Becoming a freelancer: what it really means

Becoming a freelancer is an aspiration for many employees. It’s an important decision, as it truly allows you to take control of your career. This freedom represents a real opportunity, but it also comes with new responsibilities: by becoming a freelancer, you become an entrepreneur.

Before getting started, it’s essential to fully understand the implications, lay the right foundations, and follow clear steps to ensure a secure journey. We’ll explain everything you need to know.

Summary

1. What becoming a freelancer really means 
2. Key qualities for freelance success
3. Sectors where freelancing makes sense
4. Choosing the right legal status to freelance in 2025
5. The admin steps to get started as a freelancer
6. The costs to expect when launching your freelance business
7. How to set your freelance rates
8. How to set your daily rate (TJM)
9. How to find your first clients as a freelancer
10. FAQ

If you want to dive deeper into the skills, habits, and strategies that will help you thrive as a freelancer, check out our detailed guide: Working as a freelancer: the keys to succeed in 2025.

Becoming a freelancer: what it means

Being a freelancer goes well beyond simply working for oneself: it involves acting as a business owner, salesperson, accountant, and of course, service provider. This multifaceted role offers many advantages, but also certain challenges which one must be prepared for before embarking on the journey.

The benefits of freelancing

• Freedom of organisation: choose your own hours, projects, and clients. You can create a working environment that suits your pace and your priorities. For instance, if you only wish to work in the mornings, you are entirely free to do so. The same applies to your place of work.
• Variety of assignments: as a freelancer, you have the option to work on a range of different projects, across various sectors and formats. You may alternate between long-term and short-term assignments, with both established businesses and start-ups. This variety helps you stay motivated and allows you to develop new skills.
• Potentially higher earnings: freelancers set their own rates and choose their workload. This gives you the opportunity to increase your daily rate (TJM) and generate a higher turnover than you might earn on a full-time contract, all while maintaining flexibility in your schedule.
• Direct relationship with your clients: as a freelancer, you act as your own commercial interface—in other words, you are the representative of your business. This allows you to build long-term relationships and develop a professional network that will undoubtedly prove valuable later on.

The challenges to anticipate as a freelancer

• Irregular income: it’s important not to overlook the fact that freelance work is often subject to cycles. You may experience quiet periods or face late payments, for example. You’ll need to anticipate these fluctuations and manage your cash flow in order to stay calm and secure throughout the year.
• Wearing many hats: as a freelancer, you’re responsible for invoicing, prospecting, client follow-up, and accounting—in addition to delivering your core services. On average, freelancers spend half a day per week replying to tenders or following up on quotes, in addition to their billable work. We therefore recommend using the right tools to streamline this workload. 
• Risk of isolation: freelance work often means working alone. While that can be motivating, it may also become difficult over time. Without regular interaction, you may lose a sense of stimulation. To avoid this, you might consider coworking spaces, joining collectives, or attending professional networking events. You’ll benefit from advice, shared experiences, and sometimes even client referrals.

What qualities are needed to succeed as a freelancer?

Succeeding as a freelancer requires more than technical expertise. Certain human and organisational qualities make all the difference—especially in the early stages.

• Autonomy: as a freelancer, you’re at the helm. This means progressing without instructions or hierarchical validation. You’ll have to make decisions—often important and far-reaching—and take full responsibility for them, sometimes on short notice. 
• Organisation: there’s no imposed structure in freelancing, so discipline becomes a key strength. You’ll need to plan, prioritise and structure your days to juggle your assignments alongside admin tasks, follow-ups, and quotes. You’ll also need to keep track of deadlines for key documents such as invoices or URSSAF declarations.
• Resilience: keep in mind that starting out can be slow—extremely slow. You must be prepared to persevere, even when it feels like nothing is working. Freelancers must also weather quiet periods, client rejections, negative feedback, and late payments—and keep going regardless.
• Curiosity: tools evolve rapidly, and so do client expectations. It’s crucial to keep learning and stay up to date with innovations and new technologies in order to remain competitive. Think of the rise of artificial intelligence, for instance. Short courses can help you stay relevant and open the door to new opportunities.
• Commercial skills: even if it’s not your background, freelancers must know how to sell themselves. Prospecting, negotiating, showcasing your offer, and defending your rates—all of these are central to your role and your growth.

Don’t worry if you don’t have all these skills yet — they’re not innate. They can be learned and strengthened through experience, trial and error, and regular reflection. What matters in freelancing is to stay aware of them and move forward step by step, with clarity and determination.

Sector ideas for getting started in freelancing

To begin freelancing, ask yourself this question: what client need do you want to address? The key is to target a real, existing need and grow in that direction. That said, here are three particularly strong sectors where demand remains high in 2025—and which are often accessible even with early experience.

