Working in the building trades as a micro-entrepreneur
Many builders, painters, plumbers and electricians work in France as micro-entrepreneurs, often as subcontractors. It is possible, but the building trades have more rules than most activities: a proof of qualification for many trades, a compulsory insurance, and quotes. This guide explains them simply.
Written by MicroChrono · Updated on 19 October 2026
In short
- Many building trades are regulated: a diploma (CAP or equivalent) or 3 years of experience.
- Foreign diplomas can be recognised by the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA).
- Décennale insurance is compulsory for construction work: show it on your quotes and invoices and attach the certificate.
- Contributions: 21.2% of turnover, ceiling €83,600 a year in 2026.
Qualification: diploma or experience
Building, maintaining and repairing buildings, and installing networks such as plumbing, heating or electricity, are regulated activities. You, or a qualified person who supervises the work effectively and permanently (for example an employee), must have a CAP, a BP or a recognised title in the trade, or 3 years of real professional experience in the trade in France, the EU or the EEA.
With a diploma or experience from outside France: EU and EEA nationals ask the CMA to recognise their qualification. Others ask the CMA for an « attestation de reconnaissance de qualification professionnelle », with translated diplomas; the CMA can ask for an aptitude test or an adaptation period.
Registration as a craftsperson
Your micro-enterprise is registered as a craft activity (« activité artisanale ») in the national register of businesses (RNE), online on the official one-stop website (guichet unique). In 2026 you pay 21.2% of your turnover in social contributions, plus 0.3% for training (CFP) and 0.48% of chamber fee for craft services.
Décennale insurance
For construction work, insurance « décennale » is compulsory: it covers serious damage that appears in the ten years after the work is accepted (« réception des travaux »). Take it out before your first job. Your quotes and invoices must show the insurance you took out, your insurer's contact details and the geographical area covered, and you must attach your décennale insurance certificate (« attestation d'assurance décennale »).
Quotes, invoices and VAT
- A quote is compulsory for repair, maintenance and troubleshooting work in buildings and home equipment, whatever the amount.
- VAT: building work follows the services thresholds (€37,500 and €41,250 in 2026). Below them, write « TVA non applicable, art. 293 B du CGI » on your quotes and invoices.
- Subcontracting for a company: for any contract of €5,000 or more (excluding VAT), your client must ask you for a URSSAF certificate (« attestation de vigilance ») when the contract is signed, then every 6 months until the work ends.
Questions? We answer in English
Write to us on WhatsApp or by e-mail: we reply in English, Arabic or French.
Ready to register?
The registration form is in French, like the official documents. Our step-by-step guide explains each screen, and we check your file before sending it.
Frequently asked questions
I worked in construction in my country. Can I count that experience?
The 3 years of experience must be in France, the EU or the EEA. Otherwise, ask the CMA to recognise your diplomas.
Do I need insurance for small painting jobs?
Professional liability insurance is strongly advised for every job. The décennale is compulsory for construction work; ask an insurer which of your jobs it must cover.
Can I work as a subcontractor for a construction company?
Yes. The company becomes your client: you invoice it, and it must check your URSSAF certificate for contracts of €5,000 or more (excluding VAT), when the contract is signed and then every 6 months.
Official sources
This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Rules can change: check the official sources below or ask the administration.