Why are German and Polish entrepreneurs registering EIs in France — while still using foreign addresses?

The SIRENE (INSEE) database shows German or Polish addresses only for some companies — with no French establishment listed. Yet these are registered as Entreprises Individuelles (EIs) with French SIREN and SIRET numbers. German and Polish individuals registering as sole proprietors (Entreprise Individuelle or EI) in France while maintaining foreign addresses is likely due to tax optimization strategies or simplified administrative procedures. This allows them to benefit from certain French business regulations and potentially lower.

The SIRENE (INSEE) database shows German or Polish addresses only for some companies — with no French establishment listed. Yet these are registered as Entreprises Individuelles (EIs) with French SIREN and SIRET numbers. German and Polish individuals registering as sole proprietors (Entreprise Individuelle or EI) in France while maintaining foreign addresses is likely due to tax optimization strategies or simplified administrative procedures. This allows them to benefit from certain French business regulations and potentially lower tax burdens without establishing full residency in France.

Can You Register a French EI While Living Abroad? 

Yes — if you are an EU or EEA citizen, you are legally allowed to register as an Entreprise Individuelle (EI) in France, even if you do not reside in France. France does not require you to live in the country in order to run a business there — particularly if: 

• You are a freelancer or operate an online/digital business, 
• You work with French clients or platforms, or 
• You want to benefit from French VAT registration. 

However, there is usually one catch: you must provide a French business address. Many entrepreneurs solve this by using a domiciliation service — a legal business address provider in France. 

But here's where things get ambiguous: in the SIRENE company database, many EIs show only a foreign address (e.g., in Poland or Germany), with no listed French establishment. So how can that be? 

Is it okay that the French domiciliation address does not appear in the SIRENE database? 

Yes, it can be okay — and it happens quite often, especially with micro-entrepreneurs or freelancers using foreign or residential addresses. It is not illegal or uncommon for a French EI to have only a foreign address shown in the SIRENE database — even if they use a French domiciliation service. This reflects administrative flexibility, especially for EU-based freelancers working remotely. However, for clarity and compliance, updating your SIRENE record with your French business address is recommended. 

Why Choose France Over Germany or Poland? 

Compared to Germany and Poland, France offers a more flexible and lightweight setup for self-employed EU citizens. In France, registering as an Entreprise Individuelle (EI) does not require residency, meaning EU citizens can register remotely — unlike in Poland, where a PESEL number and local residence are mandatory, or in Germany, where residency is often expected or at least a local presence is required. France also has lower social charges, with micro-entrepreneurs paying around 12%–21% of their revenue, and only if they earn income. In contrast, Germany requires expensive mandatory health insurance regardless of income, and Poland enforces ZUS contributions of approximately €400/month, even if the business has no earnings. Additionally, France exempts small businesses from VAT if revenue stays below €36,800 (services) or €91,900 (sales), whereas VAT becomes mandatory in Germany above €22,000 and in Poland above PLN 200,000. Finally, France offers very light bookkeeping, while both Germany and Poland require more structured and regular accounting and tax reporting.