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Table Of Contents

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

1.Disclaimer………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… pg 3

2.Who Am I?……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………. pg 4

3.What is the Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa?……………………………………………..……………………………………………………… pg 5

4.Auto-Entrepreneur Statistics…………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………… pg 6

5.Examples of Auto-Entrepreneur Roles…………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….. pg 7

5.Who Qualifies For This Visa ?…………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………. pg 8

6.How Long Is This Process………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………. pg 9

7.My Auto-Entrepreneur Journey……………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………… pg 10

8.So, What Do You Need To Apply ?…………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………… pg 11

9.Upon Arrival In France / How To Validate The Visa……………………………………………………….………………………………………………….. pg 12

10. How to Set Up Your Business………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………. pg 13-14

11. Beware of Fake Sites……………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………….. pg 15

12.How To Find Clients!………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………... pg 16

13. Auto-Entrepreneur Profiles………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………… pg 17

14. Pros & Cons Of This Visa…………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………… pg 18

15. Final Notes…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………….. pg 19

16. Q+A…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… pg 20

17.Links + Definitions………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………….. pg 21

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Disclaimer

**Disclaimer**

I am not a lawyer. I am an art school graduate.

For any detailed questions,

please consult a legal professional specializing in immigration.

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

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Who Am I?

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Jamie Mars is an Independent Digital + Motion Designer based between Paris and New York City.

Originally from NYC, I commenced my studies in communication design at the Parsons New York campus. In 2019, during my year abroad, I radically changed course, and chose to finish my studies at Parsons Paris. I majored in Art, Media, and Technology.

Since graduating, I have worked with companies such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Louboutin, Stella McCartney, and XLRecordings, amongst others, to help them creatively communicate their work, ideas, and products across screens and social media. I currently have a 4 year Auto-Entrepreneur Visa renewal.

My work is fueled by love, passion, and careful intention. You may find examples of my work at https://jamiemars.site/

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What is the Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa?

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

The Auto Entrepreneur/Profession Libérale visa allows you to legally engage in commercial activity , whether it be industrial, artisanal, agricultural, or liberal (read: Freelance) in France

(so long as you meet legal qualification requirements, e.g., in the case of a doctor or baker).

This visa enables you to register as a micro-entrepreneur (aka auto-entrepreneur) or choose another legal structure like an Entreprise Individuelle (EI). You can work as a freelancer or open a small business.

In some structures (like EI or SARL), you can hire employees ¹.

The difference between statuses mostly affects your tax regime and accounting obligations. As a micro-entrepreneur, your taxes and social charges are based on your turnover, with simplified reporting.

�As of 2025, your annual turnover must not exceed:�- €188,700 if you’re re-selling goods or materials (micro-BIC)

- €77,700 if you’re offering services (micro-BNC)

Auto-Entrepreneurs under 26 years of age benefit from qualifying for L’ACRE (Company Creation or Recovery Assistance), which would allow you to tax at a lower rate than the standard (10.6% in lieu of 21.2%)

Sources:

¹Housing Anywhere (English)

²Federation Auto-Entrepreneur (English)

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Auto-Entrepreneur Statistics

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

As of the end of June 2022, France had 2.5 million administratively active auto-entrepreneurs (an increase noted post-COVID)

The average quarterly turnover stood at 4,907 € as of June 30, 2022, while the average monthly turnover now amounts to 1 353,07€ (The monthly SMIC is 1 801,80€ as of 2025²)

Sources:

¹Espace Auto-Entrepreneur (French)

²Service Publique (French)

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Examples of Auto-Entrepreneur Roles

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Examples of Job Roles You Can Take On As An Auto-Entrepreneur

Freelance Graphic Designer at Louis Vuitton
Freelance PR Agent / Marketing Consultant at Lucien Pagès
Freelance Copywriter at Harper’s Bazaar US (Intl. Client)
Fashion Brand Owner / Director like Maison Candelé
Archive Fashion Reseller like Paris Paris
Influencing like Damon Dominique

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Who Qualifies For This Visa ?

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Virtually anyone can apply for this visa. It is essential to mention, however, that my personal experience speaks to someone who built clientele before applying while back at home and as an American.

Fresh Graduates can possibly file for a change of status with provisional authorization if the business they wish to conduct aligns with the domain of their studies. In this case, they must also prove viability to make the equivalent, or more, of the national minimum wage income ¹. I strongly recommend consulting an immigration professional on this detail.

Sources:

¹Shine.Fr (French)

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How Long Is This Process?

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months in advance for a long-stay visa and up to 6 months in advance for a short-stay visa.

0-3 months: This will give you access to a short-stay visa (non-renewable) for stays under 90 days.
3-12 months: This will give you access to a one-year non-renewable visa.
One year and beyond: You will get a renewable one-year visa (this is the one we are discussing)¹

Sources:

¹Expat In France (English)

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My Auto-Entrepreneur Journey

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Decided to transition into full-time freelancing while in the US

August 2022

November 2022

Applied for the Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

December 2022

Received Approved

Visa by Mail

January 2023 - Now

Working as a full-time Independent Digital Designer for Luxury, Music, and Ent. clients based out of Paris

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So, What Do You Need To Apply ?

