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How to Create Your Micro-Entreprise as an Independent English Teacher in France (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)

By Sourov

How to Create Your Micro-Entreprise as an Independent English Teacher in France (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)

Published: 24 June 2026 • By Sourov Deb

Hello,

My name is Sourov. I live in La Réunion and I have just created my micro-entreprise to offer private English lessons and language training (IELTS preparation, professional English for aviation, medical, hospitality, and business).

I felt a bit overwhelmed at the beginning because administrative procedures in France can seem complicated, especially if you’re not used to them. So I decided to document the entire process in detail so that other people in the same situation can follow it without fear.

If you’re feeling anxious about doing this alone, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through exactly what I did, step by step, including the small pitfalls to watch out for.

Step 1: Prepare Before You Start (15–30 minutes)

Before opening the official portal, gather these documents:

  • Valid ID (passport or French ID card)
  • Recent proof of address (EDF, internet, or water bill)
  • A clear idea of your activity

Tip: Create a dedicated folder on your computer. This simple step removes a lot of stress.

Step 2: Start the Process on the Guichet Unique (INPI)

1. Go to procedures.inpi.fr

2. Log in using FranceConnect (the easiest method)

3. Click “Create a business” → “Entrepreneur individuel” → Select “Yes” for micro-entrepreneur status

Step 3: Fill in Your Personal Information

Complete all fields marked with an asterisk (*). Pay special attention to:

  • Gender, birth name, date of birth, and nationality
  • Your exact address (this will be used for domiciliation)
  • Phone number in international format

Common mistake to avoid: Double-check your address. Even a small error can delay your entire file.

Step 4: Declare Your Activity (The Most Important Step)

Click “Add an activity” and enter:

  • Detailed description: Private English lessons, language training, exam preparation (IELTS/TOEIC), professional English courses (aviation, medical, hospitality, business). Liberal activity delivered online and in-person in South Réunion.
  • APE Code: 85.59B – Autres enseignements

This is the correct code for independent language teachers and trainers.

Step 5: Choose Domiciliation

I chose to register my business at my home address (this is fully allowed for micro-entrepreneurs).

Important note: Your home address will become public in the official registers (RNE). This is normal and required by law.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

You must upload:

  • Proof of identity (passport or ID card – recto/verso)
  • Recent proof of address

Requirements: PDF format only, maximum 10 MB per file.

Step 7: Review the Summary and Sign

Carefully review the final summary, especially:

  • Your activity description and APE code
  • Your address
  • Fiscal options

Once everything looks correct, complete the electronic signature.

What Happens After Submission (Real Timeline)

Here’s what happened with my formalité (reference: J00255063042):

1. Received by the Guichet Unique

2. Electronic signature

3. Sent to INSEE + URSSAF

4. SIRET expected within 8–15 days

What You Should Do Immediately

  • Save your formalité number (e.g. J00255063042)
  • Prepare a simple invoice template (you can already start issuing invoices)
  • If a client asks for your SIRET: Explain that it is being processed and share your formalité number. This is normal and accepted.

Important Points to Watch Out For

Area Recommendation Why
**Address** Double-check carefully Errors delay everything
**APE Code** Use 85.59B for independent teaching Most suitable code
**Versement Libératoire** Start with “No” More flexibility when income is low/zero
**Employees** Select “No” if working alone Keeps things simple
**ACRE** Request it (Yes) Reduces social contributions in year 1

Next Steps (After Receiving Your SIRET)

  • Create your account on autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr
  • Declare your new activity to France Travail
  • Start issuing proper invoices with your SIRET
  • Declare your turnover every month (even if €0)

You are not alone. These procedures are very manageable when broken down into clear steps.

If this guide helped you, feel free to share it. I will continue documenting the full journey (receiving the SIRET, setting up URSSAF, first invoices, etc.).

Next article: I received my SIRET – What to do in the first 48 hours?

Take care,

Sourov