IT Freelancing: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in 2025

 

 Already in high demand in our tech-driven world, the importance of digital professions, particularly IT freelancers, was further highlighted during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you're still unsure or already committed to your decision, discover our top tips on how to become an IT freelancer and land attractive freelance projects.

Why Become an IT Freelancer?

An IT freelancer is a self-employed professional working in the IT sector. They are their own boss, without employees, but may delegate certain tasks—such as accounting—to partner companies.

They complete projects for a wide range of client companies. Their assignments might include performing IT system audits, software integration and web development, network security management, or even training a team.

Freelancers can work as Infrastructure Development Consultants, Agile Coaches, or Trainers, depending on the project. IT freelancers are increasingly sought after by companies and IT departments (DSIs) looking for specialized skills, expertise, and tailored advice from professionals who can be quickly onboarded.

This independent role offers more autonomy than a traditional salaried position. Freelancers enjoy greater freedom: they control their schedules, choose their assignments, and decide which clients to work with. Working independently also allows for more career flexibility and control. Freelancers can seize new opportunities, expand their networks, and increase their income while doing what they love.

How to Become an IT Freelancer and Choose the Right Legal Status

Once the decision to go freelance is made, the first step is to register as a self-employed worker and list your business in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) to gain legal status and operate within the law.

To get started, aspiring freelancers must choose the legal structure best suited to their project and level of experience. This decision is crucial, as each legal status comes with different rules around liability, revenue caps, social contributions, and insurance coverage. Here are the main options:

• Micro-entrepreneur (also known as auto-entrepreneur): Income is capped, making it ideal for beginners, those testing freelance work, or combining it with salaried employment. Taxes and social contributions are calculated based on revenue.
• Sole Proprietorship (EI): The freelancer runs their business alone and is personally liable for any debts. The setup process is straightforward and low-cost.
• Limited Liability Sole Proprietorship (EIRL): Unlike the EI, personal assets are protected (unless in case of fraud). The freelancer declares a separate business-related estate for their professional activities.
• Business creation (EURL, SASU, SARL): This option protects personal assets (except in cases of serious mismanagement). It's ideal for those looking to grow their activity or bring in partners. However, this structure is more complex and expensive to set up than the others.
• Another often-overlooked alternative: wage portage. This hybrid model between salaried employment and self-employment is well-suited for freelancers looking for administrative ease. The freelancer signs a contract with a portage company, which handles billing and payments. Revenue is then paid as a salary. This allows IT freelancers to focus on client acquisition and projects without the administrative burden.

Once you've chosen your status and started the administrative process, it's time to create a productive work environment, like investing in a workspace to meet clients. IT freelancers must also develop strong personal branding to stand out and attract potential clients. This includes building a website, maintaining an active presence on social media, and more.

If you're launching your freelance journey, don’t hesitate to join freelancer communities (or start your own). Networking is essential for receiving advice, sharing client leads, or simply building professional relationships. From there, it's up to you to reach out to potential clients and secure new contracts.

Hays Supports Freelancers in Their Career Path

Becoming a freelancer is a serious commitment that requires careful planning—and even passion! But it can also feel overwhelming: What steps are needed to become a freelancer? Micro-entrepreneur, wage portage, SASU, or EURL—which one to choose? How to handle accounting or find insurance? How to attract clients? The questions can quickly pile up.

That’s why Hays offers IT freelancers attractive assignments and tailored support. This includes interview coaching, carefully negotiated daily rates, and exclusive discounts with partners for accounting, professional insurance, health insurance, or even wage portage solutions—all accessible through a digital platform.

Once freelancers have completed the paperwork and secured legal status, they are connected with companies seeking digital and tech experts for specific projects. From software and application development to infrastructure and cloud computing, data and business intelligence, digital transformation, and cybersecurity—the range of missions is vast. Once the project begins, Hays ensures payment within 15 days.