How an artist legally relocated from Saint Petersburg to France
with the help of Ma Future legal bureau
Marina, 32. An artist from Saint Petersburg. She paints abstract and conceptual works, participates in exhibitions, sells works to private collectors.
goal
Relocate to France and legally work as an independent artist
WHAT NEEDED TO BE CLARIFIED
For several months Marina tried to understand: – which status suits artists in France; – which documents are needed; – how to prove income and portfolio; – how to avoid refusal upon application.
WHAT SHE WAS LOOKING FOR
Marina was not just looking for a residence permit, but: • the right to create and sell works in France; • participate in exhibitions and art residencies; • build a career as an independent artist. She needed a status that would recognize her work as a professional activity.
CASE COMPLEXITY
Marina lacked: • stable documented income according to Russian papers, • official confirmations of some sales, • French contracts. We solved this with: • gallery recommendations, • sales confirmations through private clients, • a properly prepared artistic dossier.
WHAT WE PROPOSED
We proposed the Talent — Artiste / Profession Artistique et Culturelle (Non‑Salaried) status. This status suits artists, musicians, illustrators, stage performers, and authors who work independently.
HOW WE WORKED
• reviewed her portfolio and exhibition activity; • helped properly form the presentation of works; • prepared lists of contracts, income confirmations, publications; • translated documents; • prepared a full package for ANEF and the consulate; • explained how to register professional activity in France after arrival.
RESULT
Three months after submission, Marina received a one‑year Talent – Artiste Non‑Salaried residence permit with the right to renew. She has already opened professional activity in France, found her first gallery, and is preparing for an exhibition.
