Plumber
To work as a plumber (plombier) in France, you need a professional qualification: a CAP or BEP in plumbing, or at least three years of documented experience in the trade. This is a regulated craft because plumbing work directly affects building safety and public health.
You must register as an artisan through the guichet unique managed by INPI. Décennale (ten-year liability) insurance is mandatory for all plumbing work on buildings. The Chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat (CMA) oversees artisan registration. If you work with gas installations, you also need a PG qualification (Professionnel du Gaz) certifying your competence in gas safety.
Required Qualifications
- Accepted diplomas: CAP "sanitary installer" or "thermal installer", Professional baccalaureate "refrigeration and air conditioning technician" or "energy and climate systems maintenance technician", BP "sanitary equipment", "climate and sanitary engineering installation fitter" or "swimming pool trades"
- Alternative experience: 3 years of effective professional experience in an EU/EEA state as manager, self-employed or employee
- Effective control: Possibility to practice under the effective and permanent control of a qualified person
Procedure and Insurance
- Free provision of services (LPS): Proof of at least 2 years full-time practice in the last 10 years if profession not regulated in state of establishment
- Freedom of establishment (LE): Professional qualification certificate issued by CMA, possibility of compensation measures (adaptation period max. 3 years or aptitude test)
- Mandatory insurance: Professional liability and ten-year insurance for structural and construction work, contract references on quotes and invoices
Integrity Requirements
- Prohibitions: No prohibition from directing, managing, administering or controlling a commercial or craft business, no ban from practicing a professional activity