Valerie_50

Hi Vida, Setting up as an entreprise indivuduelle is pretty straightforward and fast. You will have to register as an artisan with the Chambre de Metiers. You have to either prove your qualification in the field (Uk diploma translated will do) or proove that you have been working in the field for at least 3 years (playslips or self-employed). No idea of the work load in your area. However as the local english community have a smaller budget due to the recession, it is best to also try to target the French customers. If you want to test the water you could set up as an auto entrepreneur to start with Hope this helps Valerie

Professions liberales related to services, such as consulting, private lessons, cleaning, etc can register under the auto entrepreneur. Others which are regulated such as nurses, lawyers, etc cannot. When declaring your activity on the official website www.lautoentrepreneur.fr click on "autres activites" https://www.cfe.urssaf.fr/autoentrepreneur/CFE_Declaration

Everyone who registers on the website gets this email. If you're ready to go to Paris for it... Bit far for me! I'll just wait for a copy of the auto entrepreneur kit by email

Make sure you register on the website mentioned by Mortanais, this way you'll get up-dated when the auto entrepreneur scheme is live. They should send a copy of the AE kit. Click on "obtenir des informations" and you will receive up-dates by email, as well as the auto entrepreneur kit when it comes out. http://www.lautoentrepreneur.fr/formulaire.htm

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Go to the Centre de Formalite des Entreprises where you originally registered your company (Chambre de Commerce, Chambre de Metiers or Urssaf). It's also best to write to the body collecting your social chares that you are closing the business down (RSI or URSSAF) and send them a copy of the document that the CFE will give you. They are supposed to talk to each other, but don't always dod it... If you are VAT registered also contact the Centre des Impots.

I forgot to say that in order to set your company as an electrician, you normally need a CAP or BEP (equivalent of apprenticeship). You still can register as an artisan but ensure you have your qualifications translated when you go & register. If you haven't got a recognized qualication, proof of having worked as an electrician will do, either as an employee or self employed (proof could be contract, payslips or registration papers).

Contact the Chambre de Metiers and ask them what the market is like. Thay have business advisors who should be able to tell you

I'll second Will, It's always best to keep a track of your expenses too. The Livre Journal is the key accountancy book to keep up to date. You can also get a carnet de depenses et recettes where you'll write on a daily basis your expenses & sales. Also keep a copy of all your invoices.