It is necessary to choose a name for his micro-company. This name is also called the corporate name or the corporate name.

When an entrepreneur sets up his micro-company, he carries out his activity in his own name. Thus, the name of the micro-company corresponds to the first and last name of the entrepreneur preceded or followed by the mention "sole trader or "IS".

In addition to the corporate name, it is recommended to also choose a commercial or professional name. This is the name under which the micro-company will be known to the public.

When the entrepreneur wants to carry out a regulated activity (examples: restaurateur, real estate agent, hairdresser), he must ensure that he fulfills the prerequisites for the exercise of this profession. Examples include obtaining a specific diploma, applying for a license from the local municipality or applying for a license.

To find out if an activity is regulated, you can consult our dedicated card.

The registered office corresponds to the address of the micro-company. This is the location where all documents concerning the activity of the micro-company are sent.

The micro-entrepreneur has the opportunity to domiciliate his company at home or in a dedicated room (office, company condo, nursery).

This address must be filled in when registering on the website of the company formalities office. In the absence of domicile, registration may not be effected.

The address must appear on the commercial documents (quotes, invoices in particular).

Once the entrepreneur has chosen the address of his domicile, it is important to communicate this address to the post office the nearest one to make sure you receive your mail.

When an individual becomes a micro-entrepreneur, his personal assets are in principle protected. Only his professional assets (assets allocated to the activity of the micro-company) can be seized in case of difficulties.

Sometimes it is necessary to also fill out a declaration of immunity from seizure to ensure that immovable property which is not used for business purposes is protected. If the entrepreneur's principal residence is automatically protected, his other property is not. It may therefore be useful to draw up this declaration of immunity from seizure and to attach it to the application for registration at the company formalities window.

Once all the preliminary steps have been carried out, it is necessary to declare the existence of the micro-company administration.

This declaration of existence is called theregistration. It's free.

It must be carried out on the website of the company formalities office.

Company Formalities Window

Once the registration has been completed, the micro-entrepreneur obtains proof (or attestation) of registration in the national company register (RNE) containing a number of elements identifying the micro-company. Examples include:

• Siren Number
• EPA Activity Code (corresponding to the main activity carried out)

It is important to obtain a certain number of registers : accountants, related to the security of personal data or employees.

These registers are mostly mandatory and depend on the type of activity (liberal, artisanal, commercial, agricultural).

Depending on the register, it may be kept in paper or electronic format.

Depending on the activity carried out, the micro-entrepreneur may be subject to the obligation to to take out certain insurance.

This is also the case if it hires employees or if vehicles are used for the activity.

Even when the micro-entrepreneur is not subject to this obligation, it is strongly recommended to insure against losses that may occur. For example: to insure company property in the event of water damage or fire.