These information pages can help you get started in learning about some of the laws and registration requirements that may apply to your experiences on Airbnb. These pages include summaries of some of the rules that may apply to different sorts of activities, and contain links to government resources that you may find helpful.

Please understand that these information pages are not comprehensive, and are not legal advice. If you are unsure about how local laws or this information may apply to you or your Experience, we encourage you to check with official sources or seek legal advice.

Please note that we don’t update this information in real time, so you should confirm that the laws or procedures have not changed recently.*

Could I be a business? What things should I think about if I am a business?

When am I a business?

When an activity is carried out as a “habitual profession”, i.e. on a regular basis and in return for money, it may be qualified as a business or professional activity.

There are currently no specific revenue thresholds under which an activity would be considered not to be carried out as a business. It is also not relevant if a person also has a separate main employment or main professional activity which they supplement with an additional activity - that additional activity could still be considered to be carried out as a “business”.

Whether or not you will be considered to be carrying out a business will depend on your particular circumstances. Generally speaking, the following criteria tend to be taken into account to assess whether an activity is being carried out as a business :

• the number and frequency of transactions ;
• the amounts of money at stake;
• the intention to make a profit.

Examples:

• If you offer an Experience on a regular basis (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly or monthly), with the clear intention to make a profit, you are likely to be qualified as a business.
• If you offer an Experience on an irregular and/or rare basis, and the amount of money earned is limited and more or less covers your costs, it might be possible to argue that you do not qualify as a business.

If you are unsure, you can ask your local Business Procedures Center(Centre des Formalités des Entreprises, “CFE”) or can check the position with a legal advisor.

What if I am a business - what things should I be thinking about?

Is there anything I need to be aware of when dealing with consumers?

You will need to comply with the French Consumer code, which requires you to provide Guests with all the information they need to know to make informed decisions about your services (main characteristics of the activity, prices, special terms conditions, etc.), in a way which is transparent and easy to understand. You can find out more here. You are also required to offer goods or provide services which are safe for your guests.

Do any business registration / licensing obligations apply? Which corporate vehicle can I use?

A professional activity can be carried out either by creating a company or as an individual entrepreneur. You can find more information about the steps to consider when establishing a business here. The final stage will involve registering and obtaining the appropriate licences.