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Requested Files For Applying

ESSENTIAL: Proof that your project can viably bring you in an amount equivalent to the SMIC (Minimum Wage)
Your passport / current or past visas in France*
Justification of domicile dating less than 3 months in France
Form 14571-05
Proof of health insurance in France
A comprehensive business plan explaining what you intend to practice and how you will execute this plan (link to a range of templates you can use here / you can also use Chat GPT)
Your CV (French Style)
Copy of your University Degree
3 ID photos
Letters of recommendation*
Press of yourself or your work*
A Motivation Letter*

* = Strongly suggested but not mandated

Sources:

France-visa.gouv.fr (English)

Expat In France (English)

What You’ll Receive If Approved

A Titre De Séjour (VLS-TS) for one year with the title "entrepreneur/profession libérale"

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Upon Arrival In France / How To Validate The Visa

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Government Steps (Mandatory Steps)¹

You must validate your visa within the first 3 months of your arrival in France
Obtain your Timbre Fiscal (costs 225€). It can be done online
You will then receive a convocation to fulfill your “integration into the French republic” via a series of appointments with the OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration). This will include things such as a medical exam, a French level test, and several “integration days”
Set yourself up with the INPI for your SIRET number, followed by registering with URSSAF, which is how you will pay your taxes monthly or quarterly in France

Personal Steps

Get the word out on your business
Important: A trip to the tax office to find out how to register yourself as a tax resident (receive a memento fiscal)
Make sure your info is linked to your social security number or attain a social security number

Congrats! 🎉🎉

Prepare to renew!

Sources:

¹Expat In France (English)

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How To Set Up Your Business

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Step 1: INPI

The INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle) will allow you to obtain a SIRET number, which will serve as your business identification number that you will use to create an account on URSSAF. You will have to include this number on all future invoices,

and signed contracts.

You can register via this portal.

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How To Set Up Your Business

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Step 2: URSSAF

The URSSAF (Unions de Recouvrement des Cotisations de Sécurité Sociale et d'Allocations Familiales) will be your primary site for declaring and paying cotisations (your taxes will be via impots.gouv.fr)

Once you have received your 14 character SIRET number via INPI, you can sign up with the URSSAF via this portal.

If you have any questions, you can always contact the official English sub-sector of the URSSAF My Company In France.

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Beware of Fake Sites

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

ATTENTION!!! BEWARE OF SCAM SITES

Make sure to verify that the sites you are using throughout the registration process are official government sites!!

Here are some tips the official URSSAF site offers to stay aware of fraudulent sites and scams

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How To Find Clients!

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Leverage Your Current Role

If you’re currently an intern or on a CDD, you might be able to convert your employer into your first client.
Freelancing can be financially beneficial for both sides. �Less cost for them, more flexibility for you.
If you’ve done good work, they already trust you , and good work is hard to find.

�Tap Into Your Network

Your network is your greatest asset. Friends, classmates, ex-colleagues, even family can be leads.
Announce the launch of your freelance practice! Post updates, availability notices, and career wins on LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.
Stay top of mind. People often scramble to find freelancers last-minute. �Let them know you exist before they need someone.

Cold Outreach Works (Seriously)

Use tools like VoilaNorbert or Snov.io to find the emails of producers, project managers, �or even CEOs
Send a short, friendly message: mention what you like about their work, and how you can help.
Everyone cold emails. It feels weird at first, but by your 5th message, you’ll be a natural. �(That’s exactly how I started working with Jean Paul Gaultier!)

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Auto-Entrepreneur Profiles

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Elise Tronel

Elise specializes in creating 3D product and spatial design within a luxury context. She has done projects for Fenty Beauty and Devialet amongst others.

Instagram.com/Elisetronel

Motion + Design Interview

WORK SAMPLE

3D Motion Designer

Based in Paris

Jillian Hobbs

Jillian is a Multidisciplinary Design Director, Product Designer, AI Artist. She has done work with clients such as Chanel, Netflix, ELLE Magazine, The New York Times + more. She is also a Parsons graduate!

Jillian’s Website

WORK SAMPLE

Multidisciplinary Designer + AI Artist

Previously Based In Paris

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Pros + Cons Of This Visa

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

Pros:

Being Self - Employed
Low financial investment
Virtually unrestricted in joining exciting projects so long as it falls within your visa rights (long term contract work in France / You can have international clients as well! )
A long-term path to citizenship (may be renewed for up to 4 years if you meet/exceed all renewal requirements)

Cons:

Being Self - Employed
Cannot take on CDD/CDI roles without changing visa status, which can be a complicated process
Can be tedious managing all of your own paperwork/running a business
Lower benefits than traditional employment (i.e need to purchase your own mutuelle)

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Final Notes

How To Secure The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa

March 31st, 2025

The Auto-Entrepreneur / Profession Libéral Visa is seldom spoken about. Still, it can be a powerful tool in creating the life you dream of. It may seem daunting, but if I could figure it out, so can you. I believe in you.

There are other paths out there that still lead to your dream life. I hope this presentation has helped you learn more about one of them.

Visa Eligibility Checklist