France's business registration system moved to a new platform — INPI's guichet unique — in 2023. If you're an expat trying to register a business or become self-employed in France, this change affects you.
Here's everything you need to know about INPI registration in 2026.
What is INPI?
INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle) is France's national business and intellectual property registry. Since January 2023, all business registrations in France — including auto-entrepreneur registrations — go through INPI's unified portal.
Who needs to register with INPI?
Anyone who wants to:
- Work as a freelancer or consultant in France
- Run a small business (micro-entreprise)
- Set up any type of legal business entity in France
What INPI registration gives you
After registering, you receive:
- A SIRET number — 14-digit unique business identifier
- An APE/NAF code — classifies your activity for tax purposes
- Legal status to invoice clients and receive payments
The challenge for expats
The INPI portal is entirely in French. The forms ask for specific French legal terminology that doesn't translate easily. Many expats report spending hours on the portal, making mistakes, or giving up entirely.
Options for non-French speakers:
- DIY on formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr — free but all in French
- French accountant — typically €200–500, may require in-person meetings
- Online service like [Simpleo](https://simpleo.app/register) — guided process in 10 languages, files directly with INPI as mandataire. Currently free during beta.
Timeline
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Complete and submit registration | 15–60 minutes |
| INPI processing | 1–4 weeks |
| SIRET number issued | After processing |
| First URSSAF declaration | End of first quarter |
After registration
Once you have your SIRET number, you can start invoicing clients immediately. You'll need to:
- Declare your turnover to URSSAF monthly or quarterly
- Pay social charges (~22–24% of turnover)
- Keep records of all income (no need for full accountancy below the turnover caps)
Related guides: How to Register Without Speaking French · What is a Mandataire? · How Long to Get Your SIRET?