Starting a Business in France: Your Visa, Structure & Success Blueprint

So many challenges, it’s true, but what an enjoyable rollercoaster!

For many, the first thought goes to which type of visa is needed and how that works with the French business structures in France. So, if you’re dreaming of starting your own business in France, here’s where to begin. Let’s break it down into three key questions:

1. Which visa to apply for?
2. Which business structure?
3. What will it cost?

To guide you in choosing the right visa, I typically start with four essential questions:

• What’s your business activity or area of expertise?
• How much revenue do you expect to generate in the first 3 years? Or what would you like to earn?
• Are you launching this business solo or with a partner?
• Do you have capital to invest or personal savings to support the venture?

Your answers help determine both the visa and the most suitable business structure. Let’s look at your visa options.

Visa Options

✔️ Liberal Profession Visa (Profession Libérale)
For service-based professionals (consultants, freelancers, graphic designers, etc.) using business structures like micro-enterprise. This is often one of the most popular options as it allows you to invoice your worldwide clients from France, and a large business revenue is not required. It gives you access to a renewable multi-annual residency card (2-4 years) and eventually citizenship. A language test and integration contract will be required for this visa.

✔️ Entrepreneur Visa
For those engaged in commercial activities—buying/selling, running a shop, or acquiring a business. Also generally used for larger business revenues but without the need for a large investment and/or high-level qualifications or diplomas. It is also compatible with many business structures in France.

✔️ Talent Passport Visa
Premium long-term visa for highly qualified professionals and their families. This is often known as ‘la crème de la crème’ of visas, as it often leads to a 4-year multi-annual renewable residency card for the professional and their family members.

• Categories include artists, recognized individuals, and entrepreneurs/investors
• Investment tiers: €30,000 (Talent Entrepreneur), €300,000 (Talent Economic)
• No language or integration requirements
• Spouses receive work authorization

Choosing the right structure affects your taxes, social charges, and flexibility. Here are the main ones:

✔️Micro-Entreprise (Auto-Entrepreneur)

• Simplified tax and legal status
• No cost deductions but strong tax abatements
• Great for low-risk startups and freelancers

✔️Régime Réel (Actual Accounting)

• Suitable for those with higher business expenses
• Taxed on net profit (turnover – costs)
• Still considered a sole trader (Entreprise Individuelle)

✔️EURL (One-Person Limited Liability Company)

• Owner’s salary is a deductible business cost
• Ideal for higher revenue with fewer expenses

✔️SARL (Limited Liability Company with Partners)

• For businesses with two or more partners
• Approx. 40% social charges on salary

✔️SAS / SASU (Simplified Joint-Stock Company)

• SAS = with partners | SASU = solo version
• Approx. 70% social charges, but a more flexible structure and better from a dividends and retirement aspect

This depends on your chosen structure and visa, but social charges typically range from 24% to 70% depending on status and of course, set-up costs will vary. That’s why it’s crucial to get it right from the start—to avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Starting a business in France isn’t easy—but with the right guidance, it’s absolutely worth it. Many of our clients look back on the process and describe it as a rewarding roller coaster. With the right support, you can enjoy the ride too.

Don’t go it alone. Choosing the wrong visa or business path can cost time, money, and unnecessary stress. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you get clear on your project and how we can support you. Book this here

Welcome to your new life in France—you’re going to love it

Contact us:

[email protected]

www.lbsinfrance.com

https://www.lbsinfrance.com/product/your-auto-entrepreneur-guide