Working as a freelancer: the keys to succeed in 2025

Working as a freelancer is more than just a career choice: it’s a lifestyle decision. In 2025, more and more young professionals are going independent, seeking autonomy, purpose and flexibility. And they’re absolutely right.

But turning that freedom into long-term success means knowing exactly what you’re getting into. Getting informed, building a solid foundation, picking the right tools – that’s where it all begins.

We know it can feel overwhelming at first, so here’s a complete guide giving you the 9 keys to make it happen with confidence.

Summary

1. Working as a freelancer: definition and trends in 2025
2. The real reasons to go freelance today
3. Where to start? Examples of in-demand activities and profiles
4. How-to: setting up your freelance business
5. Legal statuses: how to choose?
6. Support and benefits available to freelancers
7. Accounting and tax obligations
8. Finding clients and growing your business
9. Staying the course: wellbeing and balance
10. FAQ: frequently asked questions

Working as a freelancer: definition and trends in 2025

Being a freelancer means running an economic activity independently, without being under the authority of an employer, while taking full responsibility for your work.

This includes freelancers, tradespeople, liberal professions, and even solo company owners like those with a SASU or EURL structure.

This model is booming. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of freelancers in France increased by 12%. Why? Because remote work offers more flexibility, tools are more accessible than ever, and many of us are looking to bring more meaning into our daily lives.

The real reasons to start freelancing today

Key benefits of freelance work

In short, being a freelancer means:

• Freedom of organisation: you manage your schedule your way. Need a break on a Wednesday afternoon? You can. Want to spend time with your kids? You can. Basketball training on Thursday morning and prefer working at night? That works too. Many freelancers choose to work just four days a week. You set the pace.
• Autonomy in your choices: you pick your projects, your clients, your niche. You build a career that reflects who you are. If a project doesn’t align with your values, you can say no. A freelance developer might choose to work only with early-stage start-ups. A translator might specialise in the cultural sector.
• Scalable income: your earnings aren’t capped by a salary grid. If you provide value, position yourself well and know how to negotiate, your income can grow quickly.

But freelancing also means

• Full responsibility: no boss also means no job security. Your income depends on you. You’ll handle admin, find clients, deliver, follow up on payments, and prepare for slow periods. It’s not always easy, but it’s something you can learn.

Being a freelancer isn’t just a status—it means being in the driver’s seat. You’re the one steering your business.

What motivates people to go freelance?

• Bringing more meaning into your work: maybe you want to quit your full-time job to enjoy working again, contribute to value-driven projects, and engage in tasks that matter to you.
• Changing paths: making a career shift takes courage. You might choose a gradual transition by starting your freelance business while keeping a part-time job. That way, you can test your idea, build your client base, and gain confidence before diving in fully.
• Measuring your impact: as a freelancer, every action has tangible results. A signed proposal, a client referral, or a long-term collaboration—every step counts. Seeing that connection between effort and outcome is incredibly motivating.

Want to know exactly what it takes to get started and build a strong foundation? Read Becoming a freelancer: everything you need to know for a step-by-step guide on entering the freelance world.

Where to launch your freelance business? Examples of in-demand roles

High-demand roles in 2025

• Tech and digital: still a core freelance domain. Developers, UX/UI designers, DevOps, data analysts, etc. With companies accelerating digital transformation, demand remains strong across start-ups and corporations. Freelancers are often brought in for agile or project-based work.
• Marketing and communication: digital marketing is still on the rise in a highly competitive world where visibility is key. Independent content creators, SEO consultants and community managers are in demand—brands need visibility, better SEO, and stronger communities.
• Photographers, coaches, trainers, industry experts: many creative and service-based professionals are choosing the freelance path. Career coaches, personal development or business mentors are especially trending.

