France has specific classifications for independent workers. Understanding which status applies to you is crucial. For locals, known as "travailleurs indépendants" or "auto-entrepreneurs" (a simplified micro-entrepreneur status), freelancing is well-established. Opportunities are strong in creative industries like design, luxury branding, and marketing, as well as in tech sectors like software development.

For foreigners, France, particularly Paris, is a hub for fashion, tech, and EU institutions. Demand is high for bilingual skills in translation, international marketing, and tech consulting. The main challenge for all is a relatively high tax burden and complex administrative system, though the auto-entrepreneur scheme simplifies things for smaller operations. Major cities offer excellent infrastructure, but the cost of living, especially in Paris, can be high.

Disclaimer: This guide is current as of April 2025 and subject to change. Always consult with a local tax advisor and official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Step 1: Determine Your Freelance Status in France

  • Micro-entrepreneur (formerly Auto-entrepreneur): Simplified regime for small businesses with turnover limits
  • Entreprise Individuelle (EI): Traditional individual business structure
  • Société par Actions Simplifiée Unipersonnelle (SASU): Simplified joint-stock company with one shareholder
  • Entreprise Unipersonnelle à Responsabilité Limitée (EURL): Single-member limited liability company

Industry-Specific Freelancing Tips for France

Writers, Translators & Editors

  • Consider registering as "Profession Libérale" under the micro-entrepreneur regime
  • Join ATLF (Association des Traducteurs Littéraires de France) for translators
  • French clients often expect workers in this field to have official certification (especially for specialized translations)

Consultants (Business, Marketing, Coaching)

  • SASU often offers better tax advantages for high-earning consultants
  • Register with the appropriate chambers (CCI for business consultants)
  • Consider professional indemnity insurance (RC Professionnelle)

Designers & Creative Professionals

  • Investigate special status for artists (Maison des Artistes or AGESSA), whose social security is now managed by URSSAF Limousin.
  • Can benefit from specific tax regimes for intellectual property

Real Estate & Architects

  • Architects must register with Ordre des Architectes
  • Real estate consultants need professional cards from the local prefecture

Food & Hospitality (Catering, Food Blogging)

  • Food businesses require specific health and safety certifications (HACCP)
  • Check local regulations for home-based food businesses

Useful Official Resources

Government Websites

Support Organizations

Key Considerations

  • Income Thresholds (As of July 2025 - subject to annual review): For micro-entrepreneurs, the annual revenue limits are €77,700 for service-based activities and €188,700 for commercial activities. Exceeding these thresholds requires transitioning to a different business structure
  • Liability: Under the Micro-entrepreneur status, you are personally liable for business debts (though personal and professional assets are separated for debts incurred after May 2022). For the new EI status, personal and professional assets are automatically separated by default

1. Options for Freelancers

  • Micro-entrepreneur (Auto-entrepreneur)
    • Simplified regime for solo freelancers (revenue below €77,700 for services or €188,700 for sales)
    • Flat social contribution rates: 21.1% (services) or 12.3% (sales) (plus potential 1% for professional training and a small Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie/Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat tax). These rates are subject to annual adjustments
    • Registration: Via the Guichet Unique on the INPI website
    • Pro Tip: Ideal for starters. No VAT below €36,800/year for services or €91,900 for sales (as of July 2025, subject to review). A dedicated bank account is mandatory if turnover exceeds €10,000 for two consecutive years
  • EI (Entreprise Individuelle)
    • Traditional sole proprietorship. Since May 2022, personal and professional assets are automatically separated by default, offering limited liability where only professional assets are liable for professional debts
    • Pays income tax (impôt sur le revenu) + social charges (~45% of profits).
    • Pro Tip: This status automatically protects your personal assets from professional debts
  • SASU/EURL
    • For higher earnings (typically >€80k/year) or greater liability protection.
    • Corporate tax (25% standard rate, lower for small businesses) + remuneration as salary or dividends
    • Pro Tip: SASU offers more flexibility in management; EURL is generally simpler and cheaper to set up

2. Registration Process

  • All Business Structures (Micro-entrepreneur, EI, SASU, EURL):
    • All formalities are now submitted exclusively via the Guichet Unique portal on the INPI website. This portal has replaced the former CFEs (Centre de Formalités des Entreprises) and Infogreffe.fr for business creation, modification, and cessation
    • Required documents generally include: ID, proof of address, and specific forms depending on the chosen legal structure. Your SIRET/SIREN number will be assigned post-registration
  • Choose your APE code (activity code) from INSEE

