Contrat Auto Entrepreneur Template for France

A Contrat Auto Entrepreneur is a specialized service agreement designed for France's auto-entrepreneur regime, the simplified independent contractor status created by the 2008 Economic Modernization Law. This contract establishes a clear legal framework between you as an auto-entrepreneur and your clients, ensuring compliance with French commercial law while protecting your independent status and avoiding any risk of employment reclassification.

When do you need this document?

You need a Contrat Auto Entrepreneur whenever you provide services or sell products under the auto-entrepreneur regime in France. This includes freelance consulting, digital marketing services, graphic design work, translation services, artisanal crafts, or any commercial activity within the auto-entrepreneur framework. The contract is particularly crucial when working with corporate clients who require formal documentation, when providing ongoing services over extended periods, or when your annual revenue approaches the micro-enterprise thresholds. Many clients, especially larger companies, will specifically request a formal contract to ensure proper classification of your relationship and compliance with French labor law.

Key legal considerations

The contract must clearly establish your independence and absence of subordination to avoid employment reclassification risks under French labor law. Include precise service descriptions, delivery timelines, and payment terms that reflect market rates rather than salary-equivalent compensation. Specify your right to refuse work, set your own schedule, and use your own equipment and methods. Include intellectual property clauses, confidentiality provisions where applicable, and termination conditions that respect the commercial nature of the relationship. Payment terms should align with auto-entrepreneur invoicing requirements, typically 30 days maximum, and include late payment penalties as permitted under commercial law. The contract should reference your SIRET number and auto-entrepreneur status explicitly.

Legal requirements in France

Under French law, your Contrat Auto Entrepreneur must comply with the Code de commerce and specific auto-entrepreneur regulations. You must respect annual revenue thresholds: €176,200 for commercial activities and €72,600 for service activities as of current regulations. The contract should specify your micro-social regime obligations and confirm that social contributions will be calculated on actual revenue. Include mandatory information such as your complete business identification, SIRET number, and auto-entrepreneur declaration details. Payment terms must respect French commercial law, with maximum 60-day payment periods for B2B transactions. If providing services to consumers, additional consumer protection laws may apply. The contract should also address liability limitations permitted under your auto-entrepreneur insurance coverage and comply with any professional regulations specific to your activity sector.