Automobile repairers: access and practice conditions in France

Verified 26 November 2025 - Entreprendre Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister), General Directorate of Enterprises (DGE)

  • Regulated craft activity
  • EPA code : 45.20A / NACE European Code : 45.20
  • Social contributions : to be paid to theUrssaf: titleContent
  • Social security scheme  : Social security for the self-employed (SSI) or General Social Security Scheme, depending on the mode of practice
  • Social protection : CPAM: titleContent (disease), Carsat: titleContent (retirement)

Definition

The trade of car repairman (or garage owner) belongs to the sector of mechanics and electronics.

He is a craftsman and can also bear the title of vehicle repair mechanic.

The car repairman works mainly in a workshop, a garage, a repair center. He can also practice in a commercial company (car dealership).

The car repairman is a professional specialized in the repair, the maintenance, regular maintenance and the setting of light vehicles. They can be thermal (gasoline, diesel), electric or hybrid.

The mechanic performs a diagnosis in order to find the origin of the fault. It repairs, among others, motors, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, brakes or electrical circuits. It also takes care of air conditioning.

The mechanic must often move or tow a vehicle to a repair location. He must check the proper functioning of the vehicles. For this, he is obliged to hold a driver's license and one motor insurance professional.

The repairer must master the safety devices security. In most cases, it will have to comply with specific prevention and protection measures related to the electrical risk. In addition, it will have to apply the standards concerning the handling of refrigerants.

Depending on the work and the location of the repair, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, shoes, safety gloves and hearing protection, should be used.

He must be familiar with the regulations governing environmental responsibility, sorting and processing of professional waste (e.g. fuels, batteries, lubricants). It must search for spare parts from the circular economy (PIEC), second-hand parts.

Access

To practice in France, the repairman must have the required qualifications. If these conditions are not filled, the exercise of the profession of repairman is illegal.

Practicing the profession without having the required qualifications is punishable by fine of €7,500. Illegal practice of the profession is also a criminal offense ofspoofing, punishable byone year in prison and €15,000 of a fine.

If the repairman wishes to run or manage a company, he must also respect good repute. If they do not comply with these conditions, running or managing a company is prohibited.

If the training and qualification conditions are not filled, the exercise of the profession of repairman is illegal.

Exercise without the required qualifications is punishable by fine of €7,500. This may also constitute a criminal offense ofspoofing : it is punishable byone year in prison and €15,000 of a fine.

The rules on training and qualification depend on the nationality of the repairer:

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French

To work in France, you must have a diploma or experience obtained in France or Europe.

French Diploma

To be able to practice the repair trade in France, you must have obtained one of the following diplomas:

All these diplomas must attest to a qualification in the repair trade.

EU or EEA Diploma

French repairers who have obtained an EU or EEA diploma must apply to the CMA: titleContent competent in the place of practice of a attestation of recognition of professional qualification.

This certificate allows to recognize the diploma obtained in theEuropean Union or in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA).

The following supporting documents shall be communicated to the competent CMA:

  • Valid proof of identity
  • Proof(s) of diploma(s) in the original language with their translation
  • Documents attesting to professional experience (e.g. payslips)
  • Employment contract (if possible)
  • Sometimes a fee that varies depending on the relevant CMA

Please note

When the training received presents “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the repairer to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the repairer.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues a certificate of professional qualification to the authorized repairman.

3 years of professional experience in France or Europe

It is possible to practice the profession of repairman in France if one justifies a professional experience of 3 years in the profession in France, in theEuropean Union or in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA). This experience must have been acquired as the head of a company, self-employed or employee.

In this case, the person must obtain the issuance of a attestation of professional qualification by the competent Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) in the place of practice.

National of an EU or EEA State

The training and qualification conditions are different if the European national wishes to work in France permanently (freedom of establishment) or temporarily (freedom to provide services).

Permanent exercise (freedom of establishment in France)

To settle in France, the European national must prove a diploma or experience obtained in France or Europe.

French Diploma

To be able to practice the repair trade in France, you must have obtained one of the following diplomas:

All these diplomas must attest to a qualification in the repair trade.

