Running a summer business in France

I RECEIVED an email earlier this week from a reader who lives in the UK but is keen to bring his small catering unit over to France from May to September.

He is just looking to offer freshly baked pizza, cooked in a wood burning oven, and wanted to know who he would have to register with.

I replied by saying that it would most probably require a visit to someone like URSAF, although thinking about it now he would be considered non-resident if he stayed in France for less than 183 days and the fact that his permanent home was still in the UK, so a visit to the local tax office might also prove helpful.

I also said that to sell pizzas at somewhere like a market or local event would require registration with the overseers of the facilities, which could prove a challenge if the correct papers are not presented.

Fish and chip shops seem to be an increasingly popular attraction in France, but the ones I know of are run by people living there, but if you know of anyone who may be able to help please pass this on.

As you can see I am a bit stumped and so it would be great if people were able to leave a comment below with any advice, or email me direct, and I will make sure the article is updated.

Hopefully the tips and information passed on by others will prove useful to people keen to undertake a similar project in the future.