Where to go in Paris
Use the official sites below to check the responsible service, application method and appointment requirements. Not every procedure is handled by the prefecture. Contact the association to discuss available support.
Key points in 30 seconds
- Check your permit allows self-employment.
- Pick the activity and check whether a qualification is required. Examples of regulated trades: construction, beauty and taxi services.
- Register free on formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr.
The procedure at a glance
Are you allowed to?
EU citizens, yes. Others need a residence permit that allows self-employment, such as a , “vie privée et familiale” or an “entrepreneur / profession libérale” card. For students, “salarié” permits or temporary protection, check the conditions on service-public first. Student or salarié permits may prohibit or restrict the activity; unauthorized activity can jeopardize your residence permit.
Advice from the association
Don't leave this procedure to the last minute — come and see us.
Registering on the single portal
Apply only on formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr () — it is free; paid sites are intermediaries. You enter the activity, address, declaration frequency and tax option. INSEE then issues your and APE code. You can use your home address. and APE generally arrive within one to four weeks.
Common mistake
Paying an intermediary for a free procedure.
Contributions, declarations and ceilings
Declare turnover monthly or quarterly on autoentrepreneur..fr, even when it is zero. The rate depends on the activity. Turnover ceilings and the VAT threshold change — check service-public. A separate bank account is required above €10,000 turnover two years running.
Common mistake
Missing the 45-day deadline.
relief
reduces social contributions for 12 months for, among others, people receiving unemployment benefit, recipients and under-26s. For a micro-entreprise you apply to within 45 days of registration. The reduction rate has changed several times — see . Residents of priority neighbourhoods may also qualify. Missing the deadline loses the relief.
Common mistake
Skipping zero declarations. may apply a penalty.
Step by step
- 1Check your permit allows self-employment.
- 2Pick the activity and check whether a qualification is required. Examples of regulated trades: construction, beauty and taxi services.
- 3Register free on formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr.
- 4Get your and INSEE avis de situation.
- 5Apply for with within 45 days if eligible.
- 6Create an autoentrepreneur..fr account and declare turnover every month or quarter.
- 7Tell and you have started.
Documents needed
Collected: 0 / 6
- ID and a permit allowing self-employment
- Proof of address
- Social security number, if available
- Diploma or proof of experience (regulated trades)
- evidence (, …)
FAQ
Where do I find my SIRET number?
On the INSEE letter and on the SIRENE avis de situation, free at avis-situation-sirene.insee.fr (14 digits). is needed on customer invoices.
Can I combine it with a salaried job?
Yes, if your permit allows it and your employment contract does not prohibit competing activity.
Do I keep France Travail benefits?
Often partly: report the start of activity and your income every month.
Steps and documents on one page — save as PDF and take it with you.