Administrative Procedures for Setting Up as a Liberal Practitioner
ARS, CPAM, URSSAF, CARPIMKO... Follow this step-by-step guide to complete all your formalities and start your activity with peace of mind.
Setting up as a liberal practitioner requires completing formalities with multiple organizations. This multiplicity of interlocutors may seem complex, but the process turns out to be smooth once the steps are clearly identified. Expect 4 to 8 weeks for the entire administrative process.
🗺️ Overview of the process
The complete administrative process revolves around four main organizations, each playing a specific role. Careful anticipation of the steps will allow you to start your activity on the desired date.
🏛️ ARS
Regional Health Agency: diploma registration and allocation of the RPPS number
💼 URSSAF
Declaration of start of activity and affiliation to mandatory social regimes
🏥 CPAM
Convention with Health Insurance and configuration of teletransmission
🏦 CARPIMKO
Retirement and insurance fund for liberal paramedical professions
1️⃣ Step 1: ARS Registration
The Regional Health Agency is your first point of contact. This organization verifies the validity of your diploma and registers you in the directory of health professionals. This registration is a prerequisite for obtaining your RPPS number.
Submission of the ARS file
⏱️ 1-2 weeksContact the ARS in your region of installation. Many ARS offer a digital submission via their online platform.
Allocation of the RPPS number
⏱️ 1-3 weeksOnce validated, you will receive your RPPS number (Shared Directory of Health Professionals), a unique identifier throughout your career.
Receipt of the CPS card
⏱️ 2-4 weeksThe CPS card (Health Professional Card) allows you to identify yourself for teletransmission and access to digital services.
📋 Documents to provide to the ARS
- Registration application form
- Copy of the speech therapist diploma or proof of success
- Copy of both sides of a valid identity card
- Personal proof of residence dated within the last 3 months
- Recent standard format identity photo
- Declaration on honor of no prohibition to practice
⚠️ Point of vigilance
Do not sign any commercial lease or financial commitment before obtaining confirmation of your registration from the ARS. In case of a problem with your diploma or file, you would find yourself committed without being able to practice.
2️⃣ Step 2: URSSAF Registration
URSSAF collects your mandatory social contributions. Your registration formalizes the start of your activity and triggers your affiliation to the various social protection regimes.
Single window
Online declaration at formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr
Free process
Automatic registration with all relevant organizations
30 minutes
Estimated time to complete the online form
Choice of tax regime
When registering, you must choose your tax regime from the available options:
📊 Micro-BNC
Up to €77,700 in revenue. Flat-rate deduction of 34%. Simplified accounting (revenue book only).
📈 Controlled declaration
No revenue limit. Deduction of actual expenses. Complete accounting required, often with an accountant.
💡 Social contributions to consider
The total amount of contributions represents about 40 to 45% of your net profit, distributed among:
- Health-maternity: about 6.5%
- Family allowances: 0 to 3.1%
- CSG-CRDS: about 9.7%
- Basic retirement: about 10%
- Supplementary retirement: about 14%
3️⃣ Step 3: CPAM Convention
The Primary Health Insurance Fund manages your convention, which is your membership in the national convention. This convention conditions the reimbursement of your services to patients.
Appointment with CPAM
⏱️ Variable according to CPAMContact the health professional relations service of your CPAM to set up a convention appointment.
Signing the convention
⏱️ At the appointmentYou sign the national convention and receive information about your obligations and rights as a contracted professional.
Teletransmission configuration
⏱️ 1-2 weeksConfiguration of your management software and your CPS card to teletransmit your electronic care sheets.
📋 Documents to provide to the CPAM
- Convention application form
- Copy of the RPPS number or ARS certificate
- Bank account details of the professional account
- Proof of professional premises (lease)
- Professional civil liability insurance certificate
- Copy of the identity card
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Discover the 69 tools →4️⃣ Step 4: CARPIMKO Affiliation
CARPIMKO manages your mandatory supplementary retirement and disability-death scheme. Your affiliation is automatically carried out following your URSSAF registration.
Basic retirement
Delegated management by CNAVPL for your mandatory retirement
Supplementary retirement
Scheme specific to liberal paramedical professions
Disability-death
Protection in case of health issues preventing you from practicing
💡 Good to know
CARPIMKO also offers additional services: social action in case of difficulties, creation aids for young practitioners, health prevention. Check their website for all available programs.
📎 Additional formalities
Professional civil liability insurance
Taking out a professional liability insurance is mandatory for any liberal speech therapist. It covers damages you may cause to your patients. Expect to pay between €150 and €400 per year depending on the coverage.
Professional bank account
Although not legally required, opening a dedicated account simplifies your accounting management and your relations with the tax administration.
💰 Installation aids
Several programs can support your installation, particularly in under-served areas.
✅ Available aids
- CAIOM: Installation aid contract in under-served areas - up to €49,000 in aid
- Regional aids: Scholarships or interest-free loans depending on the regions
- Local aids: Municipalities offering premises at preferential rates
- NACRE: Support for business creation
💡 Financing advice
A professional loan remains a classic option with often favorable conditions for health professions. Prepare a solid file with a business plan and activity forecasts. A contribution of 20-30% improves the loan conditions.
🎯 Conclusion
The administrative procedures for setting up as a liberal practitioner are perfectly manageable with methodical preparation. Each step fits into a coherent logic aimed at ensuring the quality of care and your own social protection.
Do not hesitate to seek help from the relevant organizations: ARS, CPAM, and URSSAF have dedicated services to support health professionals. Professional unions also offer offices and practical guides.
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