France offers different visa options for foreign entrepreneurs and workers looking to establish themselves in the country.
France offers different visa options for foreign entrepreneurs and workers looking to establish themselves in the country.
- Regular Entrepreneur Visa
This visa is designed for entrepreneurs planning to start a business in France.
Key Requirements
- A well-structured business plan.
- Business activity must be economically viable, ensuring at least the French minimum wage (€21,621.60 as of 2025).
- The business must comply with public safety and health regulations.
- If the business falls under regulated sectors, the applicant must have the necessary qualifications.
Application Process
- Prepare the application and business plan.
- Request an approval from the Ministry of Labor (response within 60-90 days).
- Attend a visa appointment at the French consulate.
- Submit official documents, which must be legalized and translated into French.
- Pay the visa fee (€225 per applicant).
- Obtain a decision from the consulate within 60 days.
- Arrive in France within the 3-month visa validity period.
- Validate the visa online within 3 months of arrival.
- After one year, the applicant can apply for an Entrepreneur Residence Permit or change status.
Who Should Apply?
Entrepreneurs looking to start a small business with no significant capital requirements beyond proving economic viability.
- Talent Entrepreneur Visa (Talent Card)
Aimed at high-potential entrepreneurs, this visa is part of France’s Talent Passport program, which seeks to attract skilled professionals and investors.
Key Requirements
- A real and serious business project in a commercial, industrial, or craft sector.
- A minimum investment of €30,000 in the future business.
- A master’s degree or five years of comparable professional experience.
- No prior criminal record.
- Proof of financial resources sufficient to cover at least six months of living expenses in France.
- Completion of the Cerfa form for business registration and affiliation with the self-employment social scheme.
Application Process
- Prepare the application, business plan, and multi-year budget.
- Request an opinion from the Ministry of Labor (response within 60-90 days).
- Attend the visa appointment and submit documents.
- Receive visa approval within 60 days and arrive in France within three months.
- Register at the prefecture or apply for a residence permit within two months.
Who Should Apply?
Entrepreneurs with a high-level business project and significant financial investment who want a streamlined path to long-term residency.
- French Work Visa
This visa is for foreign employees who have secured a job in France. Unlike entrepreneur visas, this requires an employer to sponsor the application.
Key Requirements
- A job offer from a French employer.
- The employer must advertise the job in France for at least three weeks to prove no suitable local candidate is available.
- The job must match the applicant’s qualifications and skills.
- If the contract is under 90 days and for cultural or artistic activities, some exemptions may apply.
Application Process
- Employer submits a work authorization request in France (processing time: ~2 months).
- Once approved, the applicant applies for a visa at the French consulate.
- Pay the visa fee (€99 per applicant).
- Receive visa approval within 60 days.
- Arrive in France within the 3-month validity period.
- Validate the visa online and pay a €200 validation fee.
- After one year, the applicant must apply for a renewable residence permit (valid up to 4 years).
- After 5 years, the applicant may apply for permanent residency (valid for 10 years) or French citizenship.
Who Should Apply?
Foreign professionals with a confirmed job offer in France, especially those in industries with labor shortages.
Comparison Table
The Regular Entrepreneur Visa is ideal for small business owners who want to establish an enterprise in France without major investment requirements. The Talent Entrepreneur Visa is more suited for high-value entrepreneurs who have significant capital and experience, offering a stronger residency path. On the other hand, the French Work Visa is meant for employees who have secured a job with a French employer, leading to potential long-term residency and citizenship.
Choosing the right visa depends on whether the applicant is looking to start a business, invest heavily in France, or secure employment. Each visa has its own requirements, benefits, and obligations, so applicants must evaluate their goals before applying.
Navigating the complexities of French immigration laws can be challenging, whether you’re an entrepreneur launching a business or a professional seeking employment in France. Choosing the right visa is crucial for your long-term success, and ensuring a smooth application process requires careful planning, legal expertise, and strategic preparation.
At Blue Bridge, we specialize in business immigration, work visas, and residency applications. Our team of experienced legal professionals will guide you through the whole process, contact us now.
