I remember the moment I chose autonomy over routine — the mix of fear and quiet hope that comes with change. This guide meets that feeling with clear steps and practical care.
We define what freelance consulting looks like in practice and show why it can be a secure, structured path when you approach it methodically. You will learn how to choose a niche, structure an offer, set rates, select a legal setup in France, and build a client pipeline.
We speak plainly about the reality behind the freedom promise: you gain autonomy, but you must manage pricing, admin, and prospecting like a business owner. A skilled consultant creates value by diagnosing, recommending, and supporting implementation.
This guide is for professionals in France considering the move, experienced managers going independent, and career switchers seeking a safer transition. If you want practical templates and a path you can follow step by step, start with our practical section or visit resources like freelance IT support for related advice.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Understand what freelance consulting means in daily work.
- Learn how to pick a profitable niche and set a clear offer.
- Recognize the business tasks you must manage beyond expertise.
- See legal and rate choices tailored to France.
- Follow a structured article so you can jump to the step you need.
What freelance consulting is and why it’s growing in France
The role of an independent consultant is to convert uncertain situations into structured choices and measurable outcomes. Clients pay for clarity, a decision framework, and actionable recommendations—not just hours logged.
What a consultant actually does for clients
Typical missions follow a clear methodology: discovery of the organisation, targeted interviews, evidence gathering, option analysis, then clear recommendations.
During a mission a consultant diagnoses the root cause, models options, presents trade-offs, and can support rollout when needed.
Common specialties companies hire for
- Strategy & organisation — repositioning, governance, operating model.
- Finance & compliance — regulation, controls, cost optimisation.
- IT transition & supply chain — transformation, integration, sourcing.
- HR & change management — workforce plans, leadership programs.
Why the market isn’t “saturated” and where demand shows up
More consultants exist, but demand grows where expertise is scarce, speed matters, or neutrality is required. Short-term projects, audits, and transition roles are common across Paris, Lyon, Lille, Marseille and Bordeaux.
« Companies buy reduced risk and a clear path forward — not just advice. »
To stand out the métier consultant must deliver measurable value, structured communication, and professional rigor. A consultant freelance doit show results, repeatable methods, and clear reporting to win repeat missions.
Decide if the consultant freelance path fits your profile
Not every expert is ready to sell outcomes alone; start by evaluating your core traits and protections.
Core traits clients expect: analysis, rigor, and relationship skills
Clients hire for clear thinking and steady execution. You must show structured analysis, rigorous deliverables, and ease in stakeholder conversations.
Practical signals: clean slide decks, clear data handling, and concise recommendations.
Experience and education signals that build trust
In France, diplomas such as bac+5 help junior profiles. For senior candidates, proven outcomes and references often matter more than a degree.
Use years of experience (« ans expérience ») and concrete case examples to position yourself. Confidential references and measurable results build credibility fast.
Switching careers vs. going independent as a senior
If you switch careers, consider co-delivery, short tests, or part-time work to gain domain credibility.
As a senior, you sell proven outcomes and can price on value. Either way, check your social protection early: micro-entreprise affiliates to the Sécurité sociale for independents (SSI) and affects your safety net.
« Honest self-assessment reduces risk and speeds client trust. »
- Can you scope a mission and deliver without employer support?
- Do you have 3–5 ans expérience with measurable outcomes?
- Have you secured references and checked your sécurité sociale coverage?
Define your niche, offer, and mission scope before you register anything
Before any registration, shape a precise offer that clients can understand and buy. A focused activity consultant profile makes prospecting easier and lets you price on value.
Turn expertise into a clear value proposition
Translate skills into tangible deliverables: a diagnostic memo, roadmap, KPI dashboard, or workshop facilitation.
These deliverables sell outcomes, not hours. State what the client receives and the decision they can make after your work.
Map a simple mission workflow
Outline discovery, stakeholder interviews, analysis of options, and clear recommendations. This sequence helps you write transparent proposals and estimate time.
Choose ideal clients and set boundaries
Pick client size, sector, and maturity that match the problems you solve best (optimization, transformation, compliance, go-to-market).
Set timeline assumptions, on-site versus remote expectations, meeting cadence, and post-delivery support. Clear limits reduce scope creep and protect quality.