EU or EEA Diploma

To establish himself permanently in France, the repairer is a national of a State of theEuropean Union or a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA) must ask the CMA: titleContent competent in the place of practice of a attestation of recognition of professional qualification.

If the profession is regulated in the State of origin, it is also possible to provide a certificate of competence or evidence of formal qualifications required for the performance of repairing activities in an EU or EEA State.

If the profession of repairman is not regulated in the State of origin, the practice of the trade must be justified full-time for one year or part-time for an equivalent period in the previous 10 years. This justification is accompanied either by a certificate of competence obtained from the CMA or by a formal qualification obtained in an EU or EEA Member State.

Within one month of receipt of the application, the CMA shall issue a receipt stating the date of receipt of the application.

In the event of an incomplete application, the CMA shall notify the repairer of the list of missing documents within 15 days of receipt of the application.

In the absence of notification of the CMA's decision within 3 months of receipt of the complete application, recognition of the professional qualification or competences shall be deemed to have been acquired.

Please note

When the training received presents “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the repairer to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the repairer.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues a certificate of professional qualification to the authorized repairman.

SOLVIT is particularly active in the recognition of professional qualifications.

The use of SOLVIT is possible if the following 2 conditions are met:

  • The public administration of one EU country has not respected the rights it has under EU law as a citizen or company of another EU country.
  • A legal action has not yet been initiated (the administrative appeal is not considered as such).

Submit a complaint to Solvit

After a period of 10 weeks, SOLVIT presents a solution:

  • If this solution resolves the dispute concerning the application of European law, the solution is accepted and the case is closed.
  • If there is no solution, the case is closed as unresolved and referred to the European Commission.
3 years of professional experience in France or Europe

It is possible to practice the profession of repairman in France if one justifies a professional experience of 3 years in the profession in France, in theEuropean Unionor in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA). This experience must have been acquired as a company manager, self-employed or employee.

In this case, the person must obtain the issuance of a attestation of professional qualification by the competent Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) in the place of practice.

SOLVIT is particularly active in the recognition of professional qualifications.

The use of SOLVIT is possible if the following 2 conditions are met:

  • The public administration of one EU country has not respected the rights that EU law confers on it as a citizen or company of another EU country.
  • A legal action has not yet been initiated (the administrative appeal is not considered as such).

Submit a complaint to Solvit

After a period of 10 weeks, SOLVIT presents a solution:

  • If this solution resolves the dispute concerning the application of European law, the solution is accepted and the case is closed.
  • If there is no solution, the case is closed as unresolved and referred to the European Commission.
Temporary exercise (freedom to provide services)

In order to practice on a temporary and occasional basis the profession of repairman in France, it is necessary tobe established in one of the Member States of theEuropean Unionor theEuropean Economic Area (EEA).

However, if the profession of repairman is not regulated in the State concerned, the profession must have been practiced for a period ofat least one full-time year in one or more EU or EEA Member States or during a equivalent part-time period during the 10 years preceding the service performed in France.

The repairer must inform the competent CMA by written declaration that he wishes to practice this profession. If he cannot produce the documents requested under this declaration, he may ask the CMA to carry out an aptitude test to establish his professional qualification.

They can also obtain a certificate of professional qualification from the CMA.

Please note

When the training received presents “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the repairer to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the repairer.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues a certificate of professional qualification to the authorized repairman.

Third-country national

In order to settle in France, a third-country national must have a diploma or experience obtained in France or in Europe.

French Diploma

To be able to practice the repair trade in France, you must have obtained one of the following diplomas:

All these diplomas must attest to a qualification in the repair trade.

EU or EEA Diploma

In order to establish himself permanently in France, the third-country national repairer must apply to the CMA: titleContent competent in the place of practice of a attestation of recognition of professional qualification.

This certificate allows to recognize the diploma obtained in theEuropean Union or in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA).

