Legal

Start by validating your offer and choosing your structure: in France, that means an entreprise individuelle (sole proprietorship), a company or an umbrella company (portage salarial). The choice depends on your work, your target revenue and the level of protection you're after.

It's not mandatory. An online service saves you time and reduces the risk of mistakes, especially for a company. For a French micro-entreprise, the process is manageable on your own if you take the time to prepare it.

An umbrella company (portage salarial in France) keeps you on employee status while you work independently, in exchange for management fees. Setting up your own business gives you more autonomy, with more admin to handle.

It's useful if you don't want to use your personal address or if you want a professional address. Compare the real price, the mail options and the commitment terms before choosing.