Establishing a Company and Obtaining Residency in France for Turkish Entrepreneurs

Can Turkish entrepreneurs establish a company and obtain residency in France? A comprehensive guide to company formation in France, SAS/SASU/SARL/EURL selection, talent-porteur de projet, entrepreneur/profession libérale residency, €30,000 project funding, €300,000 investment threshold, taxes, and establishment costs.

 

Establishing a company and obtaining residency in France is a complex process for Turkish entrepreneurs, encompassing both commercial and immigration law aspects. The most important point to understand from the outset is this: establishing a company in France is not the same as living in France and managing that company yourself. The official French system, while linking the actual conduct of commercial, industrial, or independent activities in France by a non-EU foreigner to visa and residency rules, evaluates owning a company without living in France differently. Therefore, there is no mechanism that works as "I established a company, I automatically got a residence permit"; a separate residence file must be established between the establishment of the company and the right of residence. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

The issue is even more important for Turkish entrepreneurs because, under French law, Turkish citizens are considered non-EU foreigners. Official French administrative sources clearly state that if a non-EU individual wishes to conduct independent economic activity in France, they must first obtain the appropriate visa and then apply for the appropriate residence permit upon arrival in France. These same sources also state that a foreigner who does not intend to live in France is not required to complete a separate preliminary residence permit formality solely for the purpose of establishing a company, but cannot personally manage the company as a legal director if they do not reside in France. In other words, passive partnership and entrepreneurship established in France are not the same legal category. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

Therefore, the first strategic question for a Turkish entrepreneur wishing to establish a company and obtain residency in France is: Is the goal simply to own a company in France, or to move to France and actively manage the company from there? In the first scenario, the main focus is on company law, tax, and banking compliance. In the second scenario, in addition to these, long-term visa requirements, residence permits, income and project qualifications, and in some cases integration and language requirements come into play. To build a solid structure, it is necessary to clarify this distinction from day one. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

Does establishing a company in France, by itself, grant residency rights?

From the perspective of French positive law, the answer is no. Company formation alone does not automatically create a right of residence. Official sources clearly indicate that if a non-EU individual intends to conduct commercial, industrial, artisanal, or independent activities in France, they must first obtain a visa and then the appropriate residence permit. Therefore, establishing a company in France does not replace a residence permit; however, it can form the economic basis for a residence permit. This is a crucial distinction in practice: you may have a company, but your right to be present in France as a resident manager is assessed separately. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

For Turkish entrepreneurs wishing to establish a company and obtain residency in France, two main avenues stand out. The first is the more classic independent activity regime, the “entrepreneur/profession libérale” card. The second is the “talent-porteur de projet” regime , designed for projects with a higher level of investment or innovation . The French administration distinguishes between these two paths and sets different conditions. Applying through the wrong residency application weakens the application from the outset. ( service-public.fr )

The practical conclusion here is: if you want to set up a company in France, you should first consider not only the type of company, but also which residency category you fall under. A small-scale, classic consulting, trading, or self-employment activity may not fit under the same immigration category as a scalable, investment-based, or high-quality economic project. The official system makes a distinction in this regard. (service-public.fr)

Main residency channels for setting up a company and obtaining residency in France

1. Entrepreneur / profession libérale session

This card is the primary channel for foreigners who will be conducting commercial, artisanal, industrial, or liberal activities their main occupation . According to Service Public, to be eligible for this card, the activity must be considered the main business in France, the guichet unique system, be economically viable, provide sufficient income for the applicant, and be compatible with the applicant's qualifications or experience. In liberal activities, if the profession is regulated, registration with a trade association or chamber of commerce may also be required. (service-public.fr)

France-Visas states that, as a rule, a VLS-TS ( Voluntary Service License) with the designation "entrepreneur/profession libérale" (liberal professional) is required for this route. This visa is valid for one year and requires verification upon arrival in France. The same official source emphasizes that mandatory administrative procedures must also be completed in France after entry. The Service Public charges a total of €225 in taxes and fees for the initial issuance of the residence permit; the permit is initially valid for one year. ( France-Visas )

This channel is important for "small but real" company applications. For example, in France, this approach might be more natural for consulting firms, software services, agencies, commercial representation, boutique businesses, small-scale e-commerce, or freelance professionals. However, it's crucial to demonstrate that the company is genuinely economically viable. Indeed, Service Public specifically seeks documents showing a minimum monthly €1,823.03 . This indicates that the application should be based on a real business plan, not just abstract intentions. (service-public.fr)

2. Talent-porteur de projet

This channel is a way to more strongly combine company formation and residency. According to Entreprendre Service Public, the “talent-porteur de projet – parcours création d'entreprise” application, the applicant must meet four main conditions: at least a master's degree or equivalent 5 years of professional experience, a real and serious company formation project, at least €21,876.40 income for themselves and their family, and at least €30,000 in funding for the project. These thresholds show that a more qualified economic project is expected in France than a typical company formation. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

