Applying for a "Self-employed Residence Card" ( Titre de séjour - Entrepreneur/Profession libérale ) in France is a way for those who want to legally reside and work long-term as an individual.
✅ 1. Who can apply for this residence permit?
One of the following conditions must be met:
-
Already legally residing in France (e.g. student residence, family reunification, work permit, etc.);
-
Alternatively, you can apply for a "Long-term visa (VLS-TS) – profession libérale" directly from abroad.
This residence permit is applicable to:
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Freelancers (e.g. designers, translators, cultural project managers, IT, consulting, etc.)
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Individual business owners (EI, EURL, SASU)
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Non-salaried work style, not employed by others
📝 2. List of materials you need to prepare
List of materials (may vary from police station to police station):
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Valid long-term residence visa or residence permit
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passport
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Proof of address (EDF electricity bill)
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Three recent ID photos
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€225 stamp duty payment certificate (to be submitted when collecting residence permit)
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Medical insurance certificate
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A signed document pledging to uphold the principles of the Republic
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URSSAF related documents and certificates
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INSEE freelancer registration certificate
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Proof of income (monthly income must be at least SMIC)
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Diploma Certificate
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Business plan + 3-year financial forecast
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Cooperation Agreement
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*Proof of authorisation to practise or registration with a relevant association (if it is a regulated profession)
❤️3. Residence Card Type & Validity Period:
|
type |
Validity period |
Features |
|
First time applicant |
1 year |
Working in France as a professional liberty |
|
Second year update |
1–4 years |
If the income is stable, it can last for many years |
|
You can apply later |
10-year long-term residence card (Carte de résident) |
Not only can you engage in freelance work, you can also sign work contracts such as CDI/CDD. |
📅4. When should I apply?
If you hold a student visa or APS/RECE , you can apply to convert to a "freelancer" residence permit after you graduate and receive your diploma or within the validity period .
French regulations require that you apply for conversion no earlier than 4 months and no later than 2 months after your current residence permit expires.
I strongly recommend that you start preparing six months before your current residence permit expires. The efficiency of each police station varies, so in order not to affect your subsequent work and travel plans, it is best to prepare as early as possible.