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:
Who really starts a micro-entreprise in France? Data from 500 registrations: expats’ nationalities, top activities, where they live and the 2026 trends. ...
By Valérie Aston · 31 Oct 2026 · 38 views
The business visa and the micro-entrepreneur are two separate steps. Learn how they fit together, and how they can lead to a multi-year visa renewal. ...
By Valérie Aston · 23 Oct 2026 · 173 views
Moving to France? Learn who needs a bank account, when to open a personal or business account, which documents you need, and how to avoid common mistakes. ...
By Valérie Aston · 16 Oct 2026 · 334 views
You've just received your first facture électronique, and you're not sure what to do with it. You're not alone. Here's what to do. ...
By Valérie Aston · 8 Oct 2026 · 715 views
How to secure a rental visit, what to check during the état des lieux, how the contrat de bail works, and the full real-world budget for renting in France. ...
By Valérie Aston · 6 Oct 2026 · 617 views
How the French rental market really works right now, how to prepare a winning dossier, and the apps worth using to find a long-term flat. ...
By Valérie Aston · 30 Sep 2026 · 837 views
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
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
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
"I'm BEYOND excited to tell you that Tom & I just received our passports back, with the approved Talent visa. I would never have tried for the Talent without your advice, and I am so grateful you suggested it. And guided us through all the paperwork!"
-Angie Green, Freelance technical writer - Visa Talent
