Last updated 2025-05-30
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Establishing or managing a business in France as a craftsperson, manufacturer, or retailer. Applicants must provide a detailed business plan, proof of financial resources, and any required permits or licenses. Evidence of experience in the relevant field may also be necessary.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 3 months to 1 year
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Visas are issued with a validity period ranging from three months to one year. In exceptional cases, such as visits to French overseas departments and regions, visas may be issued for a shorter period. The start and expiration dates are indicated on the visa (visa sticker). The expiration date is also the date until which staying in the country is permitted under this visa. For longer stays, a residence permit (titre de séjour) must be obtained within the authorized period of stay.
1 year
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The stay period for a specific visa is determined by the consulate depending on the individual situation of the applicant and documentary evidence of the purpose of the visit. Issued as a visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), it allows a stay in France for up to 12 months without the need to obtain a separate residence permit (carte de séjour) during this period. Within three months of entering France, the VLS-TS visa must be validated online via the website of the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). After registration, the visa becomes a valid residence permit for the specified period. Failure to complete this process renders the stay unlawful, and re-entry into the Schengen area with this visa is prohibited. To stay in France after the VLS-TS visa expires, an application for a residence permit (titre de séjour) must be submitted to the local prefecture before the authorized stay period ends.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Extension of stay on this visa is not available. To stay in France for more than one year, a residence permit (titre de séjour) is required. An application for a residence permit must be submitted to the local prefecture before the authorized stay period granted by the visa expires.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The applicant specifies the required number of entries on the visa application; however, consulates make a decision, which may vary depending on provided documentary evidence and other factors. These visas are typically issued for multiple entries.
from 15 days to 1 month 15 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Decisions on visa applications are taken within 15 calendar days from the date of submission. This period may be extended to a maximum of 30 days in individual cases, particularly when additional verification of the application is required. In exceptional cases, where additional documentation is needed, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 days.
€99
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Fees may be waived or vary depending on the applicant's nationality, marital status, age, and specific purpose of the visit. The following categories of applicants are exempt from paying fees: - Husband of French; - Non-European family member of a European (other than French) or Swiss; - Seasonal worker; - Turkish, Serbian or Montenegrin wage earner and his family reunited with their families; - French teacher; - Foreign Language Assistant or Reader; - Some working holiday visa recipients; - Holder of a diplomatic or service passport; - Scholarship student from the French government or a foreigners government or a foreign foundation; - Guest from an intergovernmental organization based in France; - Veteran with a free care notebook coming to France for medical treatment. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two blank pages.
Photograph
Taken in the last six months, passport-size, colored, clean, and meeting other standards according to ICAO photo guidelines.
Visa application form
Official application form for a French national visa, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Travel health insurance
Covering all medical and hospital expenses for which the applicant may be liable for the duration of the stay in France, as well as medical repatriation costs and expenses in the event of death, for a minimum amount of €30,000.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Supporting documents attesting to the ability to carry out the business
Degrees/diplomas, professional qualifications, employment certificates, etc. attesting to the applicant's ability to carry out the planned retail, manufacturing, or craft activity.
Tax status certificate
Regarding the payment of income tax in France. Required if the applicant lives in France.
Opinion of the "Plateforme interrégionale de la Main d'œuvre Etrangère"
In case of a retail, craft or manufacturing activity.
Proof of company registration
Statutes, extrait K or Kbis or affiliation to the social security scheme for self-employed (if documents already obtained).
“Retailer, craftsperson, manufacturer” form
Completely filled out.
Written presentation of the project
With business plan and a multi-annual estimated budget. Required if the applicant is starting a business.
Proof of business buyout
Copy of the sales agreement or contract. Required if the applicant is starting a business.
Proof of creating a foreign legal person
Nomination or a letter of intent from the competent body for the nomination + copy of the articles of association of the legal person under foreign law. Required if the applicant is starting a business.
Proof of lease-management in own name
Copy of the lease-management agreement or contract + extract from the companies register or from the trade directory of the previous manager (dated within three months) + copy of the lease drawn up in the owner's name.
Proof of the letter of guarantee from a French-based credit institution
Or approved insurance company to stand guarantor, or proof of a credit balance from an account in the applicant’s name opened at a French-based credit institution. Required if you are starting a business.
Starting a business in own name
Depending on the business in question, a copy of the commercial lease agreement stating the business activity or the sub-lease contract stating the activity and where possible authorization from the owner of the premises, or any other documents regarding the business premises or a copy of the business domiciliation contract. Required if you are starting a business.
Starting a company under French law
As a subsidiary of a foreign company: Provide proof of nomination or a letter of intent, articles of association under foreign law, commercial lease or sub-lease agreement with business activity details, owner’s authorization (if applicable), and draft articles of association with share capital breakdown. Required for starting a business.
Proof of the economic viability
Any documents, calculations, or reports showing the economic viability of the business creation project. Required if the applicant is joining an existing business.
Extract from the company’s registration on the companies register
As appropriate. Dated within three months, or an extract from the trade directory dated within three months. Required if the applicant is joining an existing business.
Tax status certificate for the company
Form P237. Required if the applicant is joining an existing business.
Certificate from URSSAF (French body managing social security payments)
Proving that the company is up-to-date in its payments. Required if the applicant is joining an existing business.
Proof of minimum monthly income
If the applicant does not have employee status, any certified accounting document proving that the company can pay the applicant a monthly income at least equivalent to the French minimum wage (SMIC). Required if the applicant is joining an existing business.
Employment contract
Copy and original. If the applicant has employee status. Required if the applicant is joining an existing business.
Сopy of its articles of association
For the company the applicant is joining. Required if the applicant is joining an existing business.
Proof of nomination
Or, where possible, a letter of intent from the competent body for the nomination. Required if the applicant is joining an existing business.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Proof of financial mean
Recent bank statement for the last three months or any other proof of income. This document must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself for the entire stay and for return expenses. In cases of sponsorship by a host, an invitation letter with financial commitments and proof of the sponsor's income must also be provided.
Proof of accommodation
Confirmed hotel booking, rental contract, proof of residential property or staying with a private host covering the whole duration of the stay.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Proof of family ties
Marriage certificate or other document confirming relationship, guardianship or family ties. If applicable.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Criminal record certificate
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country. If applicable.
Medical certificate
In some cases, citizens or residents of some countries may be required to provide health certificates confirming that they have no easily transmitted diseases such as tuberculosis or other serious diseases that pose a risk and danger to large numbers of people. It is recommended to check the exact requirements directly with the place where the application is submitted.
Travel history
Copies of previous French or Schengen visas and entry/exit stamps. Visas to other destinations may also be included, but are not mandatory.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties with the home country and valid reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Long-term/national
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Business
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 3 months to 1 year
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
€99
