Date source: 2026-07-30
Micro-entrepreneur and auto-entrepreneur: is there a difference? Published July 31, 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / Direction of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Is there still a difference between micro-entrepreneur and auto-entrepreneur in 2026? After various regulatory changes that have occurred in recent years, this distinction continues to raise questions. Between historical names and current legal framework, it's not always easy to figure out. Entreprendre Service Public explains.
Image 1 Credits: New Africa - stock.adobe.com
Before 2016, the auto-entrepreneur and micro-enterprise were subject to separate regimes. The difference was mainly in how social contributions were paid.
The Pinel Law, in effect since January 1st, 2016, harmonized the micro-enterprise and auto-entrepreneur. No fiscal, social, or legal distinction exists between these two terms.
Although the term "auto-entrepreneur" remains widely used in common language, the regime is now officially called "micro-entrepreneur". This harmonization aimed to combine the advantages of these two legal statuses and avoid confusion. It is therefore a single and unique regime.
Since the harmonization of regimes, micro-entrepreneurs benefit in particular from:
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the micro-social regime;
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the micro-fiscal regime;
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the optional payment regime depending on resources and the nature of the business activity;
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the simplification of administrative procedures for starting a business;
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the VAT exemption on the base under conditions.
Although the current legal term is "micro-entrepreneur", Urssaf still uses the term "auto-entrepreneur" for its official portal autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr. This site allows you to report your turnover and pay your social contributions.
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Source: Service-Public Professionals