Step 2: Legal Registration Process

Micro-entrepreneur Registration

  1. Create an account on the Guichet Unique portal
  2. Complete the online declaration (Formulaire de Déclaration de Début d’Activité – Micro-entrepreneur)
  3. Receive your SIRET number (business identification)
  4. Your registration for social charges payment (via URSSAF) is automatic

Timeframe: 1-3 weeks for processing

For Other Business Structures (SASU, EURL, EI)

  1. Draft company statutes (with a lawyer if necessary for SASU/EURL)
  2. Deposit capital in a business bank account (for SASU/EURL)
  3. Submit your registration via the Guichet Unique portal
  4. Publish a notice in a legal journal (journal d'annonces légales) (for SASU/EURL creation)
  5. Registration with the appropriate organizations (URSSAF, tax office) occurs automatically through the Guichet Unique process

Timeframe: 2-4 weeks

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

  • No special visa needed, but must register for residence if staying over 3 months
  • Get a European Health Insurance Card or register with French healthcare

For Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

  • Requires a residence permit with work authorization before starting freelance activity
  • Apply for "Entrepreneur/Profession Libérale" residence permit
  • Prepare a solid business plan demonstrating viability

Step 3: Visa and Residency for Non-EU/EEA Citizens

1. Eligibility Criteria

To obtain a freelancer visa in France (Entrepreneur/Profession Libérale):

  • Proof of sufficient resources (minimum €18,473 per year, as of July 2025 – based on SMIC, subject to review)
  • Viable business plan
  • Relevant qualifications or experience
  • No threat to public order

2. Required Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of residence in France
  • Business plan (in French)
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Professional qualifications
  • Birth certificate (translated)
  • Health insurance
  • Financial projections for 3+ years
  • Previous tax returns, if applicable

Application Process

Step 1: Apply for Long-Stay Visa (Before Entering France)

  • Apply at the  French consulate in your country
  • Processing time: 2-3 months
  • Fee: €99 (as of July 2025, subject to change)

Step 2: Enter France and Register Your Address

  • Register with the local municipality (mairie)

Step 3: Apply for a Residence Permit

  • Apply at the local prefecture within 3 months of arrival
  • Business verification may be conducted
  • Initial permit typically valid for 1 year, renewable

Useful Official Links

Common Rejection Reasons & Solutions

  • Insufficient financial resources: Secure additional funding or savings
  • Weak business plan: Seek help from CCI business advisors
  • Incomplete documentation: Use the prefecture checklist meticulously
  • Competitive market: Demonstrate your unique value

Step 4: Tax Obligations & Social Charges

Tax Registration

  1. Registration with the tax office (Service des Impôts des Entreprises - SIE) happens automatically upon business registration via the Guichet Unique
  2. Determine your VAT régime (franchise en base, réel simplifié, réel normal)
  3. Choose a tax regime based on business structure (e.g., micro-entrepreneur, Impôt sur le Revenu, Impôt sur les Sociétés)

Tax Filings

  • Micro-entrepreneur: Quarterly or monthly declarations on the URSSAF website for social contributions. Annual income tax declaration (though some may opt for prélèvement libératoire paid monthly/quarterly).
  • Other structures: Annual corporate tax returns plus monthly/quarterly VAT (if applicable)
  • Personal income tax declaration annually (May-June)

Tax Rates (Estimates as of July 2025)

  • Micro-entrepreneur:
    • Commercial activities: 12.3% of turnover
    • Services/liberal professions: 21.1% of turnover
    • Artisanal activities: 12.3% of turnover
  • Standard income tax: Progressive rates from 0-45%
  • Corporate tax (IS): 25% standard rate ((reduced rate of 15% on profits up to €42,500 for qualifying small businesses))
  • VAT: Standard rate 20% (reduced rates available: 10%, 5.5%, 2.1%)

Pro Tip

Stay informed about changes to social security requirements via the URSSAF website (specifically the Sécurité Sociale des Indépendants (SSI) section).

