Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant)
Non-EU nationals setting up a commercial, craft or industrial business in France.
The Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) is a French business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax) and processing time (~2-8 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) is for
Non-EU nationals setting up a commercial, craft or industrial business in France.
After 5 years' residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card or naturalisation.
Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) - eligibility criteria
- Real and viable commercial, craft or industrial project
- Economically viable activity generating sufficient income
- Resources at least equal to the annual minimum wage (SMIC)
- Compliance with sector-specific registration rules
- Valid passport and clean record
Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) (France) is ~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax, with an indicative processing time of ~2-8 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a French consulate abroad (VLS-TS), then prefecture |
| Length of stay | 1 year, renewable (multi-year possible) |
| Work rights | Operate and manage your registered business |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside the business |
| Government fee | ~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax |
| Processing time | ~2-8 weeks |
| Route to PR | After 5 years' residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card or naturalisation. |
Pathway & next steps
After 5 years' residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card or naturalisation.
Many applicants also compare Profession Libérale · Independent Professional Permit (Entrepreneur / Profession Libérale), Talent (French Tech) · Passeport Talent - Innovative Startup Founder (French Tech Visa), Talent (Création) · Passeport Talent - Company Creation (Création d'Entreprise). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) pitfalls we fix
Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) cost?
The Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) government fee is ~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-8 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant) lead to permanent residence?
After 5 years' residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card or naturalisation.
Can I work on the Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant)?
Work rights: Operate and manage your registered business.
Who can apply for the Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Trader Permit (Entrepreneur / Commerçant)?
Non-EU nationals setting up a commercial, craft or industrial business in France.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority