French residency through company formation

What documents are required for the application?

A residence permit to start a business in France is issued upon submission of a complete application. Required documents include:

• A long-term national visa (category D);
• An international passport;
• 3 recent, standard-sized photographs;
• A conclusion from the Interregional Platform for Foreign Labor (Plateforme interrégionale de la Main d’œuvre étrangère) for retail, craft, or manufacturing activities;
• A completed entrepreneur residence permit application form;
• A certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship or residence;
• A detailed project presentation including a business plan and multi-year financial forecast;
• A letter of guarantee from a French bank or a certificate of funds in a French account;
• Documents confirming the business premises (lease, sublease, or use agreement);
• In the case of a business acquisition, provide a copy of the purchase and sale agreement;
• In the case of a management lease, provide a management lease agreement, an extract from the commercial register, and a copy of the lease agreement;
• Draft company articles of association indicating the capital structure;
• In the case of establishing a subsidiary, provide documents appointing a representative, the articles of association of the foreign company, and a lease agreement in France;
• When opening a foreign legal entity, provide the articles of association and a document of appointment from the competent authority;
• An extract from the French company register or the previous owner’s business register (no older than 3 months);
• A certificate of the company’s tax status (Form P237);
• A certificate from the social fund confirming registration and the timely payment of pension, health, and insurance contributions;
• The original employment contract (if you are registered as an employee), or accounting documents confirming your income is above the established minimum;
• Proof of the economic viability of the project (market analysis, financial forecasts, letters from potential partners or clients, etc.);
• Proof of a residential address in France issued no earlier than 6 months prior to submitting the application;
• Utility bill, rent, or housing tax receipts;
• Receipt for payment of stamp duty and residence permit card issuance fee;
• For regulated professions, provide a permit to practice or a certificate of registration with the relevant authority.

The process of obtaining a French residence permit for entrepreneurs

In order to legally open a business and obtain a French residence permit, you must complete the established legal procedure. Below, we’ll explain the entire process of obtaining French residency.

1. Develop a project and business plan

Before submitting documents, clearly define your business idea and present it in the form of a structured business plan. This document should detail your activities, target audience, project advantages, strategy, and market entry channels. At this stage, you will also need to choose a business structure based on the scale and scope of your project.

Developing a business plan independently takes about 6-8 weeks, but with the help of professional consultants, this timeframe can be reduced to 3-4 weeks.

2. Gather documents and proof of funds

You must prepare and gather a complete set of documents proving your financial readiness to do business in France. A key French visa requirement is proof of funds equivalent to the minimum gross salary (EUR 1,801 per month) for full-time employment. Equally important is registering with the URSSAF (the French agency responsible for collecting social security contributions) and obtaining a certificate showing that you have no outstanding payments. It typically takes 4 to 10 weeks to add your information to the URSSAF registry.

To apply for a residence permit, you must also demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources. Acceptable proof includes a statement from your French bank account or an official letter of guarantee from a financial institution or insurance company, for example.

3. Apply for a D visa

To apply for a national visa, register on the France-Visas portal, complete the application form, and select the VLS-TS visa category intended for entrepreneurs (Entrepreneur/Profession Libérale).

After submitting your application online, you will be invited to provide your fingerprints and, if necessary, attend an interview. The embassy will verify your eligibility to engage in commercial or freelance professional activity, as well as ensure that you have the necessary funds and qualifications. The application processing time is 15 days on average, but it may take up to 45 days depending on the consulate’s workload.

If your application is approved, you will be issued a long-stay (VLS-TS) visa valid for 12 months. This visa will become a temporary residence permit upon your entry into France, allowing you to start a business.

4. Entry into France

After arriving in France, you must register your visa within 3 months. Registration is completed online through the General Directorate for Foreigners in France portal. To register, provide your visa number, entry date, and address of residence in France. Then, pay the stamp duty by credit card.

Failure to register your visa within the required timeframe will result in an illegal stay in the country, and reentry into the Schengen Area may be prohibited. After registering, you may be invited by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) to an appointment for a medical examination and/or to sign an integration contract.

5. Company formation

The process of creating a company in France begins with choosing a legal form. This decision determines the liability structure, taxation requirements, authorized capital requirements, and the business’s nature. The following structures are permitted:

• SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée, or limited liability company)

  One of the most popular forms for small and medium-sized businesses. Suitable for 2 or more founders (up to 100). The minimum authorized capital is EUR 1. Liability is limited to the amount of contributions. By default, SARLs are subject to corporate tax (IS) at a rate of 25%, but a reduced rate of 15% applies to the first EUR 42,500 of profit provided the capital is fully paid and owned by individuals.

• EURL (Entreprise unipersonnelle à responsabilité limitée, or SARL with a single founder)

  Similar to a SARL, but with one founder. As with a SARL, the minimum capital is arbitrary and liability is limited to contributions. When importing funds into the company, a minimum of 20% of the initial amount must be contributed at startup, with the remainder paid over 5 years. The same tax regimes apply as for a SARL.

• SAS (Société par actions simplifiée, or simplified joint-stock company

  Flexible structure with a minimum of 2 shareholders and liability limited to contributions. Share capital is freely set with a minimum of EUR 1, with 50% of contributions paid immediately and the remainder paid over the next 5 years. By default, it is subject to corporate tax (IS) at a rate of 25%. If the company’s annual revenue does not exceed EUR 10 million and at least 75% of the capital is owned by individuals, a reduced rate of 15% applies to the first EUR 42,500 of profit.

• SA (Société Anonyme, or joint-stock company)

  Designed for large businesses. It requires a minimum of 2 founders (or 7 for a public offering) and a minimum authorized capital of EUR 37,000. An auditor and a formal board of directors are required. SA is applicable when raising external capital or listing shares on the stock exchange is planned. Subject to corporate tax.

