Painter
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.
Required Qualifications
- Accepted diplomas: CAP "painter coating applicator", BEP "finishing layout", BP "paint coatings", Professional baccalaureate in building layout and finishing
- Alternative experience: 3 years of effective professional experience in an EU/EEA state as manager, self-employed or employee
- CMA certificate: Possibility to request a professional qualification certificate from the Chamber of Crafts and Trades
Procedure and Formalities
- Free provision of services (LPS): Prior declaration to the CMA of the service location, proof of at least 2 years of practice if the profession is not regulated in the state of establishment
- Freedom of establishment (LE): Professional qualification recognition certificate issued by CMA within 3 months, possibility of compensation measures (adaptation period or aptitude test)
- Integrity requirements: No prohibition from managing a company or ban from practicing
Insurance
- Professional liability insurance: Recommended to cover damages caused to third parties
- Ten-year insurance: Not mandatory according to case law, as painting work is not considered construction work within the meaning of Article 1792-3 of the Civil Code