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Micro-entrepreneur and self-entrepreneur: is there a difference?
Publié le 31 juillet 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / (Prime Minister)
Is there still a difference between micro-entrepreneur and self-entrepreneur in 2026? After the various regulatory changes that have taken place in recent years, this distinction continues to raise questions. Between historical designations and the current legal framework, it is not always easy to find your way around. Undertake Public Service explains.
Prior to 2016, the self-employed and micro-company operated under distinct regimes. The difference was mainly in the way social security contributions were paid.
The Pinel law, in force since the 1ster January 2016, harmonized micro-company and self-employment. There is no tax, social or legal distinction between these two designations.
While the term « self-entrepreneur » remains widely used in everyday language, the regime is now officially called « micro-entrepreneur ». The aim of this harmonization was to combine the advantages of these two legal statutes and to avoid confusion. So it's one and the same.
Since the harmonization of the schemes, micro-entrepreneurs benefit in particular from:
- the micro-social regime;
- the micro-tax system;
- the discharge payment according to the means and nature of the company's activity;
- the simplification of administrative formalities for setting up a company;
- of the franchise on a TVA basis subject to conditions.