Construction & Renovation

If you want to work as a house painter (peintre en bâtiment) in France, you must register as an artisan through the guichet unique managed by INPI. Painting is classified as a building trade, and activities that affect the structural integrity of buildings require a professional qualification (CAP, BEP, or three years of verified experience).You must take out décennale (ten-year liability) insurance before starting work, as it is mandatory for all building trades. The Chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat (CMA) can advise you on registration requirements and professional obligations. No specific authorization is needed beyond registration, but you must comply with health and safety regulations on construction sites.

Issued by: Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA)

Working as a drywall installer and plasterer (plaquiste-plâtrier) in France requires registration as an artisan through the guichet unique managed by INPI. Since this trade involves structural building work, you need a professional qualification (CAP, BEP, or at least three years of proven experience) to operate independently.Décennale (ten-year liability) insurance is mandatory before you take on any building projects. The Chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat (CMA) handles artisan registration and can guide you through the process. You must also comply with construction site safety regulations. If you plan to hire employees, additional employer obligations apply including workplace safety training and social security registration.

Issued by: Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA)

If you run a landscaping business (entreprise de paysage) in France and use plant protection products, you need both a personal Certiphyto certificate and a company-level agrément (phytosanitary approval). The agrément requires certification by an accredited body and professional liability insurance. Without it, you cannot purchase or apply phytopharmaceutical products for clients.No specific diploma is required to start a general landscaping business covering garden design, planting and green space maintenance. However, if your work involves phytopharmaceutical or biocidal products, each person handling them must hold a valid Certiphyto. The QualiPaysage certification, while not mandatory, is often required for public contracts and helps demonstrate your professional competence.

Issued by: Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) / Regional Prefecture

Earthworks (terrassement) involves modifying the natural terrain relief and preparing the ground for construction, landscaping, or infrastructure projects. If the work affects building structures, you need a professional qualification (CAP, BEP, or three years of experience) to operate independently.You must register as an artisan through the guichet unique managed by INPI. Décennale (ten-year liability) insurance is mandatory when earthworks are connected to construction projects. You must also comply with strict safety regulations on work sites, particularly regarding excavation depth, shoring, and the protection of underground utilities. A DICT declaration is required before any digging to locate buried networks.

Issued by: Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA)