Since January 2023, the INPI one-stop shop (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle) is the mandatory portal to create a micro-enterprise in France. No more CFE, no more confusion between multiple agencies: everything is now done on procedures.inpi.fr. This guide details every step, pitfalls to avoid, and tips nobody tells you about.
Why the INPI one-stop shop?
Before 2023, business creation went through various Centres de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE): CCI for merchants, CMA for artisans, URSSAF for liberal professions. Since the reform, a single portal handles everything: procedures.inpi.fr.
The benefits are clear:
- One single point of contact instead of 3 or 4 agencies
- 100% online: no need to travel or send mail
- Real-time tracking of your file with email notifications
- Free: creating a micro-enterprise costs nothing on the one-stop shop
Beware of scams: some websites imitate the one-stop shop and charge "registration fees" from €30 to €200. The only official site is procedures.inpi.fr (or formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr which redirects to the same portal).
Before you start: what to prepare
Don't rush into the form. Prepare these elements first to avoid getting stuck:
Required documents
- ID document: valid national ID card or passport. The scan must be in color, legible, front and back, and not exceed 7 MB.
- Proof of address: utility bill from the last 3 months. If hosted by someone, you need a hosting attestation signed by your host + their ID + a utility bill in their name.
- Declaration of non-conviction: a document you write yourself, attesting you have never been convicted of a crime preventing you from conducting business.
Decisions to make beforehand
- Your APE code: identify it in advance using our APE code search tool. It's crucial as it determines your activity category (BIC sales, BIC services, or BNC) and your contribution rates.
- Flat-rate tax payment or not: use our VFL simulator to find out if this option benefits you. Once selected, it's irrevocable for the current year.
- Declaration frequency: monthly or quarterly. If your activity is irregular, quarterly is more comfortable. You'll declare your revenue on autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr.
- ACRE: check if you're eligible for ACRE (job seeker, RSA beneficiary, under 25…). It's better to check this box during registration than to apply afterward.
Step 1: Create your account on procedures.inpi.fr
Go to procedures.inpi.fr and click "Create an account." You'll need a valid email address. A confirmation link will be sent — check your spam folder if you don't receive it within minutes.
Tip: Use an email address you check regularly, preferably a professional one. All tracking notifications (validation, requests for additional documents, SIRET assignment) will arrive at this address.
Step 2: Start the "Create an individual enterprise" process
Once logged in, click "Submit a formality on the one-stop shop," then:
- Select "Create an enterprise"
- Choose "Individual entrepreneur"
Important: do not choose "Company." A micro-enterprise is an individual enterprise with simplified taxation, not a company (SARL, SAS, etc.). If you're hesitating between micro-enterprise and SASU, check our SASU vs micro-enterprise comparison.
Step 3: Fill in your personal information
The form will ask for your full civil status: name, first names, date and place of birth, nationality.
Key points:
- Born abroad: indicate the country and potentially provide a sworn translation of your birth certificate
- Business address: your personal home is the simplest and most common choice for a starting auto-entrepreneur. It's free and perfectly legal.
- Employee status: if you're employed in parallel, declare it. This doesn't prevent creation — check our guide on combining employment and auto-entrepreneur status
Step 4: Describe your activity and choose the APE code
This is the most important step. Describe your activity in a few clear words (e.g., "web development" or "online sale of handmade jewelry"). The system will suggest an APE/NAF code.
Warning: the APE code assigned by INSEE determines whether your activity is classified as:
- BIC Sales: €188,700 threshold, 12.3% contributions
- BIC Services: €77,700 threshold, 21.2% contributions
- BNC (liberal): €77,700 threshold, 23.1% contributions
Check the proposed code on our APE code database before validating. A wrong code can place you in the wrong category and affect your revenue thresholds and contributions.
Step 5: Choose your tax options
Flat-rate tax payment (VFL)
If your reference tax income (N-2) doesn't exceed €28,797 per household share, you can opt for the VFL. You'll pay a fixed percentage of your revenue on top of social contributions:
- 1% on merchandise sales
- 1.7% on service provision (BIC)
- 2.2% on liberal professions (BNC)
It's often advantageous in the lower tax brackets. Simulate your situation here before checking the box.
VAT franchise
As a micro-entrepreneur, you benefit by default from the VAT franchise as long as you stay under the VAT thresholds. You don't need to check anything: simply mention "TVA non applicable, art. 293 B du CGI" on your invoices.
ACRE
If eligible, check the ACRE box during registration. This reduces your contributions by 50% during the first year. Check our ACRE guide to verify your eligibility.
Step 6: Upload your supporting documents
The one-stop shop will ask you to attach at minimum:
- A front-and-back copy of your ID document
- A declaration of non-conviction
- Proof of business address
Tip: scan your documents in color at 300 dpi minimum resolution. Blurry or dark documents are the leading cause of file rejection. Use PDF format. Ensure text is legible and document corners are visible.
Step 7: Review and submit your file
Carefully review the summary. An error in the address or activity description can delay processing by several weeks. Check in particular:
- The spelling of your name
- Your business address
- Your activity description and APE code
- Your tax options (VFL, ACRE)
Once submitted, you'll receive an acknowledgment by email with a formality number to track progress.
After submission: timelines and SIRET number
Your file will be reviewed by:
- The commercial court registry for commercial and artisan activities
- URSSAF for liberal activities
The average timeline is 1 to 3 weeks. You'll then receive your SIRET number by mail and email. Check our guide on getting your SIRET to know what to do at this stage.
If your file is incomplete, you'll be notified by email with the required documents. Respond quickly to avoid further delays.
What to do while waiting for your SIRET?
- You cannot invoice until you have your SIRET
- Prepare your compliant invoice template
- Choose your professional bank and accounting tool
- Set up your space on autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr (accessible once you receive your SIRET)
The 7 most common mistakes
- Not checking your APE code: a wrong code affects your contributions and thresholds. Correction is possible but takes time.
- Forgetting to check ACRE: it's much easier to do during registration than to apply afterward.
- Making the wrong VFL choice: this option is irrevocable for the current year. Simulate before checking.
- Choosing the wrong declaration frequency: if your activity is irregular, prefer quarterly.
- Illegible documents: scan in color, 300 dpi, PDF format.
- Paying a fraudulent site: registration is FREE on the official one-stop shop.
- Rushing: take time to fill in each field carefully. One error = weeks of delay.
How much does it cost to create a micro-enterprise?
Creation is completely free on the one-stop shop. Zero registration fees, zero processing fees. Beware of sites that charge for this service.
The only costs to plan for:
- Dedicated bank account (mandatory if revenue exceeds €10,000 for 2 consecutive years): €0-15/month depending on the bank — see our comparison
- Professional liability insurance (mandatory for certain activities): varies by sector — see our insurance guide
- CFE (local business tax): exempt the 1st year, then varies by municipality — simulate your CFE
Ready to get started?
First estimate your net income with our revenue calculator to start on solid ground. And if you prefer guidance, our turnkey creation services handle everything for you.