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Information Long-Stay Visa Business: Entrepreneur (Craftsperson, Manufacturer or Retailer)

Long-Stay Visa Business: Entrepreneur (Craftsperson, Manufacturer or Retailer)

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to explore business opportunities in France, whether in crafts, manufacturing, or retail, the Long-Stay Business Visa is designed specifically for you. This visa not only allows you to legally operate your business in France but also offers a pathway to immerse yourself in the rich culture and business environment of the country.

Who Is This Visa For?

This visa is ideal for individuals planning to:

  • Start a new business in France, whether in retail, manufacturing, or crafts.
  • Acquire or join an existing business in France.
  • Develop their entrepreneurial venture and gain a foothold in the French market.

It enables you to stay in France for an extended period, facilitating business operations and management while ensuring compliance with French legal and immigration requirements.

Essential Documents You Need

Before you embark on your visa application, ensure you have the necessary documents at hand:

Travel Document:

  • A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  • ID photograph.
  • Visa application completed

Purpose of Business Travel/Stay:

You must demonstrate your intent and ability to engage in the business activities you are proposing. This includes providing the following documents:

Proof of Business Qualifications:

Degrees, diplomas, professional qualifications, and employment certificates that show your capacity to carry out the planned activity (retail, manufacturing, or crafts).

Certificate of No Criminal Record:

  • If you are not a resident of France, provide this certificate from your home country.
  • If you already reside in France, submit a tax status certificate that proves your compliance with income tax regulations in the country.

Opinion from the Plateforme interrégionale de la Main d’œuvre Étrangère:

For individuals involved in retail, crafts, or manufacturing, this opinion is required and should be obtained from the relevant department where your project will take place.

Proof of Company Registration:

  • If applicable, submit company registration documents, such as K or Kbis excerpts.
  • If you are already affiliated with the social security
  • scheme for self-employed workers, provide proof of your registration.

Special Business Form:

Complete the retailer, craftsperson, or manufacturer form that applies to your specific business sector.

Starting a Business:

If you are starting a business in France, whether a new enterprise or a buyout, the following documents will be required:

  • Starting a New Business Venture

For a new business, you need to prepare a detailed written presentation that outlines your business idea, highlighting its goals, strategy, and purpose. A comprehensive business plan is also necessary, including details about the structure of your business, the products or services you plan to offer, your target market, competition analysis, and marketing strategies. Additionally, you’ll need a multi-annual budget estimate, which should project the financial aspects of your business over the coming years, demonstrating how you plan to fund and grow the business.

  • Business Buyout

If you are buying an existing business, you will need to provide a copy of the sales agreement or purchase contract. This document will serve as proof of the business transfer and your ownership.

  • Creating a Foreign Legal Entity

For those creating a foreign legal entity in France, documentation showing your nomination to represent the foreign legal entity or a letter of intent from the relevant authority is required. You should also submit a copy of the articles of association, which outlines the company’s rules and regulations.

  • Starting a Business in Your Own Name

When starting a business in your own name, you will need to provide a commercial lease agreement if you are renting premises for your business. A detailed business plan is also necessary, which should outline your business model, financial projections, and long-term goals.

Each of these processes requires thorough preparation and documentation to ensure that your business venture in France is well-structured and compliant with local regulations

Joining an Existing Business:

If you're joining an existing business, provide evidence of its economic viability:

  • Include an extract from the company’s registration on the companies register or trade directory, dated within the last three months.
  • Attach a tax status certificate for the company (P237).
  • Include a certificate from URSSAF proving the company’s up-to-date social security payments.

Additional Considerations

  • Business Plan Importance: The business plan you submit is critical to demonstrating the viability and sustainability of your entrepreneurial venture in France. It should be well-researched, financially sound, and show a clear roadmap for your business growth.
  • Financial Requirements: You will likely need to show proof of sufficient funds to support your stay and business operations in France. This could include personal savings, loans, or business funding.

