Starting a business in France as a foreigner is entirely possible, but it involves two parallel tracks that people often confuse: your visa/residence status, and your company’s legal structure. This guide walks through both.
6 min read
1Which Visa Do You Need?
If you already hold a valid residence permit (student, spouse, employee, etc.), you may be able to switch your status to an entrepreneur-related permit. If you are coming from abroad specifically to start a business, the two main options are:
| Carte entrepreneur / profession libérale | For commercial, artisanal, or independent professional activity. Requires proof of income at least equal to the SMIC (1,867.02€ gross/month as of June 2026) at renewal. |
| Passeport Talent — Créateur d’entreprise | For higher-growth or innovative projects. Valid up to 4 years, requires demonstrating economic viability of your project. |
Algerian nationals are governed by a separate bilateral agreement and are not eligible for the “Talent” or standard entrepreneur cards — a different procedure applies.
2Which Legal Structure Should You Choose?
There is no single “best” structure — it depends on your project, whether you’re working alone or with partners, and how much personal liability protection you need.
| Micro-entreprise | Simplest option, ideal for testing an idea alone. 2026 turnover limits: 203,100€ (sales) / 83,600€ (services). No separation between personal and business assets. |
| EURL / SASU | For a single founder wanting legal separation and more structured operations. EURL: lower social charges, stricter framework. SASU: more flexibility, “assimilated employee” status. |
| SARL / SAS | Generally more suitable when starting with one or more partners. |
3How Much Does It Cost?
A micro-entreprise is free to register. For a company structure, expect to pay for the mandatory legal notice (roughly 121€ to 144€ excluding tax), registry fees, and articles of association drafting — the overall total for a standard company (SASU, EURL, SARL, SAS) generally runs between 200€ and 1,500€.
The entrepreneur/profession libérale residence card itself costs 350€ for a first delivery — raised from 225€ since 1 May 2026.
4Can Your Family Join You?
Yes. Under the Passeport Talent framework, your spouse and dependent children can generally obtain a residence card of the same duration as yours (up to 4 years, renewable), your spouse can work in France, and your children can access public schools and healthcare. You will generally need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources for your family.
5The Registration Steps
Registration now runs through France’s single online business portal (Guichet Unique). You will need: proof of identity, proof of address or a commercial lease, a declaration of no relevant criminal convictions, your articles of association if forming a company, and proof of deposited share capital where applicable.
A micro-entreprise typically receives its SIREN number within a few days. A company (SASU, EURL, etc.) generally takes one to four weeks with the commercial court registry — incomplete files or improperly drafted articles of association are the most common causes of delay.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Your visa status and your company’s legal structure are two separate, parallel processes.
- A micro-entreprise is free and simple, but offers no asset protection.
- Your family can generally join you under the Passeport Talent framework.
- Algerian nationals follow a separate procedure under the bilateral agreement.
Choosing the right visa and legal structure affects your taxation, protection, and growth for years to come. Contact us for a personalized consultation.
Legal basis: Décret n° 2025-539 du 13 juin 2025 (Talent – Créateur d’entreprise) · Démarches Étrangers (carte entrepreneur/profession libérale) · Autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr (2026 turnover thresholds) · Article 128 Loi de Finances 2026 (fee changes) · Guichet Unique official procedure. This article is for general information only and does not replace individual legal or accounting advice.