International Business Pathways
France
France offers several distinct routes for entrepreneurs and business creators, from the standard liberal profession route to Talent Passport categories for innovative or larger-scale projects.
Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession Residence Route
France's Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession route is designed for non-European nationals who intend to live in France while carrying on a commercial, industrial, artisanal, agricultural, or independent professional activity. Successful applicants normally receive a one-year long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit, marked entrepreneur/profession liberale.
At a Glance
Minimum Investment
No fixed minimum. The applicant must show the activity is adequately funded.
Personal Funds Required
No fixed net-worth requirement. Official benchmark is at least €1,867.02 gross monthly, or €22,404.20 annually.
Key Restriction
Company registration is not always required before applying, but formal registration and operational compliance must be completed after arrival or before the residence card is produced. Standard family reunification is generally unavailable until at least 18 months of qualifying residence.
What your business case must demonstrate
- Written project presentation and business plan
- Multiyear forecast budget
- French banking support or positive account balance
- Professional authorization for regulated professions
What Viamora prepares
Market research and competitor analysis
Business model development
Pricing and revenue strategy
Marketing, operations, and startup cost planning
Investment allocation and financial projections
Implementation planning and supporting commercial documentation
Frequently asked questions
What income does France require for this route?
Does the company need to be registered before applying?
Can family members join the applicant?
Compare
Pathway comparison*
| Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession Residence Route | Talent Passport, Innovative Economic Project | Talent Passport, Business Creation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | No fixed minimum. The applicant must show the activity is adequately funded. | No fixed investment minimum. | Minimum investment of EUR 30,000 in the business project. |
| Ownership | Applicant carries on the commercial, industrial, artisanal, agricultural, or independent professional activity as their principal occupation. | Applicant leads and implements the recognized project directly. | Applicant creates and actively runs the new French business. |
| Planning document | Written project presentation, business plan, multiyear forecast budget, and evidence of French banking support or a positive account balance, required for a new commercial, industrial, or artisanal business. | Innovative economic project. | Real and serious business-creation project, supported by a business plan and multi-year budget forecast. |
| Recommended package | Full Market Entry Package or Business Consulting Partnership | Full Market Entry Package or Business Consulting Partnership | Full Market Entry Package or Business Consulting Partnership |
Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation
Discuss your France business concept and planning requirements during a free 30-minute consultation. No obligation.
* Viamora is a business advisory firm. References to pathways on this site refer to business establishment routes. We do not provide immigration advice or legal counsel.