Important Tax Documents

  • Taxpayer ID (numéro fiscal)
  • SIRET number
  • Monthly/quarterly declarations
  • Annual tax returns

Tax Recommendations & Industry-Specific Tips

  • Keep all receipts for at least 6 years
  • Track business expenses meticulously
  • Consider fiscal representation if you're not fluent in French
  • Separate personal and business expenses

Recommended Tax Tools

  • Impots.gouv.fr - Tax administration portal: The primary portal for individual and business tax declarations
  • Accounting software: Pennylane, QuickBooks France, Sage
  • Net-entreprises.fr: Useful for employers' social declarations, but individual freelancers primarily use URSSAF for their own contributions

Step 5: Banking, Invoicing, and Financial Management

Banking Requirements

  • A dedicated business bank account is mandatory for all business structures (SASU, EURL, EI). For micro-entrepreneurs, it's mandatory if your turnover exceeds €10,000 for two consecutive years Even if not mandatory, it is highly recommended for clarity and ease of accounting
  • Compare fees, mobile banking features, and international transfer costs

Recommended Bank Accounts for Freelancers

Traditional Banks

  • BNP Paribas: Offers tailored solutions for small businesses and freelancers
  • Société Générale: Provides specialized accounts with online management tools
  • Crédit Agricole: Offers personal and business financial services nationwide
  • Banque Populaire: Cooperative bank serving individuals, professionals, and small businesses

Online Banks

  • Shine: For freelancers and small businesses with invoicing and expense management tools
  • Qonto: Tailored for startups, freelancers, and SMEs with streamlined financial management features
  • Hello Bank Pro: Digital banking service by BNP Paribas for self-employed professionals

Bank Fees – Examples

Bank Features Fees Link
Shine Free account + invoicing €0/month shine.fr
Qonto Multi-user access €9–€299/month qonto.com
Banque Populaire Traditional (French IBAN) ~€15/month banquepopulaire.fr

Essential Financial Practices

  • Separate personal and business finances
  • Track expenses consistently
  • Set aside 25-30% of income for taxes and social charges
  • Maintain cash flow projections

Invoicing Requirements

French invoices must include:

  • Your company name, address, SIRET, and VAT number (if applicable)
  • Client's name and address
  • VAT number (yours and client's if applicable)
  • Invoice number (sequential and unique)
  • Date of invoice
  • Description of goods/services
  • Unit price and total price (excl. VAT)
  • Applicable VAT rate and amount (or mention "TVA non applicable, art. 293 B du CGI" for micro-entrepreneurs below VAT threshold)
  • Payment terms (e.g., "Paiement à 30 jours net date de facture")
  • Late payment penalties (e.g., "Pénalités de retard : 3 fois le taux d'intérêt légal, Indemnité forfaitaire pour frais de recouvrement : 40€")
  • Payment methods accepted

Recommended Invoicing Workflow

  1. Create a professional invoice template compliant with French regulations
  2. Send invoices promptly with clear payment terms
  3. Follow up on late payments (the law allows for penalty interest)
  4. Archive all invoices for 10 years (legal requirement)

Best Invoicing & Accounting Tools

  • For Simple Invoicing: Zervant, Wave, VosFactures, Facture.net
  • Comprehensive Solutions: Pennylane, QuickBooks, Sage, Indy
  • Payment Solutions:
    • Bank transfers (virement bancaire) - most common
    • Credit card via payment processors
    • Direct debit (prélèvement) for recurring clients

Step 6: Health Insurance, Retirement & Social Security

Social Security (Sécurité Sociale)

  • Mandatory for all freelancers
  • Registration is automatic upon business registration via the Guichet Unique
  • Managed by URSSAF and SSI (Sécurité Sociale des Indépendants)

Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie)

  • Basic coverage is provided through social security contributions
  • Consider complementary health insurance (mutuelle) for better coverage
  • Register with CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie)

Retirement Plans

  • Basic pension through mandatory contributions
  • Consider supplementary retirement savings (PER - Plan d'Épargne Retraite)
  • Different rates apply based on business structure and income

Recommended Additional Insurances

  • Professional liability insurance (RC Professionnelle) that covers client disputes:
    • Hiscox (~€20–€50/month)
    • AXA (~€15–€30/month)
    • LégaLéo (~€10–€25/month)
  • Business interruption insurance
  • Home office insurance
  • Income protection insurance

Pro Tips

  • Language: Use contracts in French (legally safer)
  • URSSAF Deadlines: Pay social charges monthly/quarterly
  • ACRE: 1st-year social charge reduction—apply via France Travail's website

Step 7: Finding Work

Utilize both local and international platforms to secure freelance projects.​

Top Freelance Platforms in France

Platform Focus Fees Link
Malt Tech/Creative 10%–15% malt.fr
Comet IT/Engineering 8% comet.co
5euros Micro-jobs 20% 5euros.com