Tech and digital

Many companies are accelerating their digital transformation and are seeking freelance professionals who can support them quickly and efficiently.

Whether it’s automation, tool creation, or information flow management—tech offers many opportunities for freelancers.

It’s also a sector where assignments often follow one another naturally, especially through word-of-mouth or specialised platforms.

Marketing and communication 

In 2025, visibility alone is no longer enough—you need to stand out. Many companies are looking for freelancers who can optimise their online presence, particularly on social media. They want better conversions, so the impact of your work is easy to measure, which works in your favour if you deliver quality.

Personal coaching and one-to-one support

The demand for individual support is growing fast. Whether it’s decision-making, upskilling, or managing change, freelancers are increasingly in demand. If you’re good at building trust-based relationships, you can thrive in this field, where listening skills and presence make all the difference.

Choosing the right legal status to freelance in 2025

Sole trader (micro-entrepreneur)

Advantages for freelancers:

• Simple, free set-up process
• Light accounting obligations
• Social charges based on actual turnover
• VAT exemption up to a certain threshold

Disadvantages for freelancers:

• Turnover cap: €77,700 (services) / €188,700 (sales) excl. VAT
• No deduction of actual business expenses
• Limited social security cover

EI – sole proprietorship (entreprise individuelle)

Advantages for freelancers:

• Simple set-up procedures
• Deductible business expenses
• Liability limited to professional assets (since 2022)

Disadvantages for freelancers:

• More demanding accounting obligations
• Income tax (or optional corporate tax)

EURL – single-member limited liability company

Advantages for freelancers:

• Limited liability to capital contributions
• Option to choose between income tax or corporate tax
• Can evolve into a multi-member LLC (SARL)

Disadvantages for freelancers:

• More complex set-up procedures
• Stricter accounting requirements
• Higher set-up and admin costs

SASU – single-person simplified joint-stock company

Advantages for freelancers:

• Limited liability to contributions
• Full social security cover
• Flexible articles of association

Disadvantages for freelancers:

• Heavier admin and management formalities
• Higher running costs

Umbrella company (portage salarial)

Advantages for freelancers:

• Full social security benefits
• Admin handled by the umbrella company
• Access to unemployment benefits at end of contract

Disadvantages for freelancers:

• Management fees (usually 5–15% of turnover)
• Less autonomy with invoicing and operations
• Not compatible with some regulated professions

Not sure which legal structure is best for you? For an in-depth comparison of all freelance statuses available in 2025, read: Freelance status: which one should you choose?

Administrative steps to become a freelancer 

Registering your activity

Since 1 January 2023, all business creation formalities—including for micro-entrepreneurs—must be completed via the one-stop online portal on the INPI website. This platform centralises all procedures previously handled by Centres de Formalités des Entreprises (CFEs), such as URSSAF, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber of Trades and Crafts. As a freelancer, you must complete this declaration.

Opening a dedicated bank account

No matter your chosen legal status, opening a dedicated business bank account is either mandatory or strongly advised. It simplifies your cash management and ensures a clear separation between personal and business finances. We recommend choosing a bank with offers tailored to small businesses and added freelance-friendly features.

Taking out professional liability insurance

Professional liability insurance (RC Pro) is mandatory for certain regulated professions (e.g. medical, legal, construction). For other freelance activities, it’s not required—but highly recommended. It protects you against financial liability if you cause harm to a third party in the course of your professional activities.

Keeping financial records

Depending on your legal status, you may have simplified accounting obligations—but certain rules always apply

• Income ledger: you must keep a chronological log of all income earned, including the date, amount, payment method, and client identity.
• Invoicing: every invoice must include certain required details, such as “Invoice” label, unique number, your details and the client’s, service descriptions, total amounts, and more. This is a key part of freelance work, but you can simplify it by opening an account with Vivid Money and accessing a free invoice creation tool.
• Document storage: you’re required to keep all invoices and financial documents for 10 years. Failing to do so can lead to financial penalties.

Start-up costs to expect when becoming a freelancer

Starting your freelance business comes with some initial expenses, the amount of which varies depending on the legal structure you choose, the type of activity, and your desired level of professionalism.

Business registration costs

For micro-entrepreneurs, online registration is free in most cases.

For other business structures (EURL, SASU, etc.), setting up a company involves administrative costs ranging from €24.08 to €66.88 in 2025, depending on the relevant register.

Declaration of beneficial owners

This is a mandatory step for all company structures and requires declaring the identity of the individuals who ultimately control the business. The cost is approximately €21.41 according to the 2025 INPI rate.

Micro-entrepreneurs are not affected by this requirement.

Share capital

If you choose to set up a company, share capital is mandatory. It refers to the amount of money you invest when creating your business and represents your initial resources as a freelancer.