Support for Your Visa Application

We understand that everyone’s situation is unique. If you have any specific concerns or questions about your visa application, we are here to assist you. Our team can help you tailor your application to your personal and professional needs, ensuring a smooth process.

Feel free to reach out to us for personalized guidance on your long-stay visa application for liberal or independent professionals in France.

Information Long Stay Visa for Liberal or Independent Profession

Long-Stay Visa for Liberal or Independent Profession

Are you a liberal or independent professional looking to further your career in France? The Long-Stay Visa for Liberal or Independent Profession is specifically designed for professionals in fields such as law, healthcare, consulting, and other independent professions. This visa enables you to legally establish yourself in France while enjoying the country’s rich culture and professional opportunities.

Who Is This Visa For?

This visa is ideal for individuals who:

  • Practice a liberal profession such as doctors, lawyers, architects, consultants, or other regulated professions.
  • Wish to start or continue an independent professional activity in France.
  • Require legal authorization to work in a liberal or independent capacity in France.
Essential Documents You Need

Before starting your application for a long-stay visa, ensure you have the following key documents:

Travel Document:

  • A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  • ID photograph.
  • Visa application completed
Purpose of Travel/Stay:

You must demonstrate your intent and capacity to practice your profession in France. The documents you need will depend on whether your profession is regulated or non-regulated:

Regulated Professions:

If your profession is subject to an Ordre professionnel (professional association or order), you must provide authorization from the relevant Ordre professionnel. Examples include:

  • Doctors and Medical Professionals: Proof of registration with the Conseil de l’Ordre or authorization from the Ministry of Health.
  • Lawyers: Proof of registration with the French Bar Association or the relevant legal body.

Non-Regulated Professions:

If your profession is not subject to specific authorization, you must submit a signed document outlining your professional project in France. This document should include:

  • A detailed description of your planned activity.
  • Any documents justifying your professional qualifications (e.g., diplomas, certifications, previous work experience).
Financial Means:

To obtain a long-stay visa as a liberal or independent professional, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in France.

Proof of Financial Means: You will need to provide documentation showing that your professional activity will generate sufficient resources equivalent to at least the minimum legal wage in France for full-time work. This could include:

  • Financial projections, contracts, or client agreements.
  • Bank statements or proof of savings.
  • Any other documents demonstrating your capacity to sustain yourself financially.

Continuation of an Existing Activity

If you are continuing an already existing professional activity, provide documentation showing the effective operation of your activity. This could include:

  • Proof of ongoing business activities.
  • Client contracts or evidence of recurring work.
  • Invoices or receipts from existing clients

Why This Visa Is Ideal for Liberal and Independent Professionals

France offers numerous opportunities for professionals in liberal professions, such as doctors, lawyers, consultants, and more. By obtaining a Long-Stay Visa for Liberal or Independent Profession, you can:

  • Build a client base in France and grow your career.
  • Legally practice your profession in a regulated or independent capacity.
  • Explore the possibility of long-term residency while contributing to the French economy.

Tailored Support for Your Visa Application

We understand that everyone’s situation is unique. If you have any specific concerns or questions about your visa application, we are here to assist you. Our team can help you tailor your application to your personal and professional needs, ensuring a smooth process.

Feel free to reach out to us for personalized guidance on your long-stay visa application for liberal or independent professionals in France.

Information Long-Stay Visa for Job Search and Business Creation

Long-Stay Visa for Job Search and Business Creation

Have you recently completed your studies in France and wish to explore new professional opportunities or start your own business? The Long-Stay Visa for Job Search and Business Creation is designed for graduates like you, offering a pathway to continue your journey in France. This visa allows you to stay in France while seeking employment or establishing a business, making it the perfect option for ambitious individuals ready to take the next step in their careers.

Who Is This Visa For?

This visa is ideal for:

  • Recent Graduates: Students who have completed their studies in France and wish to remain to search for a job or create a business.
  • Entrepreneurs: Graduates interested in starting their own business in a field related to their academic training.

