The Advantages of Moving to the French Riviera as a Freelancer
Imagine waking up to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, the soft hum of boats in the distance, and a fresh café au lait on your balcony. As a freelancer, this could be your daily reality on the French Riviera, one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. Here’s why moving to the French Riviera as a freelancer could be the best decision for your work-life balance.
1. Inspiring Work Environment
The French Riviera offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and luxury. From the vibrant streets of Nice to the charming hilltop villages like Èze, the region is full of inspiring spots to work from. Whether you prefer a quiet café with a sea view or a co-working space in Monaco or Nice, the stunning backdrop will keep you motivated. This is the first advantage of moving to the French Riviera as a freelancer!
2. Great Connectivity
For a freelancer who needs to stay connected globally, the French Riviera offers great infrastructure. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is an international hub, making it easy to travel for work or welcome clients. Plus, the fast train connections across Europe mean that you’re never far from major business centers. Moving to the French Riviera as a freelancer means stay close to cities like Paris, Milan, or Barcelona.
3. Lifestyle and Work-Life Balance
The pace of life on the Riviera is ideal for freelancers who value flexibility. You can easily organize your schedule to fit in a morning swim, an afternoon stroll through local markets, or a sunset wine by the beach. This balance between work and leisure is hard to find elsewhere. And this makes moving to the French Riviera as a freelancer the best choice you’ve ever made!
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4. Networking Opportunities
The region is home to a growing international community of professionals, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs. With events, meetups, and a collaborative atmosphere, it’s easy to network with like-minded individuals and potential clients. Cannes even hosts global business events like the Cannes Lions and the MIPIM real estate fair, offering countless opportunities to connect.
One of our favourites
Nice Nomads is an international group of digital nomads in Nice. Every Wednesday, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm they gather to work together in a friendly environment.
5. Favorable Tax Regime for Freelancers
For those who set up as micro-entrepreneurs (France’s freelance business status), there are simplified tax regulations that make running your freelance business straightforward. The tax rates are competitive, and as a freelancer, you can benefit from the social and healthcare systems that France is renowned for.
How do you set up as a freelancer in France?
A self-employed person can choose from several legal forms depending on the nature of their business and their objectives:
- Micro-entreprise (sole trader): simplified status, easy to set up and manage but subject to turnover ceilings. It is ideal for small-scale activities or as a complement to another job.
- Entreprise Individuelle (Sole proprietorship): your personal and business assets are kept separate. This separation protects your personal assets from any business debts you may incur.
- Company: Société par Actions Simplifiée Unipersonnelle (SASU) or Entreprise Unipersonnelle à Responsabilité Limitée (EURL) or Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL).
Good to know: URSSAF provides a simulator to help you choose your legal form.
The microenterprise tax system
If you’ve just moved to the Côte d’Azur and want to start up a business, a microenterprise may be the wisest choice. The microenterprise business system is particularly attractive for start-up entrepreneurs and low-turnover businesses. This simplified scheme means less administrative work, but it is limited by turnover ceilings:
- 188,700 € for commercial activities (sale of goods and commodities….) and accommodation (excluding furnished lettings other than furnished tourist accommodation or bed and breakfast),
- 77,700 € for services in the Industrial and Commercial Profits (BIC) or Non-Commercial Profits (BNC) category,
- 15,000 € for rental of unclassified furnished tourist accommodation.
For more information: les-aides.fr
Good to know
There is no charge for setting up a micro-business or self-employed activity under sole trader status.
Is your activity regulated?
Many activities are regulated, and they form a very disparate whole.
Although there is no legal definition, a European directive specifies that these are professional activities whose access or practice are governed by legislative or regulatory provisions.
In France, these activities are generally subject to conditions of access and/or conditions of practice or operation.
If you want to move to French Riviera as a freelancer you may find important info on Entreprendre Service Public website
What do you need to set up as a freelancer in France?
Moving to French Riviera as a freelancer requires a few essentials:
- A good command of the French language. Even though setting up a business is extremely simple and can be done in a twinkling on the Internet, a minimum level of B1 French is essential. Where can you learn French on the Côte d’Azur? Read this article!
- If you are legally resident in France, you only need one of these documents to set up your micro-entreprise :
– A residence permit
– EU long-term resident card
– Temporary ‘private and family life’ residence permit
– Multiannual residence permit Talent passport: business creator
If you are a European Union national, the procedures for setting up a business in France are the same as for a French national. For more information, check out this webpage - A bank account dedicated to your business. This obligation does not apply to microentrepreneurs whose annual turnover is less than €10,000 for 2 consecutive calendar years.
Good to know
For microentrepreneurs: This bank account must be ‘dedicated’, i.e. assigned to your business and separate from your personal accounts, but it does not have to be a more expensive ‘business account’.
Resources :
National guide to business support
Official administrative information site for businesses
https://entreprendre.service-public.fr
Banque Publique d’Investissement (Public Investment Bank)
https://bpifrance-creation.fr/
Portail E-procédures (create your company online)
Moving to the French Riviera as a freelancer: Did you know?
As a freelancer, whatever your legal status, you can work from home. For example, you can dedicate a room in your flat on the Côte d’Azur or your house in the hinterland of Nice to your work. And because it’s essential to work in a setting that’s conducive to creativity, let FRH find you the perfect property in which to live and work. And make the most of the French Riviera!
In short, freelancing on the French Riviera offers the perfect blend of professional opportunities and an enviable lifestyle. With its stunning environment, strong connectivity, and networking potential, it’s an ideal spot to grow your freelance career while living the Mediterranean dream.
freelancing in the French Riviera?
The first thing you may need is a place to stay! Get in touch today and let us help you in finding the perfect flat for you!
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