Working in France as an Independent Worker (Micro-entrepreneur)

Hi everyone!

I am interested in working as an independent worker in France (micro-entrepreneur). Therefore, I have a couple of questions that I would appreciate if you could help me answer.

1. Is there a minimum monthly/yearly income that must be earned by individuals planning to start working as micro-entrepreneurs in France?

2. Do I need to have long-term clients with whom I have agreements?

3. Is it necessary that my clients be based in France, or can they be from anywhere in the world?

4. Do I have to explain why my freelance translation business would benefit France?

Thanks in advance!

1. Is there a minimum monthly/yearly income that must be earned by individuals planning to start working as micro-entrepreneurs in France?

No minimum, but the maximum is 32,000 euros/year.

2. Do I need to have long-term clients with whom I have agreements?

No need for any clients at all. You can start from zero.

3. Is it necessary that my clients be based in France, or can they be from anywhere in the world?

They can be based all over the world. Here are the legal statements that should go on your invoices as a function of client origin:

-          Facture à un client particulier français ou européen :
TVA non applicable, article 293B du Code Général des Impôts
-          Facture à un client particulier international : tu ne mets pas de TVA française, mais tu mets la mention « TVA française non applicable par application de l'article 259 B du CGI ».
-          Facture à une entreprise française : tu mets de la TVA française dessus (19,6 % du montant HT)
-          Facture à une entreprise internationale : tu ne mets pas de TVA française, mais tu écris la mention : « Prestation relevant des articles 44 et 196 de la Directive 2006/112/CE. La TVA est due par le preneur assujetti »
-          Facture à une entreprise européenne : tu dois
o   1/ lui demander son numéro d'identification à la TVA et écrire ce numéro sur ta facture (avec le tien quand les impôts te l'auront donné)
o   2/mettre la mention « Prestation relevant des articles 44 et 196 de la Directive 2006/112/CE. La TVA est due par le preneur assujetti ».
o   3/ ne pas mettre de TVA française (0 euros)


4. Do I have to explain why my freelance translation business would benefit France?

Not at all. Just fill out the forms and get to work!

Thanks for this information. With regards to the micro entrepreneur, does one need to apply at the embassy in their home country? or can this be done when in France?