This visa provides the time and legal framework for you to either find a job or develop a business venture, contributing to the French economy while building your future

Essential Documents You Need

Before you apply for the Long-Stay Visa for Job Search and Business Creation, ensure you have the following documents prepared:

Travel Document:

  • A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  • ID photograph.
  • Visa application completed

Degree and Residence Permit

Degree Certificate:

  • A copy of the degree you obtained in France within the last four years. The degree must be at least equivalent to a Master’s degree or included in a list established by decree.

Residence Permit:

  • A copy of your “Student” or “Student – Exchange Programme” residence permit that you held when you obtained your degree in France.
  • Alternatively, provide any document justifying that you held such a permit at the time of your studies in France.

Business Creation Project

Proof of Business Project:

  • Any documentation showing your intent and preparedness to start a business in a field related to your training. This can include a business plan, financial projections, or other documents demonstrating the viability of your project.
Financial Means:

Demonstrate your financial capacity to support yourself during your stay:

  • Provide any proof of financial subsistence, equivalent to at least the monthly basic maintenance allowance paid by the French Government to foreign scholarship holders (€615) during the entire first year.
Travel Health Insurance:
  • Provide a travel health insurance certificate, covering medical repatriation, emergency, and hospital treatment, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 valid for your entire stay in France.

Personalized Support for Your Application

We understand that every situation is unique, and we are here to assist you in navigating the visa application process. If you have specific questions or concerns about your application, we are happy to provide personalized guidance and support to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Feel free to reach out to us for any assistance or clarification regarding your Long-Stay Visa for Job Search and Business Creation application.

Long-Stay Visa Farm Operators in France

If you’re a non-EU citizen intending to operate a farm or engage in agricultural work in France, you’ll need a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) specifically for farm operators. This visa allows you to live and work in France for more than 90 days while managing agricultural activities. One of the most important requirements for this visa is obtaining the Installation Authorization from the DDTM (Direction Départementale des Territoires et de la Mer).

The Farm Operator Long-Stay Visa is designed for individuals looking to establish or operate a farm in France. As part of the application process, you must demonstrate your qualifications and professional experience in farming and secure the necessary authorizations and registrations with French agricultural bodies.

Travel Document:

  • A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  • ID photograph.
  • Visa application completed

Purpose of Travel/Stay:

  • Qualifications and Professional Experience: Documents supporting your qualifications and experience in agriculture.
  • Installation Authorization: This is provided by the DDTM (Direction Départementale des Territoires et de la Mer). It confirms that you have been approved to operate a farm in the designated region.
  • Registration with Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA): Registration with the MSA is mandatory and ensures your coverage for health insurance, pensions, and social protection for agricultural workers.

Proof of Funds:

  • You must provide proof of sufficient and regular financial resources to support yourself while operating the farm. Your income must be at least equivalent to the French minimum wage (SMIC).

Steps to Obtain the DDTM Installation Authorization

The Installation Authorization from the DDTM is crucial to your long-stay visa application, as it demonstrates that you are legally allowed to operate a farm in France. Here are the steps to obtain this authorization:

1. Research the Appropriate DDTM Office

You must first identify which DDTM office is responsible for the area where you plan to operate your farm. Each French department has its own DDTM office, which manages agricultural land and maritime resources. You can find contact information for the local DDTM through the regional Prefecture or the Ministry of Agriculture’s website.

2. Submit a Request for Installation Authorization

Once you have identified the correct DDTM office, you will need to submit a formal request for the installation authorization. Your request should include:

  • Personal and Contact Information: Provide details about yourself and the farm location.
  • Business Plan: Submit a detailed business plan outlining the type of farming activities you will carry out (e.g., crops, livestock, etc.).
  • Proof of Land Ownership or Lease: Show documentation that proves you either own or have leased the land where you will operate the farm.
  • Qualifications and Experience: Provide evidence of your qualifications and experience in farming.
  • Environmental and Land-Use Impact Assessments: Depending on the region and the type of farm, you may need to provide documents showing that your farming activities will comply with local environmental regulations.

