France is home to over 300,000 expats from the UK alone, plus hundreds of thousands more from across the world. Many are looking for ways to earn a living independently — and the micro-entrepreneur status makes it easy to get started.
Here are 15 proven business ideas for expats in France, all of which work well under the micro-entrepreneur framework.
Service-based businesses
1. English tutoring and language coaching
Demand for English lessons is massive in France. You can teach privately, in companies, or online. No formal qualifications are required for private tutoring, though a TEFL certificate helps.
Typical rates: €25–50/hour
2. Translation and interpretation
If you speak French and another language, translation is a lucrative freelance option. Legal, medical, and technical translations command the highest fees.
Typical rates: €0.08–0.15/word
3. Web development and design
Remote-friendly and well-paid. France has a strong tech ecosystem, and many French businesses need English-speaking developers for international projects.
Typical rates: €300–600/day
4. Digital marketing and SEO
Help French businesses reach international markets. Social media management, content writing, and SEO consulting are all in high demand.
Typical rates: €200–500/day
5. Photography and videography
Weddings, events, real estate, and tourism photography are all thriving markets in France. Your perspective as a foreigner can be a unique selling point.
Typical rates: €500–2,000 per event
Online businesses
6. E-commerce (dropshipping or handmade goods)
Sell products online through platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or your own Shopify store. The micro-entrepreneur status covers online selling up to €188,700/year.
7. Online coaching or consulting
Business coaching, career coaching, wellness coaching — all can be done remotely and work well with clients back in your home country.
8. Content creation and blogging
Build an audience around expat life in France, travel, food, or any niche. Monetise through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
9. Virtual assistant services
Help busy professionals manage emails, scheduling, and admin. Particularly popular with English-speaking entrepreneurs who need help across time zones.
Tourism and hospitality
10. Tour guide services
Show tourists the hidden gems of your city or region. Walking tours, food tours, and wine tours are all popular.
11. Property management for holiday rentals
Help homeowners manage their Airbnb or holiday rental properties. This includes guest communication, check-in/out, cleaning coordination, and listing optimisation.
12. Personal chef or cooking classes
Share your culinary skills with tourists and locals. Cooking classes for expats and visitors are a growing niche.
Skilled trades and services
13. Home renovation and handyman services
There's always demand for skilled tradespeople in France, especially those who can communicate in English with expat homeowners.
14. Pet sitting and dog walking
A low-barrier-to-entry business with steady demand, especially in cities. Apps like Rover operate in France, or you can build a local client base.
15. Personal training and yoga instruction
Health and fitness services are in demand across France. Outdoor boot camps and yoga classes are particularly popular in southern France.
How to get started
All of these businesses can operate under the micro-entrepreneur status. The registration process takes about 10 minutes with Simpleo — answer simple questions in your language, and we handle the French paperwork.
Key numbers for 2026:
- Turnover cap: €77,700/year (services) or €188,700 (goods)
- Social charges: ~22% on services, ~12.3% on goods
- VAT exempt below €36,800 (services) or €91,900 (goods)
Related guides: How to Freelance in France as a Foreigner · How to Register Without Speaking French