Starting out as an auto-entrepreneur

THE AUTO-entrepreneur is a simplified version of an existing small business set-up, the micro-entreprise, which requires a turnover below certain thresholds.

It is intended to give those thinking of working for themselves an easier way to set up and to pay taxes and social security charges.

Auto-entrepreneurs are exempt from registering with the chambre de métiers or the chambre de commerce et d’industrie, which saves time and a fee.

You can set up free on the internet at www.lautoentrepreneur.fr - beware of the plethora of other sites that exist. When the scheme was first announced many were bought up in the expectation of charging the government to buy them back.

Payment of social charges and - if you opt for this - income tax - is also by a simplified method and can be managed at the same site.

If in doubt over whether your activity would be suitable seek advice from a chamber of commerce or métiers, or Urssaf.

There is also useful information at www.apce.com (an official body promoting entrepreneurship) - which also has a forum where you can discuss the topic.

The Connexion has a helpguide on the auto-entrepreneur - France's easiest way to start up a business. It is regularly updated with changes we report in the paper and costs €5.

You can view our helpguides by clicking here.

Related stories:
Interview with business minister Hervé Novelli
New union for autoentrepreneurs