The minimum legal amount is €1. Although this is permitted, it is advisable to invest a larger sum based on your expected costs. For example, if you plan to purchase a €1,000 work laptop and set aside some cashflow for quiet months, a capital of €1,500 can be a solid starting point without having to dip into your personal savings later. 

Legal notice publication

Publishing a legal notice is a mandatory step in France when registering a company. It publicly announces the creation of your business and ensures commercial transparency by making key legal details accessible to all.

Costs vary by region but are regulated by the State. Expect to pay between €124 and €200 on average.

Accounting or legal support 

Starting out as a freelancer means making several legal and financial decisions. While hiring an accountant or legal advisor isn't required for all types of business structures, it is highly recommended and can save you from costly mistakes—especially if you're not operating under the micro-entrepreneur scheme.

Prices vary greatly depending on the complexity of your situation.

For more on freelance accounting, read our article Business cash placement: a strategic lever too often overlooked.

Professional insurance

As a freelancer, you’re liable for your professional actions. Whether it’s a mistake, an oversight, a delay, or an incident, these can have serious legal and financial consequences. Taking out one or more forms of professional insurance is not just an administrative formality—it’s a crucial protection for your business.

Opening a business bank account

When starting your freelance activity, opening a dedicated business bank account is often essential and sometimes even required depending on your structure and income.

A professional account helps keep your finances separate, which greatly simplifies your accounting.

However, these accounts also involve costs. Traditional banks generally charge several fees, including: 

• Monthly account maintenance fees: usually between €15 and €50.
• Transaction fees: transfers, direct debits, or deposits may incur additional charges.
• Professional bank card fees: typically between €10 and €30.
• Extra services: payment terminals, authorised overdrafts, cashflow management tools, etc.

As you can see, these expenses are not negligible and can weigh heavily on your cash flow — especially at the start, when every euro counts.

To reduce these costs without compromising on service, many freelancers now turn to online banks offering highly competitive business accounts.

Setting your freelance rates

The rate is what you invoice the client. It’s essential when you’re starting out as a freelancer because it directly influences your credibility and how your expertise is perceived.

The key factors to consider

Before talking concrete numbers, start by analysing these fundamental elements:

• The time you spend on each assignment: this includes execution but also all the preparation beforehand, communication, and adjustments. A task that seems simple may actually require 1 hour of admin, 2 hours of follow-up, and 1 hour for presentation, for example. As a freelancer, don’t base your pricing only on visible working hours.
• Your expertise: most of the time, the rarer, harder to acquire or more result-oriented your expertise is, the more value it brings to the client. If you offer an intervention that helps a client avoid a costly mistake, for example, even if the task only takes 2 days, its impact is worth much more. This is known as perceived value, and your freelance rate can align with the benefit provided, not just the time spent.
• Market pricing: knowing what’s standard in your field helps you adjust your rates to remain competitive or position yourself as a premium provider. For example, if you see that similar assignments are priced between €250 and €500 per day, positioning yourself at €400/day keeps you in the upper average and justifies your pricing through service quality. To find this information, check annual reports, specialist forums or freelance rate benchmarks.
• The client’s context: not all clients are the same. Your freelance rate may vary depending on the size and budget of the company, the complexity of the project, urgency, and whether the mission is one-off or recurring. If a client contacts you with a project to be delivered urgently within 3 days, you can apply a surcharge to meet the deadline. If a small company with a limited budget wants to work together for 6 months, you can offer a favourable monthly rate. The key is to adapt as much as possible to your client.

Choose the right billing method

Depending on the nature of your service, several payment methods are possible, including:

• Hourly: useful for one-off tasks. For example, an SEO freelancer charges €90 per hour to optimise a website.
• Fixed fee or project-based: ideal for well-defined tasks with a clear scope. For example, creating a showcase website can be billed at €2,500, regardless of time spent. 
• Commission-based: common in sales or marketing services. For example, an affiliate marketing freelancer may earn 15% of sales revenue.
• Daily (TJM): the most common for intellectual services. For example, a freelance developer might offer a daily rate (TJM) of €500 for a 10-day assignment.

To choose the most suitable method, consider:

• The type of assignment: a freelance task with a variable scope doesn’t suit a fixed fee; a flexible project is better billed by the hour or day.
• Level of project control: the more autonomous you are, the better suited a fixed fee is. If you manage a project with little client involvement, a fixed fee works. If the client requires frequent updates and delivery checkpoints, daily billing is preferable.
• The level of trust with the client: you can choose between hourly or fixed pricing based on the transparency of your relationship. With a new client, start with hourly or daily billing. With a long-standing client, you might offer monthly subscriptions or packages.

You can also offer multiple pricing options in your quotes. This lets the client choose while you maintain control over your scope and margins.

Setting your TJM (Average Daily Rate)

The TJM is the amount you aim to earn per day.