International Platforms

  • Malt: A French platform connecting freelancers with clients across various industries
  • Comet: A French freelancing platform that connects top tech and data freelancers with companies looking for specialized, vetted talent
  • 5euros: A microservices platform where freelancers offer digital services starting at €5, catering to small tasks across design, writing, SEO, and more
  • Upwork: A global freelancing platform that connects businesses with independent professionals across a wide range of fields, including tech, design, writing, and marketing
  • Freelancer.com: An international marketplace where clients post projects and freelancers bid to complete them, covering services from software development to creative work

France-Specific Platforms

  • Kicklox: A platform that connects engineers, developers, and tech freelancers with businesses for innovation and R&D projects, often in the industrial and high-tech sectors
  • Coworkees: A freelance marketplace focused on matching independent professionals with businesses through skills-based matching and team-building features
  • Freelance.fr: A general freelance platform in France that helps freelancers across all industries find projects and clients, with tools to manage offers, visibility, and payments
  • Crème de la Crème: An exclusive platform that connects top-tier freelance talent with large companies and startups for premium projects in tech, marketing, and consulting

Networking & Direct Clients

  • Join coworking spaces (particularly La Ruche, WeWork, NUMA)
  • Attend industry meetups via Meetup.com
  • Join professional associations in your field
  • Connect with French Chambers of Commerce

Pro Tips

  • Having a French-language CV and portfolio significantly increases opportunities
  • French business culture values formal introduction and references
  • Emphasize any French language skills or familiarity with French market
  • Network actively - personal connections are highly valued
  • Consider joining a Coopérative d'Activité et d'Emploi (CAE) for administrative support

Step 8: Financial Management Tips

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Common Freelancer Challenges

  • Late payments: Implement strict follow-up procedures, consider factoring
  • Administrative burden: Use digital tools, consider hiring a comptable (accountant)
  • Fluctuating income: Build 3-6 month emergency fund
  • High social charges: Take advantage of tax deductions
  • Work-life balance: Set clear boundaries with clients

Mitigation Strategies

  • Join freelancer associations for support and advice
  • Consider outsourcing accounting and administrative tasks
  • Build a diverse client portfolio
  • Network with other freelancers for referrals
  • Stay updated on regulatory changes

Estimated Costs and Budgeting

Monthly Estimated Expenses

  • Social security contributions: €200-800+ (income dependent)
  • Professional insurance: €30-100
  • Accounting services: €50-200
  • Coworking space (optional): €100-300
  • Software and tools: €50-200
  • Marketing and website: €30-100
  • Professional development: €50+

Professional Development

  • Tax-deductible training through CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation)
  • Industry certifications and conferences
  • Continuous education opportunities through France Travail

Final Checklist for Success

Before Launching

  • [ ] Determine appropriate legal structure
  • [ ] Complete registration process
  • [ ] Open business bank account
  • [ ] Secure necessary insurances
  • [ ] Set up accounting system
  • [ ] Create compliant invoice templates
  • [ ] Build portfolio/website
  • [ ] Determine pricing strategy

First Three Months

  • [ ] Register for social security
  • [ ] Make first declarations
  • [ ] Network actively
  • [ ] Track all expenses
  • [ ] Establish client communication protocols
  • [ ] Review financial projections

First Year

  • [ ] Complete tax and social charge declarations
  • [ ] Review and adjust business strategy
  • [ ] Consider professional memberships
  • [ ] Evaluate profitability and adjust as needed
  • [ ] Plan for second year growth

Contract Templates & Legal Protections

Freelance Contract Templates

  • Where to Get Contracts:
    • Service-Public.fr - Official templates
    • Professional associations in your field
    • Legal tech platforms like Captain Contrat or Legalstart

Liability Insurance (RC Professionnelle)

  • Who Needs It Most:
    • IT consultants and developers
    • Financial advisors
    • Healthcare professionals
    • Architects and construction-related freelancers
    • Any service where errors could cause financial loss to clients

Best Liability Insurance Providers

  • AXA
  • MAAF
  • MMA
  • Hiscox (specialized in professional services)

Additional Legal Protections

  • Legal Expense Insurance (Protection Juridique)
  • Property Insurance for business equipment
  • Cyber Insurance for digital professionals

Additional Resources

Government Support Programs

  • ACRE (Aide aux Créateurs et Repreneurs d'Entreprise) - Social charge reductions
  • ARCE (Aide à la Reprise ou à la Création d'Entreprise) - For unemployed entrepreneurs
  • Bpifrance - Loans and guarantees
  • France Num - Digital transformation support

Useful Organizations

Coworking and Community

Other Resources