L. 421-5 — Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession Residence Permit (Carte de séjour entrepreneur/profession libérale)

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L. 421-5 — Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession Residence Permit (Carte de séjour entrepreneur/profession libérale)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

3-6 months

Application Fee

449 EUR

Stay Duration

1 year (renewable)

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

10% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€28,800

Quality of Life

155/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

France's Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession residence permit lets non-EU nationals run a self-employed business or liberal profession — consulting, freelancing, architecture — without an employer sponsor. Applicants must prove economic viability via a business plan and show income at the French minimum wage (SMIC).

The permit is valid for one year and renewable, providing a pathway to permanent residency after five years. Spouses receive a work-authorised residence permit. No job offer is needed — the activity must be registered with French authorities and remain financially viable at renewal.

This visa is ideal for self-employed professionals, consultants, architects, or freelancers outside the EU who want to build an independent career in France with a route to permanent residency.

Fee Breakdown

Long-stay visa fee	99 EUR
Residence permit tax	300 EUR
Stamp duty (Droit de timbre)	50 EUR

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

France

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Validity10 years (renewable)

Processing2-4 months

View Visa Details

France

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)

ProcessingUp to 4 months

View Visa Details

France

Talent Passport

Validity4 years

Processing15-45 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must intend to engage in a non-salaried, self-employed, or liberal profession activity.

Must demonstrate the economic viability of the business project.

Must prove sufficient financial resources (at least equivalent to the French minimum wage, SMIC).

Must comply with any specific regulations or qualifications required for the chosen profession.

Must provide a detailed business plan and multi-annual budget.

Must be registered or in the process of registering with the relevant French authorities (e.g., URSSAF, Trade Register).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Min. Income

21,622 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Long-stay visa application form (CERFA).

Detailed business plan and multi-annual financial projections.

Proof of professional qualifications or diplomas (if the profession is regulated).

Proof of financial resources (bank statements, business revenue projections).

Proof of business registration (e.g., Kbis extract, URSSAF registration).

Valid passport.

Recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of residence in France (or planned residence).

Criminal record extract from the country of origin.

Professional liability insurance certificate.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows legal establishment and operation of a business or freelance activity in France
Provides access to the French healthcare system
Offers a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years

Worth Knowing

Business must be proven economically viable for renewal
Strict documentation requirements regarding income and professional qualifications
The permit is tied to the specific business activity presented in the application

Application Process

Confirm eligibility and prepare a detailed business plan

Apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) at the French consulate in your home country

Enter France and validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival

Apply for a multi-year residence permit at the local prefecture 2-4 months before the initial visa expires

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Confirm eligibility and prepare a detailed business plan; Apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) at the…	france-visas.gouv.fr
Fee Breakdown	Long-stay visa fee: 99 EUR; Residence permit tax: 300 EUR; Stamp duty (Droit de timbre): 50 EUR	service-public.fr
Fee Breakdown · 1 · amount	200	france-visas.gouv.fr
Fee Breakdown · 1 · label	OFII residence permit tax	france-visas.gouv.fr
Fee Breakdown · 2 · amount	25	france-visas.gouv.fr
Fees	€99 for the long-stay visa (consulate) plus €200 OFII residence tax and €25 stamp duty (droit de tim…	france-visas.gouv.fr
Forms	—	service-public.fr
Included Nationalities	—	service-public.fr

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Check Eligibility

Overview

This visa is ideal for self-employed professionals, consultants, architects, or freelancers outside the EU who want to build an independent career in France with a route to permanent residency.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must intend to engage in a non-salaried, self-employed, or liberal profession activity.

Must demonstrate the economic viability of the business project.

Must prove sufficient financial resources (at least equivalent to the French minimum wage, SMIC).

Must comply with any specific regulations or qualifications required for the chosen profession.

Must provide a detailed business plan and multi-annual budget.

Must be registered or in the process of registering with the relevant French authorities (e.g., URSSAF, Trade Register).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Min. Income

21,622 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Long-stay visa application form (CERFA).

Detailed business plan and multi-annual financial projections.

Proof of professional qualifications or diplomas (if the profession is regulated).

Proof of financial resources (bank statements, business revenue projections).

Proof of business registration (e.g., Kbis extract, URSSAF registration).

Valid passport.

Recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of residence in France (or planned residence).

Criminal record extract from the country of origin.

Professional liability insurance certificate.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows legal establishment and operation of a business or freelance activity in France
Provides access to the French healthcare system
Offers a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years

Worth Knowing

Business must be proven economically viable for renewal
Strict documentation requirements regarding income and professional qualifications
The permit is tied to the specific business activity presented in the application

Application Process