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Freelancing in France: Quotes, Invoices and Getting Paid

Quote a project, invoice a client, chase a late payment and talk shop with other French freelancers.

Most freelancers in France start as micro-entrepreneurs (still widely called auto-entrepreneurs), get a 14-digit SIRET number and declare their turnover to URSSAF monthly or quarterly. Below the VAT threshold, invoices carry the mention « TVA non applicable, art. 293 B du CGI ». Work starts from a signed devis (quote), invoices must state payment terms and late-payment penalties plus a 40 € recovery fee for business clients, and clients pay by bank transfer to the RIB you send them.

Businesswoman showing a receipt during a home office work session, highlighting technology integration.
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  1. 1

    Je suis auto-entrepreneur.

    I'm self-employed.

  2. 2

    Je vous envoie un devis.

    I'll send you a quote.

  3. 3

    Mon tarif journalier est de 400 €.

    My day rate is 400 euros.

  4. 4

    Je demande un acompte de 30 %.

    I'm asking for a 30% deposit.

  5. 5

    Quel est votre numéro de SIRET ?

    What's your company registration number?

  6. 6

    Je ne facture pas la TVA, je suis en franchise.

    I don't charge VAT, I'm under the threshold.

  7. 7

    Vous trouverez ma facture en pièce jointe.

    You'll find my invoice attached.

  8. 8

    Paiement à trente jours.

    Payment within 30 days.

  9. 9

    La facture est toujours impayée.

    The invoice is still unpaid.

  10. 10

    Je vous relance au sujet de la facture numéro 12.

    I'm following up about invoice no. 12.

  11. 11

    Vous pouvez payer par virement ?

    Could you pay by bank transfer?

  12. 12

    Voici mon RIB.

    Here are my bank details.

  13. 13

    Vous pouvez me confirmer la bonne réception ?

    Could you confirm it arrived?

  14. 14

    Je déclare mon chiffre d'affaires à l'URSSAF tous les trimestres.

    I declare my turnover to URSSAF every quarter.

  15. 15

    Le périmètre du projet a changé.

    The scope of the project has changed.

  16. 16

    Ce n'est pas compris dans le devis.

    That's not included in the quote.

  17. 17

    Je vous facturerai ça à part.

    I'll invoice that separately.

  18. 18

    Vous pouvez commencer quand ?

    When can you start?

  19. 19

    Je n'ai pas de disponibilité avant mars.

    I'm not available before March.

  20. 20

    Des pénalités de retard s'appliquent.

    Late payment penalties apply.