On this page 6 sections
1What is a sole proprietorship
A sole proprietorship (Î.I.) is a business form for a single individual, also governed by Government Emergency Ordinance no. 44/2008. As with a PFA, it has no legal personality and no share capital, and the accounting is simple, just like a PFA: you record what comes in and what goes out.
The difference from a PFA is that you can have more employees and more activities.
2Differences from a PFA
- Employees: up to 8 employees, compared with 3 for a PFA.
- Activities: up to 10 CAEN classes, compared with 5 for a PFA.
- The taxes are the same as for a PFA: 10% income tax on net income, plus health (CASS) and, where applicable, pension (CAS) contributions.
3Conditions
- The holder must be at least 18 years old.
- You need a professional address, which can also be your home.
- Some activities require a qualification proven by a diploma or certificate.
- For debts you are liable first with the assets assigned to the business, then, if those are not enough, with the rest of your assets.
4What we need from you
- ID card
- For the professional address: the title deed or, where applicable, the lease. We draw up the loan-for-use agreement ourselves.
- What activities you want to carry out
- Your diploma or certificate, only if the activity requires it
5The steps
- Free consultationWe look together at whether a sole proprietorship suits you better than a PFA or an SRL.
- The nameWe check and reserve the name.
- The documentsWe prepare the application and the statements, you sign.
- FilingWe file the application with the Trade Register.
- The certificateYou receive the registration certificate.
6Frequently asked questions
I already have a PFA. Can I switch to a sole proprietorship?
Yes. We discuss at the office the simplest route in your case: closing the PFA and setting up a sole proprietorship, or going straight to an SRL.
What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and an SRL?
A sole proprietorship is not a company separate from you: you are also liable for debts with your personal assets. With an SRL you are only liable up to the share capital. On the other hand, a sole proprietorship has simple accounting and no share capital.
Can I have a sole proprietorship and also be employed?
Yes, you can have both at the same time.
Do I need an accountant?
It is not mandatory. The accounting is simple, like for a PFA: you record what comes in and goes out and file the single tax return once a year.
How many people can I employ?
Up to 8 employees, under employment contracts.
How long does it take to get the certificate?
Once the complete file has been submitted, the Trade Register usually resolves it within a few working days.
Information updated in October 2026. Legislation changes often, so during the consultation we check exactly what applies in your case.