Choosing the Right status for You and your Brand

Introduction

Before launching a brand, selling work, freelancing, or building a website, choosing the right legal status determines how you invoice, pay taxes, protect your work, and grow your activity.

This guide is tailored for artists, fashion students, designers, and creative entrepreneurs working in France.

‍

‍

‍

Start by Defining Your Activity

Your status depends on what you actually do.

Selling products

• clothing brand
• handmade pieces
• prints & artworks
• accessories
• e-commerce

Selling services

• freelance design
• styling & fashion consulting
• art direction
• textile development
• creative consulting

Creating & exhibiting art

• painting & sculpture
• installations
• exhibitions
• commissions

Running a collective or cultural project

• exhibitions & cultural events
• creative collectives
• nonprofit initiatives

→ See: Understanding the Legal Side of Branding

→ See: The Legal Side of Your Website

‍

‍

‍

‍

Main Legal Status Options in France

‍

Micro-entrepreneur (Auto-entrepreneur)

Best for starting solo with minimal risk.

Typical uses

• freelance designer or stylist
• custom garment production
• small-scale product sales
• creative services

Advantages

• fast and free registration
• simple accounting
• social charges only on revenue
• ideal for students and beginners

Limits

• revenue ceilings (services vs sales)
• limited expense deductions
• less suitable for scaling

Register via URSSAF

More info: service-public.fr

‍

Artist-Author Status

Best for creators earning income from original artistic works.

Eligible income

• sale of original artworks
• exhibitions
• royalties & licensing
• reproduction rights

Advantages

• adapted social system
• recognition as professional artist
• access to cultural funding

Limits

• strict eligibility rules
• not suitable for selling fashion products or merchandise

Managed by URSSAF Limousin

Guidance: La Maison des Artistes

→ See: future article Artists, Copyright & Royalties

‍

Entreprise Individuelle (EI)

A sole proprietorship allowing more flexibility than micro-entrepreneur.

Advantages

• deductible expenses
• simplified structure
• adaptable growth

Limits

• accounting required
• less separation between personal and business assets

‍

EURL / SARL (Limited Liability Company)

Suitable for small fashion brands or partnerships.

Advantages

• protects personal assets
• credible for suppliers & partners
• structured management

Limits

• administrative and accounting costs
• legal obligations

‍

SASU / SAS

Recommended for scalable brands and investors.

Advantages

• flexible governance
• investor-friendly
• strong brand credibility

Limits

• higher operating costs
• complex administration

→ See future article: Scaling Your Brand Legally

‍

Association (Non-profit)

Used for cultural projects and exhibitions.

Advantages

• access to grants & subsidies
• collective governance
• suitable for art initiatives

Limits

• profits cannot be distributed
• regulated management

‍

‍

‍

Special Models in Fashion & Creative Industries

White Label / Private Label

Selling products manufactured by a third party under your brand name.

Requires clear manufacturing and branding contracts.

Licensing

Allowing another company to use your brand or designs.

→ See: Understanding the Legal Side of Branding

Creative Collectives

Shared legal structures for exhibitions or shared studios.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Taxation & Social Contributions

‍

Micro-entrepreneur

• percentage of revenue
• optional income tax prepayment
• VAT exemption below thresholds

Artist-author

• specific social contributions
• income taxed as artistic revenue

Companies (Sociétés)

• corporate tax
• VAT obligations
• payroll contributions if hiring

Official tax guidance: Service-Public.fr

→ See future article: Taxes & Accounting for Creatives

‍

‍

‍

‍

Can Students Have a Legal Status?

Yes.

Students in France can:

• register as micro-entrepreneurs
• sell artworks legally
• freelance
• receive artistic income

Check compatibility with:

• scholarships
• housing aid
• student benefits

‍

‍

‍

‍

Social Protection & Coverage

Your status affects:

• healthcare coverage
• retirement contributions
• maternity protection
• unemployment rights

Independent workers rely on the self-employed social system.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Funding & Support for Creatives

‍

Business & entrepreneurship support

• Bpifrance — funding & innovation support
• Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie — training & guidance

Intellectual property & brand protection

• Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle — trademarks & design protection

Cultural & artistic funding

• regional cultural grants
• city art funding programs
• DRAC (regional cultural affairs offices)

‍

‍

‍

‍

Who Can Help You Choose?

‍

Free support

• business support centers (CCI)
• student entrepreneur programs
• local incubators
• artist collectives

Professionals

• accountants
• business lawyers
• IP attorneys
• startup advisors

‍

‍

‍

‍

How to Choose

Step 1 — Define your activity

Art, fashion, services, or sales.

Step 2 — Estimate revenue & growth

Side income or scalable brand?

Step 3 — Evaluate liability & protection

Do you need to protect personal assets?

Step 4 — Consider administration & taxes

Do you want simplicity or scalability?

Step 5 — Plan long-term evolution

Choose a structure that can grow with you

‍