The following supporting documents shall be communicated to the competent CMA:

  • Valid proof of identity
  • Proof(s) of diploma(s) in the original language with their translation
  • Documents attesting to professional experience (e.g. payslips)
  • Employment contract (if possible)
  • Sometimes a fee that varies depending on the relevant CMA

FYI  

When the training received presents “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the repairer to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the repairer.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues a certificate of professional qualification to the authorized repairman.

Third State Diploma

In order to establish himself permanently in France, the third-country national repairer must apply to the CMA: titleContent competent in the place of practice of a attestation of recognition of professional qualification.

The following supporting documents shall be communicated to the competent CMA:

  • Valid proof of identity
  • Proof(s) of diploma(s) in the original language with their translation
  • Documents attesting to professional experience (e.g. payslips)
  • Employment contract (if possible)
  • Sometimes a fee that varies depending on the relevant CMA

FYI  

When the training received presents “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the repairer to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the repairer.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues a certificate of professional qualification to the authorized repairman.

3 years of professional experience in France or Europe

It is possible to practice the profession of repairman in France if one justifies a professional experience of 3 years in the profession in France, in theEuropean Union or in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA). This experience must have been acquired as a company manager, self-employed or employee.

In this case, the person must obtain the issuance of a attestation of professional qualification by the competent Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) in the place of practice.

Conditions to be respected throughout the activity

If he wishes lead or manage a company, the craftsman must comply with the conditions of good repute. These conditions ensure that he has not been convicted.

It is impossible to lead or manage a company when the professional is in one of the following cases:

  • Prohibition to direct, administer or control, directly or indirectly, a commercial, craft, agricultural or legal company
  • Conviction to one additional penalty the prohibition of the pursuit of a professional or social activity for a crime or offense.

Control by the CMA

The Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) can check whether the conditions of good repute are respected.

To perform this check, it can access the national register of prohibitions to manage.

Please note

The duty of good repute must be respected and can be monitored throughout the activity.

Exercise

We are dealing here with the obligations imposed on the entrepreneur and not directly on the employee.

The choice of a legal form (or legal status) of the company is a decisive step.

It determines how the company operates, but it also has implications for the tax system and social protection.

There are two main legal forms:

  • - (EI) : allows to carry out its activity alone and in its own name. The Head of company and the one and the same person. Micro-company (or self-company) is one with a simplified tax and social regime.
  • Business : allows to carry out an activity in a legal entity distinct from the Head of company. It has the legal personality, i.e. it has its own legal existence (share capital, company name, registered office, etc.).

These two modes of exercise each have their own specific rules:

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- (including micro-entrepreneur)

The creation of an entity (EI) involves few formalities (no drafting of statutes, no constitution of share capital and partner, etc.) and allows to launch its activity quickly. The assets of the individual entrepreneur (IC), including the micro-entrepreneur, are automatically separated into professional and personal assets.

FYI  

For more information, please refer to the fact sheet on the separation of professional and personal assets.

Tax and social system of the classical

The individual entrepreneur is subject to income tax (IR), in the category corresponding to his activity (BIC: titleContent, NCB: titleContent , BA: titleContent..).

However, it is possible to opt for the actual tax regime or even for thebusiness tax (IS).

The individual entrepreneur is covered by the Social Security scheme for self-employed persons. He has the status of a self-employed person (TNS). It does not pay social contributions during at least 90 days which follow the start of its activity.

Our sheet on the social protection for traders and craftsmen details the contributions due and the arrangements for reporting and payment.

Simplified micro-company regime

The scheme of micro-entrepreneur is a very simplified social and tax system. It is applicable when the turnover HT: titleContent does not exceed certain thresholds: for example €188,700 in the case of an activity of selling goods, or €77,700 for the provision of services

The simplified scheme applies automatically for the year of establishment (N) and the following year (N+1) provided that these thresholds are met.

Furthermore, the micro-company is subjected to the exemption from VAT : i.e. the entrepreneur does not declare VAT on the services or sales he makes and cannot deduct it either.

