There’s a common belief that as a micro-entrepreneur in France, you’re not allowed to have only one client. This is not true. There is no law that says a micro-entrepreneur must have at least two clients in order to operate legally — which is logical. However, there is some logic behind this belief, and I’ll explain it in more detail.

What is illegal in France is disguising an employment relationship (between an employer and an employee) as a commercial relationship between a client and a service provider. When a person is employed in France, the employer has many legal obligations toward the employee. Most importantly, both the employer and the employee pay social charges on the salary. When a micro-entrepreneur provides a service to a client, only the entrepreneur pays social charges — and these are roughly equal only to the employee’s share of charges in a typical employment relationship. So, the government loses the employer’s contributions to the social security system. That’s the core of the issue.

So, why do people say, “You can’t have just one client as a micro-entrepreneur”?
Because if your situation is ever controlled by French authorities — for example, URSSAF or the tax office — and you only have one client, that can raise suspicion. It does not prove anything illegal, but it will attract more scrutiny.

What If You’re Just Starting Out?

If you’re just starting your business and you only have one client, don’t panic. It is absolutely possible to start working with one client. However, you must do your due diligence and ensure that, in case of a control, you can prove that your relationship with your client is purely commercial and not a disguised employment.

What Do Authorities Look For During a Control?

The main factor they look for is whether there is a link of subordination. In other words, they will try to determine if you are operating as an independent service provider or if you are subordinated to the decisions and control of your client (who may in fact be your employer in disguise).

To demonstrate your independence, you should have as much freedom as possible in the following areas:

1. Working time – You should be free to decide when you do the work.
2. Tools and methods – You should decide how you do your work. If your client imposes strict procedures, scripts, or guidelines, this could indicate a subordinate relationship.
3. Place of work – If you can choose where you work, it supports your status as an independent contractor.
4. Pricing – Did you negotiate your rates as an equal? Do you charge by the hour, by the word, per project — or are you simply paid a fixed amount per month, which looks more like a salary?

Other indicators of disguised employment include:

• Working on the client’s premises.
• Wearing a uniform or using branded equipment.
• Having a company email or being listed as staff on the website.

How Can You Prove Your Independence?

First and foremost, you should have a written contract that clearly outlines your freedom in terms of working hours, location, method, and pricing. The contract should also include a clause in which both parties affirm that the relationship is purely commercial, and that no subordination or employment relationship exists.

Additionally, it is important to show that you are actively seeking other clients. You can:

• Create a website showcasing your services.
• Be active on social media.
• Send emails to potential clients.
• Keep records of all your prospecting efforts.

Having this kind of documentation will help you demonstrate the legitimacy of your business if you’re ever questioned. Unfortunately, if the authorities conclude that your situation amounts to disguised employment, you and your client could both face legal and financial consequences.