• EI (Entreprise individuelle, or sole proprietorship)

  The EI format does not require legal entity registration. The entrepreneur acts in their own name and is personally liable for all debts. There is no minimum capital requirement, and paperwork is extremely simplified. EI income is subject to income tax at progressive rates up to 45%. A simplified tax regime may apply to turnover of up to EUR 77,700 in the service sector or EUR 188,700 in trade.

Next, determine the legal name that will be used in official documents and registers. Also, indicate the company’s legal address, which may differ from the place of business but must be specified in the articles of association.

To register a legal entity, you must open a temporary bank account in France into which the share capital is deposited, even if it is only EUR 1. The account is frozen until registration is complete. It is then activated and used for ongoing operations. Opening an account takes from a few days to 2-3 weeks, depending on the bank.

Although appointing an accountant is not mandatory during the registration process, it is strongly recommended to ensure accurate bookkeeping, tax calculations, and financial reporting from the very beginning.

After you complete the formalities, the company appoints one or more managers. Their powers and management roles are outlined in the company’s statutory documents. Activities requiring licensing (such as those in the medical, catering, or real estate industries) must obtain the appropriate prior permission or approval. The company’s registered address must also be provided to the local post office for correspondence.

Next, a declaration of beneficial ownership (DBO) must be filed at the business formalities desk. Afterwards, the company’s incorporation notice is published in an official legal publication, such as SHAL, and the relevant certificate is obtained. Finally, the company must register with the RCS (Registrar of Companies). At this point, the company receives SIREN, SIRET, and APE identification numbers, which are used for tax, administrative, and statistical purposes.

6. Apply for a residence permit

Submit an application to the prefecture or sub-prefecture where you currently reside in France at least 2 months before your Type D visa or previous residence permit expires.

The procedure may vary by region. In some departments, online appointments are available. In others, applications are only possible by phone or through specialized platforms. Up-to-date information and links to application forms are published on the official websites of the prefectures. You can also consult a specialist lawyer to clarify all the details.

7. Obtain the residence permit

Applications are typically processed within 4 to 6 months. Once your application is approved, the prefecture will invite you to complete the residence permit application process. At this stage, you will be fingerprinted and asked to provide the necessary supporting documents. The completed French residence permit card will be issued at the prefecture or subprefecture closest to your place of residence.

How much does it cost to start a company and obtain a residence permit in France?

Registering a company and applying for a residence permit in France involves several mandatory costs:

How to extend a residence permit and obtain permanent residency

To have your residence permit in France extended, an application must be submitted in advance, at least 2 months before the expiration of your current permit. The basis for the extension is proof that you still meet all the requirements that were in effect when your residence permit was initially issued. For entrepreneurial activity, the company must demonstrate stability in the market and generate a minimum annual income of EUR 21,612. You must also provide documentation showing that the business is operational, such as contracts, invoices, and financial statements.

Please note that the Passeport Talent residence permit is issued for 4 years at a time. Therefore, you will not need to submit annual financial reports, verify your income, or regularly contact the immigration authorities.

After 5 years of continuous residence in France, you are eligible to apply for a ten-year residence permit. The status allows you to legally reside and work in France without restrictions, provided that you meet the qualifications for a regulated profession. The card is renewable and serves as a step toward obtaining French citizenship.

5 benefits of business immigration to France

Business immigration to France offers the opportunity to launch a business in one of Europe’s largest economies. It creates a solid foundation for living and working in the EU. Key benefits include:

1. Access to the EU market and beyond

   French jurisdiction provides access to the single European market, allowing you to develop partnerships and expand your client base throughout the EU.

2. Economic stability

   France is among the top 10 largest economies in the world by GDP, offering a reliable platform for business and long-term investment.

3. Stable legal system

   Business in France is supported by clearly structured legislation that protects investor rights at both the national and European levels.

4. Mobility within the Schengen Area

   A French residence permit provides complete freedom of movement within the EU and the Schengen Area for the entire validity period of the permit.

5. Full access to financial instruments

   With a French residence permit, you can open accounts, use corporate banking, obtain business loans, and work with European payment systems.

Professional assistance in obtaining a residence permit through business

Obtaining a residence permit in France requires a carefully crafted business plan, proven financial stability, and a thorough understanding of the French administrative system. You may encounter several challenges during the process, such as language barriers, inconsistent document submission standards across different prefectures, and the need to interact with tax, social, and commercial registries. Furthermore, many steps have strict time constraints, and errors at any stage can result in your application being rejected.

Submitting an application independently, especially without experience working with French immigration authorities, often results in repeated visits, incomplete files and certificates, or additional requests from the prefecture or consulate. A significant complication is that many documents, including bank statements, labor migration authority reports, and notifications from the URSSAF, must comply with strict formal requirements that can change without notice.

This is the reason why many entrepreneurs prefer to work with professional consultants. At Mirsatori, our team of experienced lawyers provides comprehensive support at every stage of business immigration to France. We help formulate a legally sound market entry model, consider the specifics of your business and the region where you plan to operate, and develop or adjust your business plan according to the prefecture’s and economy-related bodies’ requirements.

Our specialists coordinate with chambers of commerce and industry, tax offices, social funds, immigration services, and banks. We open bank accounts, prepare Category D visa applications, monitor application statuses with prefectures, register companies with the INPI registry and INSEE system, and issue social security numbers for directors. We also collaborate with notaries and accountants as needed.

Once you arrive in France, our specialists will assist you throughout all stages of your interactions with the OFII, monitoring the deadlines for visa activation and residence card issuance. All actions align with current legislation and administrative practices. With our support, you can rest assured that your project will be approved and focus on developing it and planning your long-term stay in France.