If you’re exploring the profession libérale visa for France, you might feel overwhelmed. The paperwork. The unknowns. The language barrier. The fear of getting it wrong.
I’ve been there.
In 2021, I moved from the UK to France with my husband and young son and we did it all on the profession libérale entrepreneur visa, as third-country nationals post-Brexit. Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of others successfully navigate the same route using the exact business plan template I created for our own applications.
Here’s my story, and what I’ve learned about making your dream life in France a reality.
Falling in Love with France
I fell in love with France at age 7 during after-school French club. I was that child who adored the language, the food, the culture; the whole vibe. I studied French at university and spent summers working in France, first on campsites, then in ski resorts, where I met my now-husband.
Living in France was always the dream. But, like many dreams, life got in the way.
From Burnout to Big Moves
In 2019, I was the practice manager of a successful wealth management firm in the UK. On paper, life looked great. But inside, I knew I wasn’t living the life I wanted. I craved freedom, sunlight, and purpose.
I said to my husband, “Let’s go. Let’s move to France.”
Then came pregnancy. Then COVID. Then missing the Brexit deadline. So we had to look at getting a visa. That’s when I discovered the profession libérale visa route, designed for freelancers and self-employed professionals.
Choosing the Profession Libérale Visa
This visa is ideal for people who want to move to France and work for themselves. It’s different from the business creation visa that requires a big investment. Instead, this one is perfect for:
- Freelancers and consultants
- Online service providers
- Sole traders setting up shop in France
- Bed & breakfast owners
But one thing is non-negotiable: You must submit a detailed business plan as part of your visa application. And that’s where most people get stuck.
How I Created My French Visa Business Plan
As a bilingual business consultant with over a decade of experience, I wrote my own business plan — and my husband’s too. I knew exactly what to include, what to avoid, and how to present it in a way that would make sense to a French visa officer.
My plan worked. Both of our visas were approved super fast.
When I started answering questions in visa Facebook groups, I realised I wasn’t the only one struggling to figure this all out. So I created a profession libérale business plan template based on our real application and it’s now helped hundreds of people achieve their dream life in France too.
The Visa Appointment Process
We applied through the TLS office in Manchester, which is not the consulate, so they won’t check or fix your paperwork. You must come fully prepared. We booked an early morning slot to avoid queues, got our biometrics done, paid the fees, and left our passports with them.
It’s a strange moment when you get the notification to collect your passport. You don’t know if your visa has been approved until you physically open your passport and see the paper insert. Fortunately, ours were approved.
What Happens After Your Visa Is Approved?
Well, you move to France!
But once you arrive in France, you must validate your visa online and convert it into a titre de séjour (residence permit). You do this by paying a €200 fee using a French revenue stamp (timbre fiscal), which you now purchase online. This kicks off your health registration and gets you officially in the system.
For most profession libérale applicants, you’ll also need to register with URSSAF, the organisation that handles your social contributions. If you’re offering online or freelance services, that’s likely your point of contact.
ANEF Approval (Important Update!)
As of July 2025, all business plans now require pre-approval from the Ministry of the Interior (ANEF). This is a new step that wasn’t in place when I applied but it’s now a crucial part of the process. My business plan template has been used for successful pre-approval countless times.
Make sure your business plan is realistic, clear, and aligned with French expectations. Avoid UK-style fluff or investor pitch decks. Visa officers want to see:
- What you do
- How you’ll earn money
- Why your business will succeed
- That you understand the French system
Two Paths to This Visa
There are typically two types of applicants for the profession libérale visa:
- Established freelancers or sole traders: You’re already self-employed and moving your business over to France.
- New business creators: You’re taking your skills or past employment experience and starting something new in France.
I was the first type. My husband was the second. I wrote both plans and used the exact same structure I now provide in my French visa business plan template.
Need Help With Your Plan?
I now offer a full suite of resources to support your journey:
✅ French Visa Business Plan Template:
Created using my own successful plan, it gives you the exact structure, prompts, and guidance you need to create a plan that works.
✅ Visa-Ready Document Pack (add-on):
Includes editable templates for your cover letter, client intent letter, parental pledge (for children’s schooling), and a document tracker.
✅ Idea to Income Mini Course (add-on):
Perfect for those starting a brand new business, this short video course walks you through turning your idea into a clear, income-generating plan.
✅ Personalised Business Plan Review (add-on):
Want my expert eyes on your draft? I’ll record a personal video review to help you fine-tune your final version before submission.
👉 You can explore all of these here: https://olivier-consultancy.co.uk/french-entrepreneur-visa/
