France: Long-Stay Visa for Self-Employment (Remote Visa)

The Long-Stay Visa for Self-Employment allows self-employed people, freelancers, and business owners to move to France. This visa suits self-employed people working in the “liberal” professions, which include the medical, legal, technical, artistic, and teaching fields, but remote workers who are employed by a company outside of France would not qualify.

Benefits

Introduction

France has been the top destination for international tourists for more than 20 years, and for good reason. 

Rich in history, Paris, Avignon, Lille, and Marseille are all European capitals of culture. French foods like wine, cheese, croissants, chocolate, and bread are renowned around the world, and France boasts both a refined restaurant culture and a history of hearty, delicious home cooking. Encompassing the French Alps, the lavender fields of Provence, the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast), and more, France’s natural beauty has something for everyone.

Internet Speed

Fixed broadband: 192.25 Mbps download/137.82 Mbps upload

Mobile: 70.24 Mbps download/11.33 Mbps upload

Cost of living

No. 15 globally 

Requirements

$22,156.52 per year income 

Proof that your business is economically viable

All professional qualifications and experience necessary to establish and run your business (learn about the qualifications you need from the visa wizard

Fees

Application Process

Start your application online. 

First, this short visa wizard will tell you about your eligibility, fees, and the documents required.

Next, fill out the full online application and submit your documentation. Residents of many countries can submit this full application online, but some will need to follow a different procedure

Then, make an appointment at your local French embassy or consulate. They may tell you to send your application to a consular service. Make your appointment 3 months ahead of when you plan to go to France, but no earlier. 

Take your documentation and passport to the appointment in person, pay your fees, and provide your biometrics. Any applicant over 12 years of age needs to come with you to the appointment, too.

You can track your application’s process. You will collect your passport and visa in person, or it may be sent to you by mail.

If you are approved, you will be issued a long-stay visa marked “entrepreneur/profession libérale” (Self-employed in regulated ‘liberal’ profession). This is valid for one year, and is equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS).

Use the long-stay visa to enter France. Within 15 days after you arrive, validate your visa online here. 

Detailed explanation of steps 

Documents Required

Depending on your situation, you may need:

Other documents may be required. Consult the visa wizard and your local consulate.

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