France is offering a new visa specially designed for self-employed workers, allowing one-year residence, renewable for up to five years. This visa, called “Visa for Liberal Activity“, offers entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and self-employed occupations (called “liberal activity”), the opportunity to settle in France, one of the most attractive countries in Europe. You get a long stay visa valid residence permit (VLS-TS) with the mention “ entrepreneur/liberal profession “. It is valid for one year on the condition that you send, within 15 days following your arrival in France, a request for validation of your visa. You will also have to initiate the mandatory administrative procedures in France to carry out your activity.
A visa for entrepreneurs and liberal professionals
This visa allows self-employed workers to create a business or carry out a liberal activity in France. On arrival, holders must go to the immigration office to obtain a temporary residence permit valid for 12 months, renewable each year. Continuity of residence for five years can pave the way to permanent residence or even French citizenship.
Criteria and conditions
To obtain this visa, applicants must prove the viability of their project in France, in particular by demonstrating that they can generate a minimum income equivalent to the legal salary in France.
If the activity contributes significantly to the French economy, the “Talent Passport”, a four-year residence permit, could be granted, offering additional benefits, such as the possibility of bringing close family.
Advantages of this visa
The advantages of this visa are numerous. In addition to the possibility of legally residing in France, it allows mobility across the European Union. In addition, although it is mainly intended for self-employed workers, it offers the flexibility to change status in the event of a job opportunity in France. This visa also constitutes a springboard towards obtaining French or European citizenship.
Application procedure
Applicants must provide a valid passport, identity photos, one-year health insurance, a clean criminal record certificate, as well as proof of their financial capacity to support themselves. It is necessary to prepare a business plan and projected financial statements.. The application is made to the French Consulate, and after arrival in France, the procedures continue at the local foreigners office.
If you create a new activity, you must demonstrate the economic viability of your project. In the event of setting up as a liberal professional or participating in an activity already created, you must be able to generate a level of resources at least equivalent to the legal minimum wage for full-time occupation. The supporting documents relating to your personal and professional situation must be attached to the visa application.
TO OBTAIN THE VISA:
Visa-for-liberal-professions
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