How to start a business in France

Opening a business in France is relatively simple, especially for freelancers, consultants, and small companies. In recent years, the process has been centralized online through the “Guichet Unique” portal managed by INPI, where almost all administrative procedures can be completed.

The first decision to make is the legal structure. If you want to start quickly and with low costs, the most common option is the micro-entreprise (formerly auto-entrepreneur). It is ideal for consultants, trainers, freelancers, and small online businesses. It offers very simplified administration, social contributions calculated on actual turnover received, and under certain thresholds, VAT exemption. However, it comes with annual turnover limits and does not allow deduction of actual business expenses.

If you expect higher turnover or significant costs, you may choose the Entreprise Individuelle (EI), which is similar to a sole proprietorship. It is simple to manage and has no turnover cap, but taxation is based on personal income.

If you want a more solid and professional structure with limited liability, you can create a single-shareholder company such as an EURL or SASU. The EURL is often chosen because social charges are generally lower; the SASU is more flexible, offers a more “corporate” image, and is better suited if you plan to grow the business or attract investors in the future.

If you are a citizen of the European Union, you can freely open a business in France. If you are from outside the EU, you will generally need a specific visa or residence permit for entrepreneurial activity.

To start your business, you will need a French address (including via domiciliation or a coworking space), an identity document, and a clear definition of your business activity (commercial, artisan, professional/liberal, etc.). Once registered, you will receive the French identification numbers: SIREN, SIRET, and an APE/NAF code.

If you create a company (SASU, EURL, SARL, SAS), you will also need to draft the company statutes, open a business bank account to deposit the share capital, and publish a legal notice.

From a tax perspective, the standard VAT rate in France is 20%, although some micro-businesses may be exempt. Companies have more structured accounting obligations, while a micro-entreprise only requires basic bookkeeping.

In practice: if you want to test the market as a freelancer or consultant, the micro-entreprise is the fastest solution; if you already work with international clients and want a more structured professional image, a SASU is probably the best choice.

For your profile, focused on consulting, European project design, and international networking, starting with a micro-entreprise or directly with a SASU would probably be the most suitable option.