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B1French·20 cards

Setting Up Your Own Business in France

Talk a business idea through with an adviser and learn how registration, URSSAF declarations and start-up help work.

Most people starting out alone in France choose the micro-entreprise (often still called auto-entrepreneur) regime: you register online through the guichet unique, receive a SIRET number, and declare your turnover to the Urssaf every month or quarter, paying contributions as a percentage of it. There are turnover ceilings, and some new founders, such as job seekers, can get the ACRE, a reduction in contributions in the first year. Chambres de commerce (CCI) and chambres de métiers offer free advice meetings, and food businesses also need hygiene training and professional liability insurance.

Optimistic smiling diverse female colleagues in aprons browsing netbook and preparing for exam while sitting at table in cozy cafeteria
Photo: Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
  1. 1

    Je voudrais créer mon entreprise.

    I'd like to start my own business.

  2. 2

    Mon projet, c'est une activité de traiteur.

    My plan is a catering business.

  3. 3

    Quel statut juridique vous me conseillez ?

    Which legal structure would you recommend?

  4. 4

    La micro-entreprise, c'est le plus simple.

    The micro-enterprise is the simplest.

  5. 5

    Comment est-ce que je m'immatricule ?

    How do I register?

  6. 6

    Tout se fait en ligne maintenant.

    Everything is done online now.

  7. 7

    Il faut combien de temps pour avoir un numéro SIRET ?

    How long does it take to get a SIRET number?

    Tip: The business ID number.

  8. 8

    Vous déclarez votre chiffre d'affaires à l'Urssaf.

    You declare your turnover to the Urssaf.

  9. 9

    Tous les mois ou tous les trimestres.

    Every month or every quarter.

  10. 10

    Est-ce que j'ai droit à des aides ?

    Am I entitled to any support?

  11. 11

    Vous pouvez demander l'ACRE.

    You can apply for the ACRE.

    Tip: A first-year reduction in contributions.

  12. 12

    Il me faut un compte bancaire dédié ?

    Do I need a separate bank account?

  13. 13

    Je dois faire un prévisionnel.

    I have to draw up a financial forecast.

    Tip: Projected figures for the first years.

  14. 14

    Il y a un plafond de chiffre d'affaires.

    There's a turnover ceiling.

  15. 15

    Je garde mon emploi salarié à côté.

    I'm keeping my salaried job on the side.

  16. 16

    C'est un peu risqué.

    It's a bit risky.

  17. 17

    Est-ce que je dois prendre un expert-comptable ?

    Should I hire an accountant?

  18. 18

    J'aimerais faire un petit emprunt.

    I'd like to take out a small loan.

  19. 19

    Il faut que je prenne une assurance responsabilité civile ?

    Do I need professional liability insurance?

  20. 20

    Merci, c'est beaucoup plus clair maintenant.

    Thanks, it's much clearer now.