Going self-employed: the business permit
Do I need a permit to start a business?
What the law says
- To carry out a regular, for-profit self-employed activity in trade, crafts, industry or certain liberal professions, you need a business permit (autorisation d’établissement) (Art. 1).
- It is needed before you start (Art. 3).
- The minister grants it if the conditions on establishment, good repute and qualifications are met (Art. 3).
Watch out for
- Working without a permit is punished by law (Art. 39): apply before you start.
Who can help
Official source : Loi du 2 septembre 2011 réglementant l’accès aux professions d’artisan, de commerçant, d’industriel ainsi qu’à certaines professions libérales (version consolidée du 1.9.2023) · Checked on 21.10.2026