Connect offer clarity to legal choices
Define mission scope first so you can make informed choix about forme juridique later. That prevents mismatches between the activité consultant freelance you intend to run and the company structure you choose.
Build a simple business plan that supports stable income
A simple, testable plan turns uncertainty about income into manageable scenarios. Start with a short market scan: list three competitors, note their positioning, and record what you will do differently—specialize, speed up delivery, or change your deliverable format.
Market scan and competitor positioning
Map client needs and persona. Compare services, rates, and proof points. Choose a clear niche so your activité stands out.
Revenue model basics
The mechanics are simple: set a taux journalier, estimate billable days, and budget non-billable time (admin, prospecting, comms). Plan for a realistic utilization rate rather than full capacity.
Forecast and expenses
Build a conservative first-year chiffre affaires using 6–10 billable days per month at a planned journalier moyen. Use benchmark TJM ranges to validate your number: for strategy/communication the Malt barometer shows averages that help set a fair taux journalier.
- Include tools, insurance, coworking, accounting, and travel in costs.
- Test scenarios monthly and adjust pricing or workload if revenue lags.
For a ready template, see our consulting business plan to turn these inputs into a practical forecast for your entreprise.
Choose the right legal status for your activité consultant freelance
Your legal status determines tax treatment, social protection, and how clients perceive your activity. In France, « freelance » is a description, not a legal form. Your real decision is which statut juridique matches your income goals and risk tolerance.
Micro-entreprise
Fast setup, simplified admin, and a VAT franchise option. Ideal for low-cost starts. Note the 77,700 € revenue cap for liberal services; exceeding it requires a change of status.
Entreprise individuelle (EI)
No revenue cap and straightforward operations. EI keeps obligations relatively light compared with a société while allowing higher turnover.
SASU / EURL
These société forms bring credibility with banks, allow expense deductions, and support associates. They need capital social, stricter obligations comptables, and formal governance.
Portage salarial
A hybrid route: employee-like sécurité sociale protection via a société portage. Useful if you prefer limited admin, at the cost of service fees.
| Option | Best for | Key trade-offs | Social / fiscal highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-entreprise | Simple start, low overhead | 77,700 € cap, limited investors | SSI / simplified regime, lower obligations comptables |
| Entreprise individuelle | Higher turnover, simple setup | No cap, fewer corporate formalities | Taxed personally, moderate charges sociales |
| SASU / EURL | Bank credibility, deductible costs | Higher setup & accounting complexity | President often assimilated employee / capital social required |
| Portage salarial | Protection without company admin | Fees to portage firm, less net revenue | Employee protections, tripartite contract |
Questions to ask when you choose statut juridique:
- What is your forecast chiffre d’affaires this year?
- Will you hire, take partners, or need bank loans?
- Do you want to protect personal assets and deduct professional expenses?
Complete your company setup through France’s INPI “guichet unique”
The INPI guichet unique now handles all démarches création for companies and independent activities since January 1, 2023. This centralisation reduces administrative friction and makes création entreprise more predictable.
What to submit for micro-entreprise or entreprise individuelle registrations
For a micro-entreprise or an entreprise individuelle, prepare a clear identity file and activity description. You will need ID, proof of address, and a precise business activity wording.
Complete the INPI form, register with URSSAF, and open a dedicated bank account to keep finances clean and compliant.
What to prepare for SASU / EURL
For a société like SASU or EURL, draft formal statutes and decide the capital social amount. You must deposit the capital social and publish a legal notice.
Then file via the guichet unique, open a professional bank account, and keep copies of each submission to avoid delays.
What you receive after filing and practical follow-ups
After filing, expect a SIREN/SIRET and an APE code within roughly 7–15 days. These identifiers let you invoice legally and onboard your first clients.
Company hygiene tasks to do immediately: set up invoicing templates, confirm URSSAF registration, and ensure your wording for activity matches across all documents.
| Registration type | Main documents | Key post-filing steps | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-entreprise | ID, proof of address, activity declaration | URSSAF registration, dedicated bank account, invoicing setup | 7–15 days |
| Entreprise individuelle | ID, activity description, INPI filing | Bank account, social protection check, invoicing basics | 7–15 days |
| SASU / EURL | Draft statutes, proof of capital social deposit, legal notice | Professional bank account, register with INPI, publish notice | 10–15 days |
| All statuses | Consistent activity wording, copies of filings, ID | Keep records, verify SIRET, confirm APE code | 7–15 days |
Risk-prevention tip: keep identical activity descriptions and accurate personal data to avoid back-and-forth requests that delay validation.
