Residency and visas in France

A company in France does not by itself give its owner the right to live there. Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can create a business in France without a residence permit. A founder from elsewhere can create a French company without living there, but settling in France to run it takes a long-stay visa and then a permit that matches the activity. The Talent business creator permit, for example, asks for a master’s degree or five years of comparable experience and at least €30,000 in the project. Conditions and processing times change, so check the current requirements for your nationality before you set dates for a move or a first hire.

Firms offering residency and visa support in France

In Extenso

Accounting firm · Medium-sized firm

Lyon

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +5 more

Languages: French · English · Spanish · Italian

View profile of In Extenso

What to ask about a French residence permit

Ask whether the firm or its lawyers prepare the application or only advise, and which permit they would suggest for your case. Ask what the business plan must show, how long recent applications have taken at the consulate in your country, and whether the firm also handles renewals and family members. Since the permit and the company depend on each other, ask who coordinates the two.

Firms on Accountanty

Nine firms on Accountanty in France list residence and visa work: four accounting firms, three law firms and two corporate service providers. Six are small, two medium-sized and one part of a large network. All nine say they work with foreign clients, and eight also handle company formation. English is offered by four of them and Spanish by three. Lyon has four, Paris three and Nice two. For contracts once your team is in France, see payroll in France.

Frequently asked questions

Does setting up a company in France give me a residence permit?

It does not on its own. A founder from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland applies for a visa and permit that fit the planned activity, and the company forms part of the evidence. Ask an adviser which permit suits your plan before you incorporate.

Do I need a lawyer for a French residence application?

It is not required, but a firm used to these files can say which permit fits and what the consulate expects to see. Three of the nine firms listed for residence work in France are law firms.

Other services in France

Accountants by city in France

Setting up a company in France: the guide and every firm

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, rates and fees change: check them with the official sources linked on this page or with a qualified adviser before you act.