3. Provide Supporting Documents

Additional documents may be required based on the complexity of your farm. These might include:

  • Financial Projections: Proof that your farm will be financially viable.
  • Environmental Compliance: Documents that demonstrate your farm’s adherence to environmental regulations, especially if it involves significant resource use.

4. Review and Evaluation by the DDTM

After submitting your request, the DDTM will review your application. The evaluation process may include:

  • Site Visits: DDTM officers may conduct a site visit to ensure that your farming activities align with regional agricultural and environmental standards.
  • Review of Land Use and Environmental Impact: The DDTM will assess how your farm fits within the region’s agricultural policies and land-use plans.

This review process may take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of your application and the workload of the DDTM office.

5. Receive the Installation Authorization

If your application is approved, the DDTM will issue the Installation Authorization, which legally allows you to operate your farm in the region. This authorization is required to complete your long-stay visa application.

6. Submit the Authorization with Your Visa Application

Once you receive the Installation Authorization, you will need to include it in your Long-Stay Visa application as proof that you are permitted to operate a farm in France.

Registration with Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA)

Once your installation authorization is secured, you must register with the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA). The MSA is the French agricultural social security system that provides:

  • Health Insurance: Coverage for healthcare costs while you operate your farm.
  • Pensions: Access to retirement benefits for individuals working in agriculture.
  • Social Protection: Other benefits such as disability and accident coverage.

Registration with the MSA is mandatory for all farm operators in France, and the registration confirmation is required as part of your visa application process. It ensures that you are fully integrated into the French social security system and eligible for essential protections.

Personalized Support for Your Application

We understand that every situation is unique, and we are here to assist you in navigating the visa application process. If you have specific questions or concerns about your application, we are happy to provide personalized guidance and support to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Feel free to reach out to us for any assistance or clarification regarding your Long-Stay Visa Farm Operators in France  application.

Long-Stay Visa for ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer)

If you’re a non-European national looking to work in France for more than 90 days through a business transfer or professional work placement, the Long-Stay Visa is the ideal option. This visa allows employees from multinational companies or trainees to temporarily work in France while maintaining their employment with the company abroad. It is specifically designed for Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) employees and professional work placements within a company group.

Eligibility for the Long-Stay Visa

This visa is designed for:

  • ICT Employees: Employees who have been with their company for at least 6 months and are being temporarily transferred to France from another branch within the company group.
  • Trainees or Interns: Individuals in professional work placements or traineeships at a French branch of their company, who hold a higher education diploma and are enhancing their career development.

Travel Document:

  • A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  • ID photograph.
  • Visa application completed

Required Documents:

  1. Purpose of Travel Documents:
  • Complete Cerfa Form n°15619*01, which is required for ICT employees and professional trainees. The form must be accompanied by specific supporting documents. 
  • Submit a Certificate of Social Security Coverage (Certificat de Détachement de Sécurité Sociale), proving that you will be covered by your home country’s social security system during your stay in France. A simple sworn statement won’t suffice.
  1. Proof of Employment:
  • Provide an employment contract or an official letter of assignment detailing your transfer, including salary, duration, and the location of the company’s branch in France.
  • Show proof that you hold a managerial or expert position and confirm that you will return to your home company or a related branch in a third country at the end of the assignment.
  1. Proof of Sufficient Funds: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay, with funds equal to or greater than the full-time gross monthly minimum wage (SMIC) in France.
  2. Additional Documents for Trainees: Trainees must provide proof of their higher education diploma and demonstrate how the work placement fits into their professional development within the company.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Social Security Coverage

As part of your Long-Stay Visa application for France, you are required to submit a Certificate of Social Security Coverage (Certificat de Détachement de Sécurité Sociale). This document proves that you will remain covered by your home country’s social security system during your stay in France, ensuring that you are not required to register for the French social security system immediately upon arrival.

What is the Certificate of Social Security Coverage?

The Certificat de Détachement de Sécurité Sociale confirms that you, as an employee on temporary assignment in France, will continue to contribute to and benefit from the social security system of your home country. This allows you to avoid paying into the French system while still maintaining health insurance and other social security benefits from your home country.

Steps to Obtain the Certificate of Social Security Coverage:

  1. Contact Your Home Country’s Social Security Institution: To obtain this certificate, you will need to contact the social security authority in your home country. Each country has its own process, so it is important to check with the appropriate office that handles international assignments or posted workers. For example:
  • In the United States, this certificate can be requested from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may need to provide details about your job, employer, and the duration of your assignment in France.
  • In Canada, this is handled by Service Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
  • In the UK, you will need to contact the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for the A1 form or equivalent.
  1. Provide Necessary Information: When applying for the certificate, you may need to submit the following:
  • Your personal details (e.g., name, nationality, date of birth).
  • Your employer’s information, including proof of employment and assignment details.
  • Duration and location of your assignment in France.
  • Details of your social security contributions in your home country.
  1. Processing Time: The processing time for obtaining a Certificate of Social Security Coverage can vary depending on your country. It’s advisable to start this process as soon as you have your visa application in progress to avoid delays.
  2. Submit the Certificate with Your Visa Application: Once you receive the certificate from your home country’s social security authority, include it with the rest of your documents when submitting your French visa application. This certificate is essential to confirm your continued social security coverage during your stay in France.

Why is the Certificate Important?

The Certificate of Social Security Coverage ensures that you are not required to contribute to the French social security system for the duration of your stay. It guarantees that you will retain your benefits (health insurance, pension, etc.) from your home country while working or completing your assignment in France.

What Happens If You Don’t Have the Certificate?

Without this certificate, you may be required to register for Assurance Maladie, the French social security system, and start contributing to it during your stay. This could lead to double contributions one in your home country and one in France so it’s essential to secure this certificate to avoid unnecessary costs and complications.

Long-Stay Visa for ICT Trainees

If you’re a non-European national and have been accepted into an Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) traineeship within your company group in France, the Long-Stay Visa is your best option for staying and working in France for over 90 days. This visa allows employees to gain professional experience in France while being temporarily transferred by their employer.

Eligibility for the ICT Trainee Visa

This visa is specifically for trainees:

  • ICT Trainees: Employees or interns undergoing a professional training program within the same group of companies. You must have been with the company for at least 6 months before the transfer and be working under a structured training program in France.

Travel Document:

  • A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  • ID photograph.
  • Visa application completed

Documents Required for ICT Trainees

  • Proof of Practicing a Regulated Profession: If applicable, provide proof of your eligibility to practice a regulated profession in France.
  • Proof of Seniority: Provide evidence that you have worked within the group of companies for at least 6 months. Show that both the company sending you and the company hosting your traineeship are part of the same group of companies.
  • Professional Qualifications: If you are a seconded employee, provide proof of your qualifications and relevant experience within your group of companies.
  • Higher Education Diploma: For trainees, submit a copy of your higher education diploma to show you meet the educational requirements for the training program.
  • Employment Contract/Letter of Assignment: Provide a signed employment contract or an equivalent document as required by local law. You may also submit a letter of assignment from your employer detailing the following:
    • Duration of the traineeship.
    • Location of the host company.
    • Confirmation that you will be working as a trainee and are expected to return to an entity established in a third country (outside the EU), belonging to the same group of companies after the assignment.
    • Conditions of remuneration linked to your role.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

You must provide documentation proving that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in France. This is typically calculated based on resources equal to or greater than the full-time gross monthly minimum wage (SMIC) in France.