Once registered, you can legally invoice and begin client work with confidence. If you want extra operational tips, see how to thrive as an independent contractor after setup.
Set your TJM and pricing model for freelance consulting
Your journalier moyen should reflect both earned revenue and the invisible hours that keep your activité running. Treat the taux journalier as a business price, not a salary figure. It must cover taxes, charges, downtime, and sales effort.
Understand the difference between TJM and take-home pay
The taux journalier moyen is what you invoice per day. Your net income is what remains after paying charges, taxes, tools, insurance, and accounting.
Use realistic utilization (6–12 billable days per month) to convert a desired monthly net into a day rate. Don’t copy market numbers blindly—translate them into net outcomes first.
Benchmark day rates by level and specialty
Example anchors to position your journalier moyen:
- Marketing consultant: ~€300/day (junior), ~€390/day (3–7 years), ~€620/day (8+ years).
- Malt examples: €596–€748 averages by category, with ranges from about €377 to €960 depending on experience and niche.
Build charges and non-billable work into your rate
Include these in your pricing plan:
- Charges sociales and taxes
- Insurance, accounting, tools, subscriptions
- Non-billable time: prospecting, admin, content, onboarding
When to use hourly, daily or project fees
Daily rates protect scope for short missions and simplify client budgeting. Use hourly only for small, ad-hoc tasks or follow-ups. Prefer project fees for defined deliverables and clear milestones.
Price paid discovery sessions separately to reduce scope risk and to qualify clients quickly.
| Pricing model | Best use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | Small tasks, maintenance | Flexible, easy to track | Limits upside, harder to show value |
| Daily (TJM) | Short missions, audits, interim | Clear for clients, covers full-day focus | Requires correct utilization assumptions |
| Fixed project fee | Deliverable-driven work | Value-based, aligns incentives | Needs tight scope and change control |
| Discovery fee | Initial diagnostic | Reduces risk, funds scoping | Must be priced fairly to convert |
Practical guardrails: set minimum engagement days, travel policy, and a limited number of revisions. For a practical guide to rate-setting, see our pricing checklist.
Plan for taxes, social charges, and ongoing obligations
A clear map of taxes and social charges protects your net income and your time. Start by listing fixed and variable costs so your pricing covers them.
URSSAF and social contributions by status
In a micro‑entreprise the 2025 rate for service revenues is 23.1% declared to URSSAF. Other statuts calculate cotisations sociales on remuneration or net profit, so amounts vary.
Income tax vs. corporate tax: IR, IS, and key thresholds
Many independents are taxed under IR (impôt revenu). Companies may pay IS: 15% on profits up to €42,500, then 25% thereafter. Choose the régime that fits your profit forecast.
TVA, CFE and admin costs
TVA is not charged below the micro threshold of €36,800 (tolerance to €39,100). Crossing it means adding TVA to invoices and changing cash flow timing.
CFE varies by commune and property value; include it in annual charges to avoid surprises.
Accounting and obligations
“Simplified” regimes still require clear records: invoices, receipts, and bank reconciliations. Larger statuts face heavier obligations comptables and benefit from professional help once turnover grows.
Find your first clients and build a repeatable pipeline
Your first clients arrive when you combine a clear offer, targeted asks, and steady follow-up. Start with a short list of people who know your work and a one-line ask that fits their calendar.
Activate your personal network
Write a crisp announcement: what you sell, who benefits, and a clear next step. Send it to past colleagues, managers, and alumni with a targeted ask — not a mass broadcast.
Follow up once politely and offer a short discovery call to qualify interest and create early missions.
Use platforms to validate the offer
List on selective platforms to gain visibility, early reviews, and short contracts. Expect some commission on leads; use platforms strategically to prove your value.
Target postings that reflect demand in Paris, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nice to adapt positioning by region.
Communicate on social channels
Publish short case stories, frameworks, and lessons learned on LinkedIn. Keep posts clear and factual to attract inbound leads and enquiries about premiers clients.