Accessible paths to get started

• Business services: many small businesses lack the time or resources to handle everything in-house. They turn to freelancers for help with admin, payroll, HR or accounting.
• Local craftsmanship: the return to local, handmade and sustainable products opens new doors. From textile creation and organic food trucks to homemade cosmetics—these passion-driven, value-based niches are full of opportunity.
• Personal support services: in tough times, mental health, wellness and self-development sectors are growing fast. Sophrologists, life coaches and holistic practitioners are carving out space and forming meaningful client relationships.

How-to: setting up your freelance business

Getting started can feel complex, but once you know the steps, it all gets easier.

Choosing the right legal status and tax scheme

This is one of your first key decisions. Each status suits a different profile. Micro-enterprise, EI, SASU, EURL... it depends on your goals, activity, projected income and the level of social protection you want.

The same goes for tax regimes: micro-tax, simplified real, corporate tax... each has benefits and limitations. Your choice will directly affect your tax rate.

Don’t go it alone: speaking with an accountant or adviser can save you from costly mistakes—and bring you peace of mind.

Registering with the right authorities

Since January 2023, it’s all been streamlined (good news!): business registration now happens through a single platform—INPI’s online portal.

There, you declare your activity, receive your SIRET number, and you’re automatically affiliated with all the necessary institutions: URSSAF, social security for freelancers, etc. No more scattered steps. It’s fast, fully online, and accessible to all. 

Opening a business bank account

This is mandatory if you start a company (SASU, EURL...) and strongly recommended in all other cases.

Even as a micro-entrepreneur, if your revenue exceeds €10,000 for two years in a row, you’ll need a dedicated business account.

Here’s why it helps:

• It separates personal and business finances
• It simplifies your bookkeeping
• It boosts your credibility with clients and partners

Managing your company’s finances smartly can give you an edge. Learn how to maximize your business’s resources in Business cash placement: a strategic lever too often overlooked.

Getting the right professional insurance

Depending on your industry, some insurances are required. Even if it’s not mandatory, having the right coverage is highly recommended to protect yourself from legal and financial risks tied to your work. 

Freelance legal statuses: how to choose?

Criteria to help you choose the right status

1. Revenue forecast: this is the first thing to consider. If you’re starting out, the micro-enterprise model is ideal—simple taxes, low charges, and barely any paperwork. But beware: there’s a cap—€77,700 for service providers in 2025. For example, if you work 3 days a week at a €800 daily rate, you’ll hit that cap in under a year. At that point, you’ll need to switch to a SASU or EURL to keep growing.

2. Target clients: if you're planning to work with individuals or small businesses, the micro-enterprise is enough. But if you’re aiming for big companies, public contracts or institutions, a more formal structure will be expected—otherwise you might not even be considered.

3. Growth plans: want to hire someone, find a co-founder or raise funds? Think long-term. A SASU can easily evolve into a multi-partner SAS structure.

4. Desired social protection: in a SASU, you're considered a salaried manager—meaning solid protection (health, retirement, benefits). In an EURL or EI, you fall under the freelancer system: lower contributions, but less coverage. If you have children, a mortgage or health concerns, SASU may offer more peace of mind.

Overview of the main options

• Micro-enterprise (auto-entrepreneur): the simplest way to get started. No fixed charges, super simple accounting. Great for testing the market without big risks.
• EI (sole proprietorship): here, you're taxed on your profits—not your revenue like in a micro-enterprise. Since 2022, your personal assets are also protected by default. So, if your business struggles, your home, car or personal savings can't be seized.
• SASU: the premium freelancer status. More credibility, better protection, scalable structure. The trade-off: more paperwork and higher costs.
• EURL: less common now, but useful for optimising social charges—especially if you plan to pay yourself a small salary.

In short, there’s no such thing as the "best" status—only the one that fits your current situation and goals.

Unsure which freelance status best fits your goals and plans? Discover the pros and cons in Freelance status: which one should you choose?

Support for starting your business

ACRE 

This benefit offers a partial reduction in social contributions during your first year. In 2025, it’s still available under certain conditions.