Under the same “talent-porteur de projet” heading, there are two other strong pathways. The first is an innovative economic project pathway recognized by the public authorities; this requires at least full-time SMIC-level funding. The second is the direct economic investment pathway. In this investment channel, the applicant must invest either personally or through a company they manage or own at least 30% of, create or protect employment, and commit to investing at least €300,000 in tangible or intangible assets in France . ( entreprendre.service-public.fr )

According to France-Visas, a long-term visa is granted to a creative company founder or economic investor under the “passeport talent” framework; an application for a multi-year residence permit is made within 2 months of entry , and this permit can be valid for a maximum of 4 years . If the stay is planned to be shorter than 12 months, a VLS-TS (Voluntary Service Permit) is issued, and this document is verified within 3 months of entry . This system demonstrates that the talent regime is a longer-term and more ambitious immigration instrument compared to the classic entrepreneur/profession libérale (liberal profession) channel. ( France-Visas )

Can a Turkish entrepreneur set up a company in France without living there?

Yes, but there are limitations. Entreprendre Service Public explicitly states that a foreigner who does not reside in France does not need to undergo any special prior formalities for company formation; they only need to follow the normal incorporation steps and register with the RNE and, if necessary, the RCS. However, the same page adds a crucial warning: a person who does not reside in France cannot be the legal representative (mandataire social) managing a company in France. This means that the Turkish investor can be a partner remotely, but cannot assume the role of de facto manager, such as chairman/gérant, without residing in France. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

The practical implications of this rule are significant. It is possible to establish a SASU or SARL in France from Turkey and become a shareholder; however, if you want to establish active management in France as the president or director of the company, you must resolve the residency issue separately. The most critical link between company formation and residency rights emerges precisely here. In many cases, the main mistake is assuming that the immigration file is resolved once the company registration is complete. However, the French administration considers owning a company and conducting economic activity as a resident in France as two separate legal thresholds. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

Which type of company is more suitable in France?

For Turkish entrepreneurs wishing to establish a company and obtain residency in France, the most preferred structures SASU, SAS, EURL , and SARL. According to Entreprendre Service Public's official comparison page, SASU and SAS can be used for commercial, industrial, artisanal, and liberal activities; similarly, SARL can be used for commercial, artisanal, industrial, and liberal activities. Therefore, not only the field of activity but also the ownership structure and management model determine the choice. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

SASUis a strong option, especially for single-stakeholder projects, in startups, consulting, technology, and structures aiming to attract investment. According to official sources, capital in a SASU is freely determined, with a theoretical minimum of €1. If the SASU president receives a salary, assimilated-salarié status. This may be attractive for entrepreneurs from Turkey who want a more corporate investor/founder image; however, the cost of social security contributions will be adjusted accordingly. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

EURL, on the other hand, offers a more classic structure with a single-shareholder limited liability company model. Official French comparisons show that when the EURL manager is the sole shareholder, the results often resemble a self-employed regime; furthermore, some tax options can be structured differently. EURL may be particularly suitable for small and medium-sized projects that require simpler management and tighter family/founder control. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

SAS and SARL stand out in multi-partner projects. SAS is stronger in structures with more flexible configurations, investor entry, share transfers, various privileges, and growth plans. SARL, on the other hand, is a more defined, predictable model that is easier to manage in family/small partnership businesses. Therefore, for a Turkish entrepreneur who wants to "establish a company in France," the right company type is not the most popular, but the one that best reflects the partnership relationship, investment goal, and management preferences. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

How does the company registration process work?

In France, the company formation process officially begins with the writing of the articles of association. According to Entreprendre Service Public, these articles define the company's legal and organizational rules, and the company by signing them . Therefore, the articles of association are not merely a formal document; they constitute the company's lifeblood. Issues such as shareholder rights, share transfers, management powers, decision-making procedures, and the registered address are determined here. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

The second main requirement is the investment of capital. According to official sources, in many company types, a portion of the cash capital is deposited into a blocked account at the time of incorporation. For SAS/SASU, at least 50%, and for SARL/EURL, at least 20% ; the remaining amount can be completed within 5 years. Since these rules vary depending on the company type, Turkish entrepreneurs must establish their capital commitment in accordance with the company form. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

The third step is the selection of the company's headquarters and then the legal announcement. According to Service Public, the incorporation announcement must be published in an authorized journal d'annonces légales or on a suitable online platform in the department where the company's headquarters are located. The legal announcement serves the function of informing the public of important events in the company's life and is mandatory at incorporation. The 2026 tariffs are updated annually and may vary depending on the company type and department. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

The fourth step is the declaration of beneficiary and registration. According to the official cost page, the registration formality for commercial companies is €35.59, and the declaration of beneficiary €20.34; there is also a separate legal publication fee, which varies depending on the type of company and department. All these procedures are now the guichet des formalités des entreprises ). Therefore, setting up a company in France is now a highly digitized process; however, file quality is still crucial. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

Why are bank accounts and capital blocks critical?