One of the key advantages of working freelance is being able to set your own financial target. Setting your TJM is a crucial step for ensuring visibility in your business. It’s more than just a number—it’s a way of valuing your work, covering your costs, and securing your income. In 2025, with rising costs due to inflation, enhanced social protection, and online tools, properly calculating your TJM is more important than ever. 

To calculate a realistic and sustainable daily rate (TJM), follow these steps:

Define your target net monthly income: this is the amount you want to receive as a freelancer after all your expenses. It obviously depends on your lifestyle, household situation, financial commitments, or place of residence.

Estimate your business and social expenses:

• Your social contributions: URSSAF, pension, etc.
• Your taxes: income tax or corporate tax
• Your business expenses: subscriptions to tools, coworking, equipment, transport
• Your occasional expenses: training, marketing, insurance, etc.

Determine your billable days per year: not every working day is billable. You need to account for holidays as well as non-billable days for prospecting, admin tasks, training, and unforeseen events. As a guide, out of 220 annual working days, freelancers typically bill between 140 and 180 days per year, i.e. 12 to 16 days per month.

Research the average TJM in your field: it’s essential to know the standards in your industry so you can remain competitive while accurately valuing your expertise.

Calculate your TJM: start by adding your desired net monthly income as a freelancer and your estimated monthly expenses, then divide the total by the number of billable days per month. The result will be the TJM you need to set in order to reach your goals while covering your expenses and keeping a margin. 

Example: 

I work as a freelancer and want to earn a net income of €2,500 per month. The average TJM in my field is €480. Each month I pay €900 in social contributions, €100 for software and tools, and €200 for a coworking space, totalling €1,200. I plan for 15 billable days per month. I take into account important factors like non-billable days, holidays and unforeseen events. I can therefore set a TJM of €500 to meet my targets and cover my costs.

Finding your first clients as a freelancer

Once you’ve put all these steps in place, all that’s left is to find new clients! This is often the most feared part when starting out as a freelancer. But (good news!) there are some simple and accessible ways to get started without a network or a marketing budget.

Start with your personal network

When starting out, people often think they need to find complete strangers through cold outreach or ads. In reality, your first network already exists.

You already know people who know other people who know more people… Talk about your freelance activity to your friends, family, former colleagues, alumni groups or associations. These people already know and trust you, so they’re more likely to recommend you. Your personal network is often underestimated but frequently leads to your first assignments. So go ahead and share your story on Facebook or LinkedIn groups, for example.

Register on freelance platforms

As a new freelancer, specialist platforms can be a great springboard for landing your first jobs. They help you gain visibility quickly without having to prospect, allowing you to start building your professional credibility.

Think of platforms like Malt, ComeUp, Fiverr, or Upwork. These are online marketplaces that connect freelancers with clients looking for specific skills.

These platforms also help you test your market positioning, fine-tune your offer, and understand what clients are looking for. With experience, you can then gain more autonomy, adjust your rates, or offer more complete packages.

Attend events

Throughout your freelance career, it’s essential to attend events. It’s one of the most effective ways to find clients, expand your network, and understand your market. You’ll have the opportunity to meet potential clients in a natural setting, connect with other freelancers, and stay informed about trends in your field.

Look for meetups, trade shows, conferences, workshops or coworking days. The aim is not to pitch your project but to genuinely connect with people and talk about what you do with a mindset of mutual support. We recommend preparing a simple sentence to explain what you do, then sending a follow-up message to people you meet, reminding them of the context. Most importantly, keep track of interesting contacts so you can follow up if needed.

Even a casual encounter can lead to an opportunity. As a freelancer, your next project might come from a coffee chat, a comment in a WhatsApp group, or a conversation after an online workshop.

FAQ

How long does it take to find your first clients?

It depends on your network, your positioning, and how consistent you are. Some freelancers find their first clients within a few days through their contacts, while others take several weeks by using LinkedIn, platforms or events. The key is not to rely on chance. Go out and meet your clients with a clear and useful offer.

Do you need to register your legal status before prospecting?

Not necessarily. You can test your offer, build awareness as a freelancer, and start discussions before formalising your legal status. However, you must have a legal status (such as micro-entrepreneur) in place before issuing an invoice or receiving payment.

Should you offer your services for free at the beginning?

It’s not required, and it’s not always a good strategy. If you’re just starting out, you could consider offering a discounted rate in exchange for feedback or a client testimonial. What matters most is that your work has value from the start. Offering your services with no return won’t help you build a sustainable business.

What if you lack experience?

Experience isn’t just about years. If you have a skill and can solve a specific problem for a client, you are legitimate. Highlight what you can do, show examples, and explain your approach. Many clients are simply looking for someone reliable, committed and clear—even if you’re just starting out.