Professional advice on running a small business in France

Valerie Lemiere: Start 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

CFE Tax in France Explained (2026): Who Pays & How Much

What is the CFE tax in France? Who pays it, the exemptions, how much it costs in 2026 and what to do before 15 December, explained in plain English. ...

By Valérie Aston · 5 Nov 2026 · 81 views

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 · 69 views

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 · 176 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 · 220 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 · 258 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 · 423 views

Resources

Business podcasts

Online Courses

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

From the very first email, Valerie has been excellent. I cannot tell you enough how reassuring it is to have an expert at the end of an email or telephone. Valerie always manages to understand my vague requests for information; due to her vast experience, she replies quickly to all my daft questions! Her communication is delivered with respect, clarity and accuracy. You will not have to worry about form filling, as Valerie can complete the business administration with care and understanding of the french paperwork: an investment well worth doing...also Valerie has a range of tutorials you can purchase to help you when you need to file your first micro entrepreneur accounts. Don't stress about your business needs - contact Valerie; she will make it much easier.
-Nicola - Gites, chambres d'hôtes & table d'hôtes - Business registration + Online course