One of the biggest challenges for Turkish entrepreneurs wishing to establish a company and obtain residency in France is banking. Since company capital needs to be deposited, the bank account is effectively at the center of the establishment chain. Capital is blocked in the account opened before company registration; it is released after registration. Therefore, the ownership structure, passports, address documents, beneficiary ownership structure, and explanation of the source of funds must be ready to be presented to the bank. The official French company registration system makes this mandatory, directly or indirectly. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

In practice, the biggest mistake Turkish entrepreneurs make here is thinking that the bank will automatically open an account if the company documents are ready. However, banking and compliance processes in France, especially in structures with foreign partners, can be more detailed. Therefore, the clearer the company type, share structure, source of investment, and business plan in France, the easier the banking process will be. This is a natural consequence of the mandatory capital investment structure, even if it is not explicitly stated in official documents. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

Which documents are most important for obtaining a residence permit?

The Entrepreneur/profession libérale card from Service Public states that it requires a valid visa or current residence permit, passport, proof of address no older than 6 months, photographs, OFII health certificate, stamp duty, and specific documents depending on the nature of the activity. For liberal activities, Urssaf registration, a regulated professional license or chamber registration, and documentation demonstrating that the activity can generate at least €1,823.03 in monthly income are also required. The card fee is €225, and the first card is valid for one year. (service-public.fr)

the Talent-porteur de projet side, the burden shifts more towards project quality. The requirements listed on the official economic entrepreneur website are: a diploma or 5 years of experience, a real and serious project, full-time annual income at the SMIC level, and €30,000 in project funding or, alternatively, an innovative project or a €300,000 direct economic investment threshold. Therefore, while the talent regime offers a stronger residency channel, it also requires a stronger and more well-documented company file. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

Renewal and long-term stay

Regarding the Entrepreneur/profession libérale card, Service Public states that if the conditions are met at the end of the initial one-year provisional card , a four-year pluriannuelle card can be applied for. However, a new threshold comes into play here: for the first multi-year card , A2 level French and examen civique (civic exam) are required; individuals over 65 are exempt. The application must be submitted to the prefecture within two months before the application deadline ; late submission may result in a €180 processing fee in addition to the card fee . This shows that residency in France is not just about the initial application. ( service-public.fr )

In the talent regime, France-Visas states that the maximum validity period for a multi-year card 4 years , and that initial transactions should be completed quickly after entering France. In practice, this means a more stable status for an investor or company founder. However, since the talent status requires stronger thresholds from the outset, not every company application is suitable for this channel. Therefore, packaging every application as a talent application with the desire for a long-term stay is not the right strategy. (France-Visas)

Taxes and initial costs

For a Turkish entrepreneur wishing to establish a company and obtain residency in France, it is necessary to restructure not only immigration law but also the company's tax structure from scratch. In France, the general corporate tax rate is 25% ; however, certain smaller companies may be eligible for a reduced rate of 15% for the first €42,500 of profit if certain conditions are met . Therefore, the type of company, whether the capital is fully paid, and the ownership structure can all affect the tax burden. ( entreprendre.service-public.fr )

The official costs at the time of establishment consist of registration fees, beneficiary declaration fees, and legal publication fees. For commercial companies, registration costs €35.59, beneficiary declaration fees €20.34; publication fees are calculated separately depending on the company type and department. For the residence permit, the fee is €225 for entrepreneur/profession libérale, with an additional €180 for late applications. Therefore, anyone wishing to establish a company and obtain a residence permit in France should plan not only for company costs but also for immigration costs within the same budget. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

Conclusion

It is possible to establish a company and obtain residency in France; however, this process does not operate on the principle of "establish the company first, and the residency will come automatically." The Turkish entrepreneur must first determine their role: will they be a passive partner, or will they settle in France and actively manage the company? Passive partnership may have a lighter immigration burden; however, a visa and the appropriate residence permit are required to take active management roles in France. Among the residency channels, entrepreneur/profession libérale stands out for classic applications, while talent-porteur de projet is more prominent for stronger, investment-focused applications. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)

The most robust strategy is to design the company and residency application as a single project, not separately. The company type, capital, bank account, registered address, beneficiary declaration, legal notice, tax plan, and residency channel should all be designed simultaneously. A correctly established company in France creates not only a commercial register but also a foundation for sustainable residency, investment, and growth. An incorrectly established company, however, often causes problems not at the registration stage, but at the bank, the prefecture, or during the initial renewal phase. For Turkish entrepreneurs wishing to establish a company and obtain residency in France, the real difference lies not in speed, but in the right architecture. (entreprendre.service-public.fr)