When you sit down to write your French business plan, one of the first questions you need to ask yourself is:
Am I applying as a brand-new business, or as an established business owner with existing clients?
The answer changes what your plan should look like, and the type of proof you’ll need to include.
Let’s break down what matters most for both situations, and how to avoid the mistakes that hold applications back.
If You’re Already Running a Business or Registered as Self-employed
Having a trading history is a huge advantage. But don’t assume your existing success will automatically translate into a strong application – you’ll still need to show evidence of how your business will continue to be viable in France:
- Get Letters of Intent from Clients
If you’ve got retainer clients or regular customers, ask them to sign a short letter confirming they expect to keep working with you once you move. These letters show the French authorities that your income is reliable, not just a guess. (You can grab a ready-made template for this in the Visa-Ready Document Pack when you buy my business plan template) - Show Your Financial Track Record
Back your plan up with mention of past turnover figures and existing client numbers. These often speak louder than promises. - Build Growth Into Your Forecasts
It’s not just about showing you’re stable now; explain how you’ll expand or adapt in the French market.
If You’re Starting Fresh in France
With no past clients to lean on, your job is to prove your idea is viable.
- Do Real Market Research
Visit the area, speak to people, and gather data. Immigration officers can tell when “research” is just a Google search vs. proper market analysis. - Analyse Competitors Properly
Who’s already doing what you’re planning? How are you different? What’s your price point compared to theirs? - Keep Your Financial Projections Realistic
Don’t fall into the trap of forecasting €100k in year one without evidence. Tie your numbers back to research and capacity, the idea is to be realistic. - Have a Clear Step-by-Step Launch Plan
Show how you’ll actually get the business off the ground – from marketing to covering early costs.
Mistakes I See All the Time (Both Groups)
- Copy-paste plans that feel generic or written by Chat GPT. Prompts and templates= good. Fully drafted AI plans= bad idea.
- Overblown revenue claims without evidence. The visa officer reviewing your plan will simply roll their eyes and reject it.
- Missing key documents or sections, whether that’s letters of intent for established businesses, or proper research for new ones.
The French business plan isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing viability, credibility, and a clear path forward whether it’s your first time or 10th time in business.
If you want to make it easier, the French Business Plan Template walks you through every section step by step. And if you’re already trading, the optional Visa-Ready Document Pack (with the letter of intent template included) can give your application the extra edge.