Personalized Support for Your Application

We understand that every situation is unique, and we are here to assist you in navigating the visa application process. If you have specific questions or concerns about your application, we are happy to provide personalized guidance and support to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Feel free to reach out to us for any assistance or clarification regarding your visa for Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) employees and professional work placements within a company group. 

Long-Stay Visa for Recruitment or Posting Workers

If you’re a non-EU citizen recruited by a French employer or posted by your company to work in France, you will need a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS). This visa enables you to live and work in France for more than 90 days for professional purposes, ensuring you are legally authorized for the duration of your contract or assignment.

Who Is This Visa For?

The Long-Stay Visa for Recruitment or Posting Workers is designed for foreign employees who:

  • Are recruited by a French company for a permanent or temporary job.
  • Are temporarily transferred or posted to a French office or partner under an intra-company arrangement.

Travel Document:

  • A valid travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages. The document should have a validity period of at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  • ID photograph.
  • Visa application completed

Purpose of Travel/Stay:

  • Copies of Diplomas and Certificates:

You will need to provide copies of your educational qualifications, professional diplomas, and employment certificates to demonstrate your expertise and eligibility for the job or posting in France.

  • Work Permit:

Your French employer is responsible for obtaining a work permit from the French administration before you can begin working in France. This document proves that you are legally allowed to work in the country and must be included with your visa application.

Step-by-Step Process for Employers: How to Obtain the Work Permit

For employers looking to recruit or post a foreign worker to France, the work permit application is managed via the Service Public platform. 

Here are the key steps involved:

Step 1: Determine if You Need a Work Permit

  • Who Needs a Work Permit: Non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens generally require a work permit to work in France.
  • Métiers en Tension: If the job is on the list of occupations facing labor shortages, the process is simplified, and no pre-advertisement is needed. If not, the employer must advertise the job for three weeks on public platforms (e.g., Pôle Emploi, APEC).

Step 2: Submit the Work Permit Application Online

The employer must submit the work permit application online through the Service Public platform. The following documents are required:

  • For the employee:
    • A valid passport or identity card.
    • Scanned copies of passport pages showing personal details and document validity.
  • For the employer:
    • Latest tax notice (if applicable).
    • Proof of job offer posting (for jobs not on the “Métiers en Tension” list).
    • Documents confirming compliance with regulated professions (if applicable).
    • Prior declarations for posting (if the worker is posted under ICT or another posting status).

Step 3: Application Review and Validation

After submission, the authorities will review the work permit application:

  • Submission Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation receipt.
  • Review Period: The authorities assess compliance with labor market rules.
  • Decision Notification: The employer will receive an email notification of the decision.

Step 4: Pay Employer Tax

If the work permit is granted, the employer must pay a tax depending on the nature and duration of the contract:

  • Applicable for contracts exceeding three months.
  • The tax supports the first entry of the foreign worker into France or their first regularization as a salaried worker.

Who Does Not Need a Work Permit in France?

Certain individuals are exempt from requiring a work permit to work in France, including:

  • Citizens of European Countries: Nationals of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
  • Long-Stay Visa Holders (VLS-TS) with “Vie Privée et Familiale”: Foreign nationals with long-stay visas for private and family life.
  • Holders of Specific Residence Permits: Those with residence permits such as “Salarié”, “Travailleur Temporaire”, “Travailleur Saisonnier”, “Passeport Talent”, and “Salarié Détaché ICT”.
  • Students: Can work up to 60% of the annual working hours without a separate work permit.
  • Working Holiday Visa (Visa Vacances-Travail) holders.
  • European Service Provider Posted Workers: Foreign workers posted by a European service provider.
  • Individuals Participating in Specific Events: Those attending sporting, cultural, or scientific events, among others.

Personalized Support for Your Application

We understand that every situation is unique, and we are here to assist you in navigating the visa application process. If you have specific questions or concerns about your application, we are happy to provide personalized guidance and support to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Feel free to reach out to us for any assistance or clarification regarding your visa Recruitment or Posting Workers.