France — work
France — France Job Seeker / Business Creation Visa
Guide last reviewed: . Check the linked official guidance for current rules and application availability.
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The full guide
This VLS-TS ("recherche d'emploi / création d'entreprise") gives non-EU graduates of a French institution — at least a Master's-level degree, or a recognized equivalent — up to 12 months (non-renewable) to find a job related to their studies or launch a business, without needing a job offer or sponsor first. If you left France after graduating, you can apply from abroad, but generally only within about 4 years of your graduation date. A related route, via the Talent Passport's Business Creator provisions, is open to non-graduates too if you hold a comparable degree or have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience and a genuine, well-developed business creation project.
Cost: Commonly reported as roughly €99 for the visa application itself. Sources disagree on the exact stamp/tax-duty amount paid on validation — figures cited range from a combined ~€150 (a €50 stamp plus €100 tax) to a ~€300 arrival tax stamp, and a separate ~€75 residence-permit fee is cited for some in-France conversions. Confirm the exact current amount with your prefecture or consulate rather than relying on any single figure here.
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See exactly what France Job Seeker / Business Creation Visa requires
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- ✓Common pitfalls that actually cause refusals for this route
- ✓See if YOU qualify — your real fit score, not a generic checklist
This is everything your application involves. Start a plan to get it done.
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- Relocation budget calculator
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Pasage provides immigration pathway information and preparation help based on official public criteria. We are not immigration lawyers, regulated advisers, or agents, and we do not guarantee any visa outcome. Rules and thresholds change — always confirm against the official source linked above before you apply.