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If you want to sell your products or services in France, you can start your small business as a sole proprietor with a simplified corporate regime called a “micro-entreprise”, also known as an “auto-entreprise”.
Verified by Chiara Condi on 24/11/2022
If you want to set up your business to sell your products or services in France, it is often advisable to start with the status of “micro-entrepreneur”, formerly known as “auto-entrepreneur”. This is a simplified sole proprietorship scheme.
This status makes it possible to create a company in France by benefiting from simplified administrative procedures, and tax and social security rules.
However it does not allow you to hire employees or work with others within the same company.
If you are a citizen of a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area, you simply need a valid identity document.
If you are a citizen of another country, you must also have a residence permit or “titre de séjour”, which authorises you to set up a company. This residence permit can be:
If you are unsure of the rules that apply to your “titre de séjour”, you can contact the local French administrative authorities known as the “préfecture” who issued it to you:
The procedures can be complex, especially if you do not speak French. It is recommended that you get help so that you do not make a mistake when declaring your business activity.
For example, you can contact an organisation called “Centres de formalités des entreprises (CFE)” by searching this directory for advice on your situation.
The procedures for creating a “micro-enterprise” take place online:
When you register, you will need to provide the following:
When setting up your business, you will have to choose whether you want to pay your social security contributions every month or every three months. It is mandatory to pay these charges.
Once you have declared your business activity, follow these steps:
Once your company has been created, you will receive a document by post within the next few days stating your company’s official business number, known as its “SIRET”.
Please keep this document in a safe place, as it will help you with everything you need to do in relation to your company. You must include this number on your invoices.
If you have not already done so, you will then have to create an online account on the “Urssaf” website.
You can declare your income and pay your social security contributions online on this website:
You can also choose to declare and pay your social security contributions via post. In this case, you will receive the documents to be completed and sent to your home address.
The town or city that appears on your “auto-entrepreneur” registration will ask you to pay a tax called “Cotisation Foncière des Entreprises (CFE)”.
This tax must be paid above a certain income threshold. The amount varies depending on the town or city you live in.
At the end of the year, you will receive a form to fill in at your home address. It is important that you complete and return this document before the specified deadline, even if you have not generated any income.
In France, there are many services that can support you, give you advice, and assist you with procedures and paperwork. Most of them are free of charge.
“ADIE” is an organisation which offers micro-financing for all types of professional projects.
“Pôle Emploi” helps people find employment, and can advise on business creation. They also manage French unemployment payments or “allocations de retour à l’emploi” commonly known as “chômage”.
While the utmost care has gone into providing you with the most accurate and up to date information, this page is not intended to replace legal or professional advice. Laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult qualified professionals.
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