Why Two Names Exist

The regime was introduced as “auto-entrepreneur” in 2009. It was later integrated into the broader micro-entreprise framework and renamed.

Many people still use the older term, which creates confusion during registration and tax discussions.

What the Regime Actually Is

The micro-entrepreneur regime is:

A simplified individual business status
Designed for small-scale activity
Based on turnover thresholds
Subject to fixed percentage social charges

It is not a company structure like SAS or SARL.

Where Confusion Happens

People often assume:

“Auto-entrepreneur” and “micro-entrepreneur” are different statuses
One is more favourable than the other
You must choose between them

You do not. They refer to the same regime.

Confusion usually arises when selecting activity type or tax options during registration.

What Actually Matters

The key decisions are not about the name.

They are about:

Your activity classification
Your tax option selection
Whether the regime suits your projected turnover
Whether VAT thresholds apply to you

Those choices affect long-term compliance.

When This Regime Is Not Suitable

The micro-entrepreneur regime may not be appropriate if:

You expect high turnover quickly
You need to deduct significant expenses
You plan to hire employees immediately
You require a separate legal entity

Choosing incorrectly can require restructuring later.

Before Registering

Make sure you understand:

Turnover ceilings
Social charge percentages
Tax treatment
Activity categorisation

The terminology is simple. The implications are not.

If you want a structured walkthrough covering suitability assessment, activity selection, and tax option comparison, it is laid out clearly in the Micro-Entrepreneur Setup Pack.

Micro-Entrepreneur vs Auto-Entrepreneur — What’s the Difference?

There is no legal difference. “Auto-entrepreneur” is the former name of what is now officially called the micro-entrepreneur regime.

The structure, tax system, and obligations are the same.