Attention: it's advisable to seek professional advice, such as from an accountant or business advisor, to ensure you comply with all legal and tax requirements when setting up your sole proprietorship as a contractor in France.
In France, you are not allowed to operate as individuals to be a contractor. You will need to register a legal entity. This legal entity could be a sole proprietorship, business or organisation.
Setting up a sole proprietorship in France involves several steps. Here's a general outline of what you'll need to do:
Register Your Business: You will need to register your sole proprietorship with the appropriate authorities. In France, this typically means registering with the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE), which is usually located at the Chamber of Commerce (Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie) or at the Centre de Formalités des Professions Libérales (CFPL) if you are in a liberal profession.
Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain specific permits or licenses to operate legally. This could include professional qualifications or approvals depending on your industry.
Declare Your Activity to Appropriate Authorities: You will need to declare your business activity to the relevant tax authorities. This can often be done at the same time as registering your business with the CFE.
Register for Social Security and Health Insurance: As a self-employed individual in France, you'll need to register for social security (Sécurité Sociale) and health insurance (Assurance Maladie) contributions.
Tax Registration: You'll need to register for taxation purposes, including VAT (Value Added Tax) if your business turnover exceeds certain thresholds.
Remember, the process and requirements may vary depending on the specifics of your business and your location within France. It's always a good idea to consult with local authorities or professionals to ensure you're fulfilling all necessary obligations.