Win trust fast with proof
Collect 2–3 references, anonymized case studies, and a tight freelance CV framed as business outcomes. Show measurable results and clear deliverables.
« Short, verifiable proof converts faster than long credentials. »
First 90 days action plan: 1) Announce and ask, 2) List 20 targets and call 5/week, 3) Register on 1–2 platforms, 4) Publish weekly posts, 5) Collect first references. For a compact guide to setup, see our practical onboarding guide.
Conclusion
Turning expertise into a sustainable activity requires deliberate choices at every step.
Summarize the path: validate your fit, define a niche and offer, forecast income, pick the right legal status, file via INPI, set a sustainable TJM, account for taxes, and start a steady pipeline.
Key decision points that protect stability: clear positioning, realistic chiffre d’affaires assumptions, and pricing that covers non-billable work.
Legal and tax choices should follow strategy, not drive it. You can evolve from micro to EI to a société as your activité grows.
Next steps this week: refine your one-page offer, draft a capability statement, begin outreach, and prepare registration documents. For context on the role and benefits see role and benefits, and for practical setup read our practical onboarding guide.
FAQ
What is independent consulting and why is it growing in France?
Independent consulting is the practice of selling professional expertise directly to organisations on a mission-by-mission basis. Demand grows because companies seek flexible skills, cost control, and fast access to specialists. Recent shifts in remote work, digital transformation, and project-based budgets increase opportunities for experienced professionals to sell their services.
What does a consultant actually do for clients?
A consultant diagnoses problems, designs solutions, and delivers actionable recommendations. Typical tasks include stakeholder interviews, data analysis, workshops, roadmaps, and implementation support. The role emphasizes measurable impact and clear deliverables tailored to the client’s priorities.
Which specialties are companies hiring most often?
Common mandates cover digital strategy, IT architecture, cybersecurity, operational excellence, finance transformation, HR and talent strategy, marketing and growth, and compliance. Demand shifts with macro trends, so sectors like cloud migration and data analytics remain strong.
Is the market saturated or are there still opportunities?
The market is far from saturated. Niche specialization, demonstrable outcomes, and sector experience create differentiation. Smaller firms and in-house teams increasingly buy external expertise for specific projects, leaving space for well-positioned independents.
What traits do clients expect from a consultant?
Clients value analytical rigor, structured problem-solving, clear communication, and strong stakeholder management. Reliability, commercial awareness, and the ability to translate analysis into practical actions are essential.
What experience and credentials build trust quickly?
Relevant industry experience, proven project outcomes, solid references, and certifications (e.g., PMP, CISSP, or sector qualifications) speed trust. Clear case studies and quantifiable results matter more than titles alone.
When should I switch careers versus become independent as a senior?
Consider independence if you have subject-matter depth, networks that can produce early clients, and tolerance for variable income. If you need new technical skills or wish to change domain, secure a transitional role or training first to avoid revenue gaps.
How do I turn expertise into a clear offer and deliverables?
Define the client problem, list concrete outputs (diagnosis report, roadmap, training), set timelines, and state measurable success criteria. Pack this into a short value proposition that explains outcomes and ROI.
What does a typical mission workflow look like?
A standard workflow: discovery and scoping, stakeholder interviews and data gathering, analysis and options, recommendations and roadmap, implementation support, and close-out with KPIs and handover documents.
How do I choose ideal clients and problems to solve?
Map where your skills create highest value and where you have credibility. Prioritize clients with budgeted projects, clear decision cycles, and problems that match your deliverables. Niche focus often shortens sales cycles.
How should I set boundaries on timelines, on-site work, and follow-up?
Define scope in the contract: expected days, deliverables, onsite days, remote work, and post-delivery support hours. Include change-order rules and turnaround times to avoid scope creep.
How do I build a simple business plan for stable income?
Estimate target annual revenue, set a realistic utilization rate, calculate costs (charges, taxes, tools), and plan a pipeline that supports booked days. Include a contingency buffer and milestones for client acquisition.
How do I forecast first-year revenue and expenses?
Start with target billable days × day rate, subtract expected non-billable time, then list fixed and variable expenses (insurance, software, taxes). Use conservative conversion rates for proposals to set achievable goals.
