If you are an American who wants to work as a freelancer in France, you may have considered a French profession libérale visa. This is a commonly used self-employed visa option for those who wish to legally live and work in France.
At The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise, our French work visa lawyers are here to help Americans navigate the French visa process. So, keep reading to find out what the freelance visa requirements are in France and how Americans can use a profession libérale visa.
What Is the Profession Libérale Visa?
A French profession libérale visa, otherwise known as a France freelancer visa, is a long-stay visa that allows self-employed professionals to live and work in France. It is a suitable option for freelance designers, consultants, writers, developers, or entrepreneurs who wish to start or take over a business in France. Professionals in liberal professions can also use this visa for regulated professions.
A French freelancer visa allows you to stay in France for up to one year with the option of renewal. It can be renewed on a year-to-year basis without limitation and may give right to permanent residency after five years of continued residency. It allows Americans to legally conduct business or other professional activities in a self-employed fashion without violating any of France’s immigration laws. Additionally, it provides American freelancers with access to French public services, including healthcare and Social Security.
Eligibility Requirements
Although there are many benefits to obtaining a French profession libérale visa, you must be able to meet the freelance visa requirements. It’s crucial that you do your research beforehand to ensure you understand these requirements, so that you apply for the correct visa for your line of work.
The eligibility requirements include:
- Demonstrating economic viability: If you wish to start a new business in France, you need to prove the economic viability of your project and demonstrate its innovative nature.
- Sufficient financial resources: You must be able to prove that you have enough financial resources that are equivalent to the minimum wage in France.
- Proof of accommodation: Applicants will need to have proof that they have a place to live in France when applying for a freelance visa. Ideally, this should provide accommodation for the duration of your stay in France.
- Professional qualifications: For professions with specific regulations, you will need to demonstrate the necessary qualifications or prove that you hold relevant diplomas that meet France’s professional standards.
- Insurance coverage: When applying for a France visa for independent workers, you also need to hold comprehensive private health insurance that will cover the duration of your stay in France. This is the case even though you may be eligible for French healthcare later on.
Required Documents
Depending on the type of work you do or the services you provide, the documentation you need to submit with your application will look different. However, here is a rough example of the type of documents most applicants will need to provide:
- Proof of insurance
- A signed rental agreement or property deed
- Professional credentials
- Relevant diplomas
- A business plan, forecast, market study
- Proof of income and savings
A French immigration lawyer can help you determine what documents you should include so that you can avoid running into delays.
Profession Libérale Visa Application Process
Now that you know what a French freelancer visa is, how do you apply? Here is the step-by-step process to follow for the best chance of approval:
- Submit for pre-approval: All applicants need to obtain pre-approval from the French Ministry of Interior through the ANEF platform on the economic viability of their project before they move forward with their application. To do this, you need to create an account on the ANEF portal and include all of your information and documentation.
- Submit your application: If you have gotten pre-approved, you can move forward with submitting your visa application to the consulate for an official decision.
- Attend the consulate appointment: You will need to attend a consulate appointment where your application will be reviewed by a consulate officer. The officer will verify all the information you have provided as well as collected biometric data, and if applicable, obtain additional information about your business project.
The Next Step For Americans Working in France
If you have been approved for a French freelancer visa and you arrive in France, there are a few additional steps you need to take. Firstly, most freelancers and consultants will need to register in France as micro-entrepreneurs through the URSSAF. If you are starting a business in France, you will register through the Guichet Unique.
All American workers living in France will need to open a French bank account and enroll in the French public healthcare system. You will also need to know when your visa expires so that you can renew it in time if you wish to remain in France.
A French immigration attorney can help you understand what steps you need to take after approval, whether you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, or work in a liberal profession.
Contact a French Immigration Attorney Today
France is a very popular destination for Americans that provides a variety of options so that you can live and work in France long-term. But first, you will need to understand the freelance visa requirements and the application process for obtaining a French profession libérale visa.
At The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise, our French work visa lawyers are here to help you navigate the profession libérale visa application process with ease. So, contact us today at 973-649-9008 to speak with one of our immigration attorneys about your situation.
FAQ Section
Can I freelance in France on this visa?
Yes, a profession libérale visa is a suitable option for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals in liberal professions.
How much income do I need to qualify?
You will need to have enough financial resources that match the minimum wage in France. However, it’s also recommended that you have substantial savings to prove further financial stability.
Do I need to register a business in France?
Yes. France requires all Americans holding a French freelancer visa to register once they get to France. Keep in mind that there is a different process for registering as a freelancer vs registering a business.
How long does the visa last?
This visa lasts a year, but you can apply to have it renewed to extend your stay.