Top 8 Mistakes New Freelancers & Micro Entrepreneurs Make
Discover the 8 common mistakes that new freelancers and micro entrepreneurs do once in business. ...
By Valérie Aston · 13 Oct 2025 · 188 views
Professional advice on running a small business in France
Bonjour, I'm Valérie Aston, a French business advisor. I help English speakers prepare, create and manage their freelancing activity in France, so they can focus on their customers & development.
Moving to France is exciting: new home, new work, new culture! But having to grasp the business rules can be overwhelming, especially if you don't master the language yet.
How I can help you:
- Power Hour: Book a one-to-one call for advice on your business project. Get up to speed quickly, talk through your options and understand the implications of your choices.
- Micro Entrepreneur & Artist Registration: Let me handle your business registration in France. I'll manage the whole process for you, while sending you a useful factsheet and tips to guide you with the paperwork.
- Business Visa Application: Online course and 1-to-1 coaching to prepare your business visa application. Get Valerie’s support to submit your visa Profession Libérale or Visa Talent application. Life access to course + Zoom calls for 6 months.
- Manage Your Micro Entrepreneur: Join my group of micro entrepreneurs and get support for 1 year to learn to manage your French business. Create your online accounts, do your declarations, bookkeeping. Includes live monthly Q&As + 1 year Forum access.
- Private Forum: Ask me anything about your business for a year. Avoid sleepless nights and get reliable answers. I've answered about 96,480 questions for 3,598 members since 2009!
Business blog
Webinar Replay : Freelance in France as a Micro Entrepreneur
Watch this webinar replay on freelancing in France as a Micro Entrepreneur. 20 mins presentation + live Q&As. ...
By Valérie Aston · 24 Sep 2025 · 877 views
Best visa strategies for couples moving to France
This article covers the best visa strategies for couples moving to France. Should you go for the same visa and open up your options for work? ...
By Valérie Aston · 8 Sep 2025 · 876 views
Must-Know Tips For A Successful Scouting Trip to France
Let's talk about organising a successful scouting trip to France. And more precisely WHY you may consider a scouting trip & HOW to make the most out of this trip to France ...
By Valérie Aston · 13 Aug 2025 · 1537 views
10 Must-do for a business visa renewal for France
In this article, I'm sharing 10 must-do things to successfully renew your business visa - Visa profession liberale, visa talent or RECE visa. ...
By Valérie Aston · 24 Jul 2025 · 2071 views
New rule for business visa for France!
A few changes have been made in June 2025 to the Visa application for France. These key changes will impact future freelancers in France. Make sure you read this article. ...
By Valérie Aston · 30 Jun 2025 · 8647 views
Resources
Business podcasts
How to set up a health cover and get a carte vitale
This podcast explains how to set up a health cover and how to get a carte vitale for entrepreneurs. Find out how your carte vitale will be issued and answers to popular questions on health cover. ...
By Valérie Aston · 10 May 2011
Adding an APE or NAF code to your business
This podcast discusses the implications of adding an extra APE or NAF activity code to your current business and how to do it. Adding an extra APE activity code can be done for an auto-entrepreneur, an entreprise ...
By Valérie Aston · 10 May 2011
Complete overview of the auto-entrepreneur system
This podcast, which is 44 minutes long, will give you a complete overview of the auto-entrepreneur system. It's perfect if you're starting a business in France as an auto-entrepreneur, or you're registered and want a ...
By Valérie Aston · 6 Sep 2013
Everyone's questions
URSAFF Tax Declarations
Clarification on Micro-Entrepreneur Status with New Consultancy Activity
Which VISA would be appropriate my spouse and I
Clarity needed over VAT threshold
VAT LIMIT
Using Wise for my business account and N26 for my personal account- should I change?
VAT Threshold Questions for Auto Entrepreneur
Wise USD account details unavailable for American Micro Entrepreneur
Will a commissioned market study help my auto-entrepreneur application
ANEF requests visa Profession Liberale
New business not receiving mail from URSSAF
Residency Timeline for Working Spouse of Visa Talent Applicant
Must you buy a gite before applying for a business visa?
Mail from CPAM, URRSAF, coverage
Auto Entrepreneur registration done/next steps?
Combining US Social Security pension and freelance work
Working with contractors & freelancers - What documents do I need to ask for?
Liability insurance for tutoring as auto-entrepreneur
Testimonials
Fantastic service to help you set up your business and support during your business activity. It can be very daunting to set up a business in France if your French is not perfect. Valerie offers perfect guidance and help on this and makes the French system appear easy and explains everything in detail and logical so you feel on top of your business activity.
-Martina - consultant - AE registration & online training