Which legal status should I choose for my activity?
Choose based on expected revenue, liability appetite, and administrative preference. Micro-entreprise offers simple admin but strict revenue caps. Entreprise individuelle removes the cap but keeps simplicity. SASU/EURL provide corporate protections and tax options but need more compliance. Portage salarial offers employee-like protection with lower admin work.
What are the key features of the micro-entreprise regime?
Micro-entreprise provides simplified registration and accounting, flat-rate social contributions tied to turnover, and a 77,700 € cap for professional services. It suits small-scale activity and simple billing models.
When is an SASU or EURL a better choice?
Choose SASU or EURL if you expect higher revenue, want deductible business expenses, need a corporate structure for clients, or plan to reinvest profits. These forms increase credibility but require formal statutes, declared capital, and regular accounts.
What is portage salarial and who benefits?
Portage salarial allows you to bill clients through a specialised company that pays you a salary after fees. It gives social protection and simplified administration, ideal when you want employee benefits while keeping independence.
What should I ask before choosing a legal status?
Ask about social charges, tax treatment, liability exposure, administrative burden, pension contributions, and how the status affects client perception. Run simple numerical scenarios to compare net income after costs.
What do I need to register via the “guichet unique” (INPI/URSSAF)?
You must submit identity documents, activity description, chosen legal form, and any required declarations (e.g., professional qualification). For micro-entreprise, registration is fast; corporate forms need statutes and capital declaration.
What documents prepare me for SASU/EURL setup?
Prepare statutes, proof of registered office, declaration of capital deposit, a legal announcement for publication (if required), and the founder’s ID documents. An accountant or lawyer can streamline the process.
What do I receive after filing: SIRET, SIREN and APE timelines?
After registration you receive a SIREN and SIRET number and an APE code. Processing times vary but typically take a few days to a few weeks depending on completeness of the file and the chosen form.
How do I set my day rate (TJM) and explain it to clients?
Calculate desired net income, add social charges, taxes, overheads, and non-billable time. Divide by expected billable days to get your TJM. Present the rate as an investment with expected outcomes and comparable market benchmarks.
What’s the difference between TJM and take-home pay?
TJM is the billed daily price. Take-home pay is what remains after social contributions, taxes, business expenses, and non-billable time. Always model both to avoid surprises.
When should I use hourly, daily, or project pricing?
Use daily rates for advisory missions, hourly for short support or calls, and project fees for well-scoped deliverables with clear outcomes. Project fees align incentives when you can define scope and milestones.
How do social charges work across statuses like URSSAF, SASU, and portage?
Micro-entreprise pays simplified, turnover-based contributions to URSSAF. SASU social charges depend on the manager’s remuneration and corporate taxes, and portage includes payroll contributions handled by the intermediary. Each route affects net income and benefits differently.
How do income tax and corporate tax differ (IR vs IS)?
Under IR (personal income tax), business profit is taxed on your personal return. IS (corporate tax) is levied on company profits. Choice impacts tax rates, deductibility, and timing of distributions.
When must I charge VAT (TVA) as a consultant?
VAT obligations depend on thresholds and client location. If your turnover exceeds the franchise threshold or you work with VAT-able clients, you must register and charge VAT. Check current thresholds and cross-border rules.
What is CFE and how does it affect net income?
CFE (cotisation foncière des entreprises) is a local business tax payable by companies. Amounts vary by municipality and can affect cash flow, so include it in your expense forecasts.
What does “simplified” accounting really mean?
Simplified accounting reduces formal bookkeeping: basic journals, simplified profit calculation, and fewer filings. It still requires accurate records, invoices, and compliance with tax reporting deadlines.
How do I find my first clients and build a pipeline?
Start by activating your network, asking former colleagues and managers for introductions, and offering small discovery projects. Use specialised platforms and a clear online profile to gain visibility and validate your offer.
How can I demonstrate expertise quickly to win trust?
Use concise case studies, client references, and a focused professional CV that highlights outcomes. Publish short, value-focused content on LinkedIn or sector forums to show your point of view.
What documents should I keep to manage obligations and sales?
Keep signed contracts, invoices, delivery notes, timesheets, and expense receipts. Maintain a client file with contact details, scope, and payment terms to simplify administration and accounting.
