Self-employment / Freelance in France
One documented route of this kind in France, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession Residence Card
A temporary and then multi-year residence card for non-EU nationals who wish to exercise a commercial, craft, industrial, or liberal (self-employed) profession in France as their primary activity for more than 3 months. The activity must be economically viable and generate income of at least €1,867.02/month. A2-level French proficiency is required for renewal.
- Processing time
- Prefecture decision within standard administrative timeframes; submit application to prefecture 2 months before card expiry for renewals
- Validity
- 1 year (initial temporary card); up to 4 years (subsequent multi-year card)
- Language requirement
- A2-level French required for renewal
- Permanent residence
- 5 years of continuous legal residence in France
- Citizenship
- 5 years of legal residence with demonstrated integration
Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality
- Intent to exercise a commercial, craft, industrial, or liberal profession in France as the primary activity
- Economic viability of the activity (business plan and financial projections for new businesses)
- Proof of financial resources of at least €1,867.02 net/month
- Registration with appropriate body (Guichet unique for commercial/craft; Urssaf for liberal professions)
- Qualifications and authorisations required for regulated professions
- Valid long-stay visa or change-of-status from an existing permit
Required Documents
- Valid passport or identity document required
- Proof of address dated within 6 months required
- Three identity photographs required
- Medical certificate from OFII required
- Proof of registration with the appropriate professional register (Guichet unique for commercial/craft, Urssaf for liberal professions) required
- Business plan, budget projections, and financial security proof (€1,867.02/month minimum income) required
- Professional authorisation or qualification certificate (for regulated professions)
- Signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic required
Official fees
- Initial temporary residence card (standard rate, from 1 May 2026): €300 tax + €50 stamp 350 EUR
- Renewal of temporary card (from 1 May 2026): €200 tax + €50 stamp 250 EUR
- Multi-year card (standard rate, from 1 May 2026): €300 tax + €50 stamp 350 EUR
- Late application regularisation fee 180 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Obtain a long-stay visa for entrepreneur/liberal profession activity
Apply at the French consulate for a long-stay VLS-TS marked 'entrepreneur/profession libérale'. Submit the business plan and proof of financial viability. Pay the €300 long-stay visa fee (standard rate from 1 May 2026).
-
2
Register the activity in France
Register your business or liberal profession activity with the appropriate authority: the Guichet unique (one-stop shop) for commercial and craft activities, or Urssaf for liberal professions.
-
3
Apply for the initial temporary residence card
Submit the application to the local prefecture with proof of registration, financial viability, and other required documents. Pay the initial card fee (€300 tax + €50 stamp = €350).
-
4
Receive 1-year temporary card
The prefecture issues the 'entrepreneur/profession libérale' temporary card valid for 1 year.
-
5
Apply for multi-year card renewal
Before the temporary card expires, apply for the multi-year card (up to 4 years). Demonstrate continued activity, A2-level French, and integration under the Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine. Pay the multi-year card fee (€350).