent passport-style photos

  • Residence permit application form (Entrepreneur/Professional)

  • Approval from the Interregional Platform for Foreign Labor in the region where your business will operate

  • Criminal record certificate or equivalent from your country of residence

  • Proof of personal financial resources (minimum €21,203/year)

  • Detailed business project presentation (business plan, budget forecast)

  • One of the following as proof of business premises:

    • Commercial lease agreement or lease promise

    • Sublease contract and written permission from the property owner

    • Domiciliation agreement (business address hosting)

    • Management lease contract with company registration proof

  • One of the following as financial proof:

    • Bank or insurance guarantee from an institution headquartered in France

    • Certificate showing a positive balance in a French bank account under your name

⚠️ Note: Document requirements can vary depending on the local consulate or prefecture. Always check with the relevant authorities before applying.