The Business

Permits, Licenses & Structure

France has a clear, well-trodden path to establishing a hospitality business of this type. Here is what a new owner needs to know.

Getting Started

The Core Setup Steps

Most of what is required falls into three categories: business registration, accommodation declarations, and food and alcohol licensing. The following is a general orientation — independent legal and accounting advice should be sought before completion and opening.

01

Register the Business (SIRET)

The foundational step. Declaring your activities formally issues a SIRET number — the legal identity of the business in France. Required before all other steps. The process typically takes two to four weeks via the local chambre de commerce or online.

02

Declare Accommodation to the Mairie

Tourist rentals and chambres d'hôtes must be declared to the town hall. As of May 2026, all tourist rentals must be registered via a national online system and will receive a 13-digit registration number, which must appear on all platform listings including Airbnb and Booking.com. This is a standard administrative process — not onerous, but a prerequisite for legal operation.

03

File Food Activity Declaration

Before serving meals professionally — including B&B breakfasts involving dairy, eggs, or meat — a food-handling declaration is filed with the departmental authorities (DDPP). Required for breakfast service, guest dinners (table d'hôtes), and restaurant operation. This is typically a straightforward administrative notification.