As regards the taxation of income, micro-company is imposed on theIR: titleContent, in the category corresponding to its activity: micro BIC: titleContent, microphone NCB: titleContent , microphone BA: titleContent..). The tax due is calculated taking into account a flat-rate abatement turnover for professional expenses which varies according to the activity carried out (for an activity of selling goods: the allowance corresponds for example to 71% turnover).

For more details on tax allowances, you can consult the sheet on the micro-entrepreneur tax system.

Finally, the entrepreneur pays social security contributions only if he generates turnover.

FYI  

Our sheet on the- (EI) specifies all operating rules.

Business

The business is a legal entity that has a legal personality, i.e. it has its own legal existence (share capital, company name, registered office, etc.). It can sign a commercial lease, hire employees and has a separate estate from that of its partners. It is represented by an officer (a manager or a president) who carries out the activity.

The interest of create a business is to limit the liability of the professional and his associates to the contributions made when the business was set up. It thus makes it possible to protect the personal heritage of each individual.

The trader may engage in a commercial and/or craft activity alone (creating a EURL or a SASU) or byassociating with other persons (LLC, SAS, SAetc.). The creation of a business requires the completion of various formalities such as the drafting of statutes, the deposit of a share capital which can be costly. In addition, the business must comply with various accounting obligations (keeping and filing of annual accounts, convening of shareholders at general meetings (AGMs), holding AGMs for any amendment to the statutes of the business, etc.).

Tax system

The profits made by the business are in principle subject tobusiness tax (IS). For certain types of businesses, partners can opt for income tax (IR). In this case, the benefits are reported as BIC: titleContent in the income tax return.

Social protection

The social protection of the business manager varies according to the type of business chosen. The manager of a EURL or a SARL (if he is a majority) is considered a self-employed person and must contribute to the Urssaf on income from self-employment or on a minimum annual basis.

The manager of a SAS, SASU, SARL (minority or egalitarian) is considered as a salaried assimilated worker. It is part of the general social security system. He enjoys a social protection very close to that of an employee. If he does not pay himself wages, he does not have to pay social security contributions.

To make the right choice, it is therefore essential to take into account many factors:

  • Exercise of the activity alone or with several partners (in business )
  • Tax regime for the taxation of profits
  • Social protection scheme according to the envisaged legal form.

To help you choose the legal form that best suits your situation, Urssaf offers the following simulator:

Finding the right legal status (form) and comparing the cost of social contributions

Declare activity

The trader must register the company. This procedure must be carried out online on the website of the companies' Formalities Office:

Window of company formalities

The trader must apply for registration within one month of the declared start date of the activity and no later than 15 days after the start date of the activity. The effect of this formality is to give the company legal status.

This declaration makes it possible to inform all the organizations concerned by the launch of the activity (INSEE, social organizations, Urssaf, public finance center…).

As soon as the application for registration is accepted, INSEE allocates:

  • A number Siren : it is a unique identification number of the 9-digit company 
  • A number Siret : it's thegeographical identifier of each institution from the company, it is therefore possible to have several. This number consists of the Siren and a NIC (Internal Ranking Number).

When registering the company, INSEE also assigns the professional its code EPA: titleContent.

When the professional's spouse decides to work in the company, he must provide a sworn certificate specifying his status in the company:

When the spouse (married, partner of Civil partnerships: titleContent or common-law partner) of the head of company professional activity regular in the company, he must opt for one of the following statuses: collaborating spouse, salaried spouse, associate spouse. The choice of a status makes it possible to guarantee her rights, in particular to retirement.

When registering the company, the Head of company declares the status chosen by the spouse on the website of the company formalities desk by providing the following document:

Certificate on the honor of the spouse (married, past or common-law) of a merchant, craftsman or liberal company manager (choice of status)

For more information on the status of the spouse, please refer to the fact sheet on the spouse of the head of company.

FYI  

If no status has been declared, the spouse is deemed to have opted for the status of salaried spouse.

Declaration of non-conviction

When registering his activity, the trader must provide a declaration on honor of non-conviction.

By this declaration, he attests that he has not been the subject of any criminal, civil or administrative sanction prohibiting him from setting up and managing a company.

One template declaration of non-conviction and parentage is available:

Declaration of non-conviction and filiation for registration in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) and the National Register of companies (RNE)

Contributions called by theUrssaf: titleContent depend on the structure of the business and the legal status of the manager.

To know all the rules concerning the social system of the manager, it is possible to consult the sheet relating to the Social protection of the business manager.

The trader who carries out his activity in his own name ({circumflex over (X)}) or as majority manager of a business (such as a EURL or a SARL), is affiliated to the Social security for self-employed persons (SSI), the compulsory scheme for self-employed persons.

The professional must pay social contributions to the Urssaf from the beginning of his activity.

However, in practice, no contributions or social contributions are required during the first 90 days which follow the launch of its activity.

Since the income is not yet known at the start of the activity, the contributions are first calculated on a flat-rate basis for the first 2 years (at the same rates as those applicable during the course of business). They are then adjusted and regularized according to the actual revenues of the fiscal year.

Contributions must be paid online in one of the following ways:

  • Either every month : payment is made on the 5th or 20th of each month, by direct debit.
  • Either every quarter : payment is made by direct debit, telepayment or credit card on 5 February, 5 May, 5 August and 5 November.

When he carries out his activity within the framework of a business and holds management functions that give him the status of employee assimilated (president or paid CEO of SAS for example), the professional reports to the general social security system.

His social security contributions are identical to those of an executive employee, and he enjoys equivalent social protection, with the exception of unemployment insurance (optional unemployment insurance is however possible).

If the repairer is required in his activity to drive a vehicle, he must possess a driver's license.

It must also subscribe to a motor insurance. This insurance covers the driver's liability in the event of damage to other vehicles, buildings, pedestrians or passengers.

Please note

It is advisable to take out professional liability insurance (RCP). It covers activity-related damages, including those caused by employees. This may include, for example, bodily harm caused to a colleague during a repair, or property damage (breakage of a machine).

The craftsman can sometimes work in an environment including electrical installations.

The possession of an electrical authorization is mandatory for employees carrying out operations in contact with electrical installations or in their vicinity.

The employer must verify that the employee has prior training that includes a theoretical part and a practical part. The employer then issues the electrical authorization to its employees. At the same time, it provides each employee with a prescription book including electrical safety standards and instructions.

It recognizes that the employee can carry out his duties safely with regard to electrical risk.

Please note

The craftsman worker independent is not subject to the obligation to obtain an electrical authorization. However, they must have a level of knowledge of the risks equivalent to that of an authorized employee and be able to prove it.

If he wishes, the developer or the client can request a training certificate.

When the activity is carried out on a building and civil engineering site, the professional must also comply with specific prevention and protection measures in relation to the electrical risk. Non-compliance with these measures is sanctioned a fine of €4,500 (natural persons) or €22,500 (legal persons).

A professional using refrigerant fluids (e.g. on air conditioning equipment such as vehicles, tractors, cranes or heat pumps) must obtain a certificate of capacity.

The professional must submit his application to a body approved by the French Accreditation Committee (Cofrac).

Search for an accredited organization

The application package must contain the following elements:

  • Identity of the applicant and his address, or where applicable the company name, legal form, SIRET number and address of the company's registered office
  • List of categories of activities that the professional intends to carry out
  • List of stakeholders involved in these activities
  • Types and quantities of tools used to practice
  • Commitment by the trader to provide each year to the operator who issued the certificate, a declaration no later than 31 December of the previous calendar year, specifying the quantities of fluids acquired, loaded, destroyed, transferred, regenerated and stored.

The organization shall issue the certificate of capacity within 2 months of receipt of the application.

This certificate of capacity is issued for a period of 5 years.

Rates

The professional who carries out the activity of maintenance and repair of vehicles, must proceed to the display of the prices practiced. These prices are indicated all taxes included (TTC).

The display is present at the entrance of the repair shop or garage and at the reception, in a legible and visible way for the customers.

In the event of troubleshooting and towing a vehicle on a highway or express road, the repairman must display the rates charged.

