Digital Invoicing is Coming to France: What Self-Employed Chefs Need to Know

If you're a self-employed chef or caterer in France, chances are you'd rather be planning your next menu than worrying about paperwork. However, a major change is coming that every micro-entrepreneur needs to be aware of: mandatory electronic invoicing (facturation électronique).

The good news? It's not as complicated as it sounds, and getting prepared now will save you a lot of stress later.e

xper

What is changing?

France is introducing a new digital invoicing system for businesses. Instead of creating a PDF invoice and emailing it directly to your client, invoices between French businesses will need to be sent through an approved digital platform using a structured electronic format. A PDF alone will no longer meet the new legal definition of an electronic invoice.

Does this affect micro-entrepreneurs?

Yes! Even if you're a micro-entrepreneur, don't charge VAT, or only work as a freelance chef for events and private clients, you may still be affected.

The key dates are:

• From 1 September 2026: All businesses, including micro-entrepreneurs, must be able to receive electronic invoices.

• From 1 September 2027: Small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs must also issue electronic invoices for transactions with other businesses (B2B).

If you mainly invoice private individuals, your obligations may differ, but many chefs also work with venues, event companies, agencies, restaurants or suppliers, making it important to understand the new rules.

Digital invoicing for self-employed chefs - what does it mean?

Whether you're cooking at weddings, running pop-up dinners, offering private chef services or catering corporate events, invoicing is part of running your business.

The new system is designed to:

• Reduce fraud and administrative errors.

• Speed up invoice processing and payments.

• Simplify reporting to the tax authorities.

• Create a more standardised invoicing process across France.

Speak to Your Accountant

If you already work with an accountant, now is a great time to ask them about the upcoming changes. They can recommend invoicing software that is compatible with the new regulations and help you choose a solution that suits the size and needs of your business.

When I spoke to my own accountant, they recommended JeFacture.com as a platform to consider. They felt it was straightforward to use, offers good value for money, and is well suited to small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs preparing for the new electronic invoicing requirements. Of course, the best solution will depend on your own business, so it's always worth discussing the options with your accountant before deciding which package is right for you.

Choosing the right software now can save time, avoid unnecessary disruption later, and give you confidence that you'll be ready when the new rules come into effect.

The Bottom Line

The move to digital invoicing is one of the biggest administrative changes for French businesses in recent years. While the deadlines may seem a long way off, preparing early means you can continue focusing on what you do best—creating amazing food for your clients.

A quick conversation with your accountant today could make the transition much smoother, giving you peace of mind that your invoicing system will meet the new requirements when the time comes. After all, you'd rather be creating unforgettable dining experiences than worrying about administration!

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended as a general overview of the upcoming electronic invoicing changes in France and should not be considered legal, tax, or accounting advice. Every business is different, and the rules that apply to you may depend on your individual circumstances. If you are unsure how these changes affect your business, it is always best to seek advice from a qualified accountant or other professional adviser.