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Company formation in France

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Anyone, whether a resident or a foreigner, can open a business in France. The registration procedure is straightforward: you need to choose a legal structure, provide a French address, prepare the necessary documents, and submit them to the French business register. The minimum share capital for SARL and SAS is from 1 euro. The average registration time is 4 working days, provided you are legally residing in the country. There are no nationality restrictions for directors or shareholders.

We accompany every step — from the initial consultation to receiving the SIREN number and fully launching your business.

France

Key benefits of company registration in France

Company registration in France provides access to the EU market, a transparent setup process, and flexible legal structures for businesses of any size.

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    Open to Non-Residents

    Company registration in France is available to both residents and non-residents. French citizenship or personal presence is not required if you use the services of a local agent.

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    Affordable Entry Threshold

    For SARL and SAS, the minimum share capital is from 1 euro, which allows easy registration, especially for startups and small businesses.

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    Fast Registration

    The company creation process in France can be completed in just four working days if all documents are prepared.

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    Transparent Requirements

    All steps — from opening a bank account to drafting the statutes in French and registration in the official register — are clear and well-regulated.

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    Public Company Register

    Every company receives a unique SIREN number, which is used in all official and tax matters. The French company register is open for status verification online.

Step-by-Step Company Registration in France

We guide you through a clear, compliant process aligned with French commercial and tax law. With transparent requirements and timelines, starting a business in France is simple for residents and foreigners alike.

  • Step 01

    Choosing the Company Structure

    We help choose the optimal type of company (SARL, SAS, SA, EURL, branch, or representative office) based on your goals and development plans. Most international clients choose SARL or SAS due to flexibility and minimal capital requirements. This stage takes 1–2 days.

  • Step 02

    Choosing the Registered Address

    We provide an address for company registration (physical or through a domiciliation service). This address is required for entry into the French register and for legal correspondence. This step takes 1–3 days.

  • Step 03

    Preparing and Translating Documents

    We prepare the company’s statutes in French, detailing the business activity, ownership structure, and management. We arrange notarization and translation (if necessary). This takes approximately 3–7 days.

  • Step 04

    Opening a French Bank Account and Depositing Capital

    We coordinate the opening of an account at a French bank. After the account is opened, the share capital is deposited (starting from 1 euro for most structures). The bank provides a certificate of the capital deposit, which is necessary for further registration. The process of opening the account takes 3–10 days (depending on the residency status of the owners).

  • Step 05

    Publishing the Legal Notice

    We organize the publication of a notice about the intent to create the company in a recognized French legal publication. This takes 1–2 working days.

  • Step 06

    Submitting Founding Documents to the Register (CFE/Infogreffe)

    We submit the full package of documents (statutes, address confirmation, bank certificate, ID of owners) to the Centre for Business Formalities (CFE) or via the online Infogreffe portal. The processing usually takes up to 5 working days.

  • Step 07

    Obtaining the Company Registration Number (SIREN)

    After approval, the company is officially registered. You will receive the SIREN (registration number), SIRET (location identifier), and APE code (activity code). These details are entered into the open French register.

  • Step 08

    VAT and Social Security Registration

    We assist in completing VAT and social security registration. VAT (TVA) is mandatory for most companies. Social security must be set up for directors and employees. This step takes 5–9 working days.

  • Step 09

    Obtaining Licenses and Permits (If Necessary)

    We advise on additional industry-specific licenses (e.g., for food, finance, real estate) to ensure full compliance before starting operations.

  • Step 10

    Setting Up Payroll and Ongoing Compliance

    We assist with setting up employment contracts, starting the payroll process, and managing accounting. Regular obligations include annual reporting, tax declarations, and audits, if required.

Throughout every step of the registration process, we guarantee transparency, efficiency, and full compliance with French regulations, regardless of the nationality or residence of the owners.

Company Type Overview in France

  • Company Type Min. Capital (€) Min. Participants Liability Management Audit Typical Use
    SARL 1 1 Limited Manager(s) If thresholds SMEs, family business
    SAS 1 1 Limited Flexible structure If thresholds Startups, flexible models
    SA 37,000 2/7 Limited Board of Directors Always Large, public companies
    EURL 1 1 Limited Owner No Sole proprietors
    SNC None 2 Unlimited Partners No Professional partnerships
    SCS None 2 Mixed General/Silent Partners No Passive investments
    Branch None Parent company – Parent company Parent Foreign expansion
    Representative None Parent company – Parent company N/A Non-trading functions
  • Tax/Incentive Rate/Condition Details
    Corporate Tax 16% Reduced rates for small businesses
    VAT 21% Reduced VAT rates for exports/services
    Free Zones 0% for first 6 years After, 7.5% tax, no tax on dividends/real estate
    Double Taxation Treaties 50+ countries Includes UK, USA, DE, CN, and others

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer to your question? Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
What Are the Main Types of Companies That Can Be Registered in France?

In France, various legal forms are available, including SARL (limited liability company), SAS (simplified joint-stock company), SA (public joint-stock company), EURL (sole proprietorship), and branches or representative offices. Each type is optimally suited to different business models and scales.

Who Can Register a Company in France?

Both residents and non-residents can register a company in France, including foreign individuals and legal entities. There are no nationality restrictions for directors or shareholders.

What is the Minimum Share Capital for Starting a Company in France?

The minimum share capital is very affordable: from 1 euro for SARL, SAS, and EURL. For SA (public joint-stock company), the minimum capital is €37,000. This makes company formation accessible for small businesses and startups.

What Documents Are Required for Company Registration in France?

Required documents include notarized statutes (in French), address confirmation in France, identification documents for all participants, capital deposit confirmation from a French bank, and, in some cases, power of attorney if registration is done by a representative.

How Long Does Company Registration in France Take?

If all documents are ready and requirements are met, company registration in France can be completed in about 4 working days. This makes France a fast and efficient option for starting a business.

How to Obtain the Company Registration Number (SIREN) in France?

After company registration, you will receive a unique SIREN number (9 digits) from the French register. It is your official registration number for all legal and business operations.

Is a Physical Office Required for Company Registration in France?

Yes, every company must have a registered address in France. This can be an office, coworking space, or a domiciliation address service.

We Are Always Available

Our team ensures your business setup is smooth, efficient, and compliant with local laws. Contact us today to discuss your project.

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