The garage repairman must display the circular economy obligations at the workplace. This includes the obligation to offer the customer used and non-new spare parts as a matter of priority.

Security

The mechanic must also display safety standards for employees or customers.

These are the following displays:

  • Notice explaining "How to wash your hands" (for employees)
  • "No Smoking and Vaping" (for all)
  • Description of good gestural practices and recommended postures for carrying loads (for employees).

The mechanic has a obligation of result. This means that he must return the vehicle to his customer perfectly repaired and in good working order.

The mechanic must respect the contract concluded with his client. If he fails to repair the vehicle, he must take over the repairs at his own expense or reimburse his client for the unnecessary repair.

A garage repairman who carries out the activity of maintenance or repair of automobiles has the obligation to offer his customer second-hand spare parts for the repair of the vehicle.

They're called Circular economy coins (CEIPs). These may be removable bodywork parts, interior trim and upholstery parts, unglued glazing, optical parts, etc.

This obligation shall not apply in the following cases:

  • The maintenance or repair was carried out free of charge or under contractual warranty.
  • Spare parts are not available during the vehicle downtime.
  • The professional considers that the spare parts pose a significant risk to the environment, public health or road safety.

After the repair, the professional must give the customer an invoice (or note) for any sum greater than €25 or if the customer requests it. The amount is communicated all taxes included (VAT included).

This note shall be drawn up in 2 copies, the original being delivered to the customer.

The note shall include the following particulars:

  • Date
  • Identity of the trader:
    • If the company is an individual contractor: name and surname of the individual contractor followed by the name ‘Individual contractor’ or ‘EI’
    • If the company is a business: company name, legal form (SARL, SA, etc.), amount of share capital
    • Siren Number
    • Address of the company or registered office
  • Customer name and address
  • Vehicle Odometer Mileage
  • Detailed breakdown of each service, i.e. the price of the parts or the quantity of products used
  • Name of the parts used (new, used or standard exchange …)
  • Total amount to be paid excluding VAT and VAT.

In the case where there is an establishment receiving from the public (ERP), the conditions of issue of the note must be reminded to the customers by a legible display at the place where the payment of the service is made.

Invoices issued or received by a company must be kept for 10 years.

For more details, you can consult our page All about billing.

FYI  

The car repairman is not obliged to draw up a quote. However it is advisable to write a repair order before any intervention. It should be presented to the customer and provided with an estimate of the cost of the repair.

When the mechanic works in a workshop, garage or machinery company, it is most often a space open to the public.

The trader is obliged to comply with the obligations concerning the public institutions (LES). These include:

  • Fire Safety :: alarm and warning devices, a monitoring service and emergency facilities are to be put in place. All obligations are detailed in our sheet Fire safety rules of a facility receiving from the public (ERP).
  • Security Registry : this register may be in paper form or be dematerialized. The purpose of the report is to draw up a list of the personnel responsible for the fire department and the date of the alteration and conversion work.
  • Accessibility of premises for persons with disabilities : the space must facilitate accessibility for wheelchairs by inserting exterior walkways, doors opening outwards, sanitary facilities open to the public, parking of vehicles. You can consult our sheet detailing the LES accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities.

The job of repairman involves risks (work under tension, at height, in technical premises) that can lead to serious accidents or even fatal.

The contractor must therefore put in place special security measures (checking equipment, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), cutting off power, etc.).

The personal equipment commonly used by a car repairman is a protective helmet, hearing protection, safety shoes and gloves.

If it hires employees, the repairer must also guarantee their safety.

It must implement the following actions:

  • Organize occupational risk prevention, information and training activities
  • Assess risks in the company and develop the Single Occupational Risk Assessment Document (DUERP)
  • Provide them with appropriate equipment (PPE, compliant equipment)
  • Establish a secure work organization.

It also provides the instructions for use of the equipment to its employees.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in administrative, civil or criminal penalties.

For more information, you can visit our page: Occupational health and safety: obligations of the employer.

The Ameli site also offers tools available to garage owners.

FAQ