Self-Employed Business Ideas: What Activities Can You Pursue as a Micro-Entrepreneur?

If you're looking to start your own micro-enterprise but are unsure whether your business activity is eligible, there is good news: the range of activities available under the French micro-entrepreneur regime is particularly broad. Artisan, retailer, consultant, service provider... opportunities exist across dozens of industries. However, some professions remain excluded. Here's what you need to know before registering your business.

A Regime Open to Most Professional Activities

The micro-enterprise regime benefits from simplified tax and social security rules, allowing individuals to carry out craft activities, certain commercial activities, and professional services, provided they stay within the applicable turnover limits. This is one of the key reasons why the status attracts hundreds of thousands of new entrepreneurs in France every year.

In practical terms, the activities permitted under the micro-enterprise regime fall into three main categories: craft activities, commercial activities, and professional services. Each category follows its own rules, particularly regarding turnover limits and social security contributions.

Craft Activities

Craft activities include the manufacture, transformation, or repair of products. To carry out these activities, you must hold the required professional qualifications and register with the National Business Register.

Some of the most common professions include:

• Construction trades (electrician, plumber, mason)
• Food-related professions (caterer, pastry chef)
• Repair services
• Beauty professions (hairdresser, beautician)

Depending on the profession, a diploma, certification, or specific authorization may be required.

Commercial and Transport Activities

Buying and reselling goods, street vending, and commercial agency activities are all permitted under the micro-enterprise regime.

The transport sector is also well represented, with professions such as:

• Private hire driver (VTC)
• Delivery driver
• Moving services provider

These activities are accessible under the micro-entrepreneur status, provided you comply with the regulations applicable to each profession. Mobile catering businesses, such as food trucks and private chefs, also fall within this category.

Professional Services Included in the List of Micro-Entrepreneur Activities

Non-regulated professional services represent one of the largest categories of activities available under the micro-enterprise regime.

Examples include:

• Consultant
• Web developer
• Community manager
• Trainer
• Copywriter
• Translator
• Professional coach

All of these professions can operate under the micro-enterprise regime.

However, regulated professions are excluded. For professionals working in consulting, digital services, or creative business support, the status is often an ideal way to start a business.

Personal Services

Personal services are among the most accessible activities available to micro-entrepreneurs.

Examples include:

• Childcare services
• Assistance for elderly individuals
• In-home IT support
• Private tutoring

Many employees use these activities as a way to test a side business before transitioning to full-time self-employment.

Activities Not Permitted Under the Micro-Enterprise Regime

Although many activities are authorized under the micro-enterprise regime, some professions are formally excluded, and it's important to be aware of them before registering your business.

Regulated Professions

The following professions cannot be carried out under the micro-enterprise regime:

• Legal professions such as lawyers, notaries, and judicial officers
• Healthcare professions such as doctors, nurses, and veterinarians
• Certain accounting and insurance professions

These restrictions stem from professional, ethical, and regulatory obligations that are incompatible with the simplified structure of the micro-enterprise regime.

Agriculture, Financial Markets, and Other Special Cases

All activities falling under the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA) system are also excluded, including:

• Farming and livestock breeding
• Market gardening
• Fish farming
• Forestry work

Trading and financial market activities are also prohibited because they require more appropriate legal and regulatory structures.

In addition, artistic activities governed by the French Artists' Social Security Scheme are not compatible with the micro-enterprise regime.

It is worth noting that while a micro-entrepreneur cannot operate as a landscape gardener, they can legally provide basic gardening services as part of personal service activities.

How to Confirm Your Business Activity Is Eligible

Before registering your business, verify that your activity appears on the list of activities authorized under the micro-enterprise regime.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the profession regulated?
• Does it fall under a specific social security regime?
• Does it require a diploma, professional certification, or mandatory insurance?

If in doubt, the websites of Bpifrance Création and the French One-Stop Shop for Business Formalities can help you validate your project with confidence.

 

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