What Is a SIRET Number in France and How Do You Get One?
A SIRET number is the 14-digit ID that proves you run an official, registered business in France. See how it works. ...
By Valérie Aston · 5 Nov 2026 · 13 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 98,005 questions for 3,655 members since 2009!
Business blog
How Long Does It Take to Move to France? Visa Timelines for Entrepreneurs, Artists and Visitors
What are the steps and timescales for four visas: the visa profession libérale, the visa talent, the artist visa and the long-stay visitor visa ...
By Valérie Aston · 1 Nov 2026 · 131 views
Who Really Starts a Micro-Entrepreneur in France? What I’ve Learned from 500 Registrations
Who really starts a micro-entrepreneur in France? Data from 500 registrations: expats’ nationalities, top activities, where they live and the 2026 trends. ...
By Valérie Aston · 31 Oct 2026 · 176 views
Business Visa vs Micro-Entrepreneur in France: How They Work Together
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 · 232 views
Opening a Bank Account in France as an Expat: Avoidable Mistakes
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 · 395 views
France E-Invoicing: What to Do When You Receive Your First Electronic Invoice
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 · 775 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
URSSAF online registration for my wife (conjoint collabarateur)
Is it okay not to use a brick and mortar bank?
Electronic Invoice
Waiting on a France Wise business account to accept payments from U.S. clients
Talent Passport, Regulation of Business Valuation, and Business Ideas
TVA and tips for Auto Antrepreneurs
Changing from BIC to Regime Reel
CPAM Letter
BNP Paribas Net Expat silence — American on Talent Passport timeline
Paying myself as an auto-entrepreneur
Visa Renewal Options
Can I run my UK-based sole trader business remotely during short-term stays using Schengen allowance
What can I claim back as VAT under the Micro Entrepreneur
electronic invoicing deadline with Abby: am I ready?
I’m in France on a visa that says I do online content. Can I teach English?
UK Limited Company and French Micro-Entrepreneur
Online bank recommendation, please.
Drafting a French business proposal
Testimonials
You wouldn’t imagine how many people in the French administration I have tried to talk to without getting straight answers before finding your web site. There doesn’t seem to be any joint-up thinking, so each person only cares about a small piece in the bigger jigsaw. I have already read hundreds of your posts and answers, finding lots of useful stuff...
-Robert - Forum member