Auto Entrepreneur is Good News for the Self-Employed
Originally posted on & updated on 17th March, 2025
There are some good reasons for the self-employed and for those wishing to start a business in France to celebrate the great news that, as of January 1, 2009, France will be introducing major changes to the self-employment system. The system, called ‘auto-entrepreneur,’ will make it easier, quicker, and cheaper for individuals to start up a small business in France.
Turnover Limits for Small Businesses
Under the auto-entrepreneur system there will be limits on turnover of €80,000 for commerce businesses and €32,000 euros for service-based businesses. Social charges, however, will be much more affordable. Businesses engaged in commercial activities should expect to pay 13% of their annual turnover in social charges and taxes, while service-based businesses will pay 23% of their annual turnover in social charges and taxes.
Incentives for New Businesses
The main highlights of the auto-entrepreneur system are that newly registered individuals will be exempt from paying the ‘taxe professionnelle’ for the first three years and that social charges or taxes will not be payable until the new business starts to generate sales.
Simplified Registration Process
Registering for the auto-entrepreneur system is much simpler. There are no courses to attend and no registration fees. You just need to visit your local Chambre de Commerce or Chambre de Métiers and fill out a form.
Understanding SIRET and SIREN Numbers
You may also want to learn about what a SIRET (or SIREN) number is, and how to get one?
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