Choosing Your Freelance Structure
Auto-Entrepreneur / Micro-Entrepreneur
Best for: Starting out, testing the market, under €77,700/year. Simple: register online, pay charges as a % of revenue, minimal admin. Full guide →
SASU (Single-Person SAS)
Best for: Revenue above €77,700, want corporate structure, lower effective charges at high income levels. More admin (accountant needed), but more flexible. Full guide →
Portage Salarial
Best for: Those who want employee benefits (unemployment, healthcare) while working independently. A portage company employs you and handles all admin. Higher cost but zero admin. Popular choice for consultants transitioning from employment.
Société de Portage Recommandées
Major portage salarial companies: Freelance.com, ITG, Cegelem, Oxalis, Extens. Typically charge 5–12% of revenue. Compare at portagesalarial.fr
Your Unique Value as an American Freelancer in France
American consultants in France command a significant premium because they possess something rare and valuable:
- Authentic US market knowledge — not research, but lived experience of the American business culture, networks, and consumer behavior
- Native English — for US market communications, pitch decks, sales materials, website copy
- Cultural bridge — understanding both French business culture and American expectations, avoiding costly miscommunications
- US network — direct introductions to US partners, distributors, VCs, and corporate buyers
- Regulatory navigation — knowledge of US business registration, compliance, employment law, contractual norms
These skills are exactly what Gershon Consulting looks for in partners — see our partner program.
Finding Clients as an American Consultant in France
AmCham France
The American Chamber of Commerce — the premier Franco-American business network. Members include both large companies and individual consultants. Essential for any consultant in this space. amchamfrance.org →
Business France & Bpifrance
French government agencies that help French companies internationalize. Often refer companies to US market consultants. Register as a service provider at businessfrance.fr
Position yourself as a US market expert. Write content about Franco-American business. Join groups like "French Tech Silicon Valley," "French Americans in Business," and AmCham groups.
French Tech Ecosystem
La French Tech hubs across France connect startups wanting to scale to the US. Attend events, become a mentor, get listed as a US market advisor. lafrenchtech.com →
Gershon Consulting Partner Program
Join our curated network of American consultants in France helping French companies enter the US market. We provide deal flow, support, and co-branding. Apply →
MBA & Business School Networks
INSEAD, HEC, ESSEC alumni networks are full of French companies with US ambitions. If you have a US MBA, leverage your alumni network both directions.
Invoicing French Clients as an American
French B2B invoices must include: your SIRET number, your full legal name/company, client's SIRET, invoice date, detailed description of services, rate, amount excl. VAT, VAT status line ("TVA non applicable…" if exempt), total amount. Use tools like Pennylane, Freebe, or Shine for compliant French invoicing.
Freelance Resources
URSSAF — Auto-Entrepreneur Portal
Register and manage your micro-enterprise
AmCham France — Business Network
The premier network for Franco-American business professionals
La French Tech
France's startup ecosystem — where clients are looking for US advisors
Malt — French Freelance Marketplace
France's leading platform for finding freelance missions
Gershon Partner Program
Monetize your US expertise