Regional and local support

Many local governments offer grants, tax breaks or zero-interest loans for freelancers. These vary by sector (crafts, tech, social enterprise) and region (priority areas, rural zones, etc.). Don’t miss out on these hidden gems!

How to find clients and grow your business?

Getting your first clients

Finding and convincing your first clients is often the biggest challenge. But good news: with the right approach, you can land your first gigs within a few weeks.

• Grow your professional network: if LinkedIn is active in your industry, use it to your advantage. Update your profile, show your work, and share your projects. Go to events—meetups, trade fairs, webinars. And most importantly: talk about what you do. Word of mouth still works wonders.
• Work on your online presence: a clear, updated website makes you instantly more professional. Highlight your services, references, and even your rates if you like. Post regularly on the platforms your clients use. For crafts or creative work, Instagram and TikTok are great for sharing short promo videos. Show you’re here, skilled and ready to work.

Building structure into your freelance business

Once you’ve completed a few jobs, it’s time to lay down solid foundations for sustainable growth.

• Clarify your services: for every project, send a professional quote and clear terms & conditions. It shows you’re serious, defines the relationship, and protects you if issues arise.
• Track your key metrics: staying on top of your numbers means staying in control. KPIs (key performance indicators) help you understand what’s working, what needs tweaking, and guide smart decisions. There are tons of them, but focus on what’s relevant to your field and goals. Your occupancy rate, net profit, average daily rate, hourly rate… they all help you measure real profitability. Review them monthly or quarterly to make timely adjustments.

Freelancing is a bold move — but it’s also a rewarding journey full of growth, freedom and opportunity. Now you’ve got everything you need—go for it!

Staying the course: well-being and balance

Freelancing is a marathon, not a sprint. To enjoy the freedom it offers, you need to manage your pace without burning out. Success isn’t about hours worked—it’s about quality and sustainability. Managing your energy, mental health and work-life balance is often overlooked, but it’s key to making this life work.

Healthy routines

When you’re your own boss, it’s easy to forget yourself. No HR, no fixed hours—you’re in charge. But that freedom can become a trap. To avoid burnout, create a clear routine.

• Set working hours and off-time: one common pitfall is working constantly—or not really working at all. Build a soft but solid structure. Set your hours, post them on the wall, and pick “off” days when you won’t answer clients. The key is balance.
• Create a dedicated workspace: working from the sofa in your pyjamas sounds great… until your brain can’t tell when to switch off. A designated space helps your brain go into “work mode”—and switch off once you’re done. If you work from home, set up a corner just for work, get good gear, and tidy it up at the end of each day.
• Move, breathe, reset: your brain needs oxygen and movement to function. It sharpens memory, lowers stress, builds confidence, and improves decision-making. Just 15 minutes of walking, a quick breathwork break or a few stretches can work wonders. Your body isn’t just a tool—it’s your first asset. Treat it well.

Don’t do it alone — surround yourself with the right people

Freelancing doesn’t mean isolation. While you might want to do everything yourself, the truth is: support boosts motivation and creates new opportunities.

Working alongside other freelancers can change everything. You’ll stop facing doubts and decisions alone. You’ll benefit from advice, feedback, even client referrals.

Try coworking once or twice a week. Join communities in your field. Go to networking events. Moral support is essential in this journey.

Celebrate your wins — especially the small ones

As a freelancer, no one will clap for you. So it’s on you to create your own momentum. Celebrating progress builds your confidence, motivation and long-term commitment. It helps you avoid the trap of “never enough” or perfectionism.

Keep a weekly win journal and write down 3 wins each week. Share your progress with your circle or community. Reward yourself after milestones: a break, a treat, a symbolic gift.

Celebrate your first client, a goal achieved, a skill mastered, a challenge overcome or simply a smooth and productive day.

Big success comes from small, consistent wins.