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Open Your Capital Deposit Account in France Without Delay
Before a French company can be formally registered, its founding shareholders are required by law to deposit their share capital contributions into a blocked account held in the company’s name. This deposit is a mandatory legal prerequisite — without it, the incorporation dossier cannot be filed with the Greffe du Tribunal de commerce and the company cannot obtain its Kbis. Our registered Paris Bar lawyers manage the entire capital deposit process on your behalf, coordinating with the relevant institution and ensuring your incorporation proceeds without interruption.
What is a Capital Deposit Account in France?
A capital deposit account (compte de dépôt du capital social) is a blocked bank account opened in the name of a company in the process of being incorporated. French law requires the founding shareholders to deposit their cash capital contributions into this account before the company’s incorporation dossier can be submitted to the Greffe du Tribunal de commerce.
The funds held in the account are legally blocked and cannot be accessed by the company’s management until the Kbis — the official certificate of registration — has been issued and presented to the institution holding the deposit. Once released, the capital becomes available to the company as working capital to fund its initial operations.
The capital deposit requirement applies to all French company types incorporating with a cash capital contribution, including SARL, EURL, SAS, SASU, and SA. The minimum amount to be deposited at the time of incorporation varies by entity type and is determined by French company law.
Main Advantages
Legal compliance from the outset: Depositing share capital in a properly constituted blocked account satisfies the mandatory legal prerequisite for incorporation and ensures your dossier is accepted by the greffe without objection.
Shareholder protection: The blocked account mechanism protects founding shareholders by ensuring that capital contributions cannot be accessed or spent until the company is formally constituted and legally responsible for its own obligations.
Banking relationship established early: Opening a capital deposit account initiates a relationship with a French banking institution at the earliest stage of the company's existence, simplifying the subsequent opening of an operational business account.
Full legal certainty: A capital deposit certificate (attestation de dépôt des fonds) issued by the holding institution confirms that the required capital has been received and is held in compliance with French law — a document that is both mandatory for registration and reassuring to future investors and counterparties.
Smooth incorporation timeline: Coordinating the capital deposit correctly and promptly is one of the most common sources of delay in French incorporations. Our team manages this step proactively to ensure your five-day incorporation timeline is maintained.
A capital deposit handled correctly from the outset ensures your French company is incorporated on time, fully compliant with the law, and ready to operate from the moment your Kbis is issued.
How to Open a Capital Deposit Account in France?
Opening a capital deposit account in France is a defined legal and banking procedure that must be completed before your incorporation dossier can be filed. Our lawyers manage every step to ensure the process is completed correctly and without delay.
Legal Structure Confirmation
Before the capital deposit account can be opened, the proposed company structure — entity type, share capital amount, number of shareholders, and capital split — must be confirmed. Our lawyers finalise these parameters with you during the initial consultation and prepare the required corporate documentation.
Shareholder Identity Verification
The institution holding the deposit requires full identity documentation for each founding shareholder — passport or national identity card, proof of address, and, for corporate shareholders, corporate registration documents. We collect and verify all required documents on your behalf before submission.
Account Opening Application
We submit the capital deposit account opening application to the relevant institution — a French bank, notary, or the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations — together with all required supporting documentation. We manage all correspondence with the institution throughout the process.
Capital Deposit by Shareholders
Each founding shareholder transfers their capital contribution — in the amount and proportion set out in the draft articles of association — to the blocked account. We provide each shareholder with precise wire transfer instructions and confirm receipt of all contributions.
Certificate of Deposit Issued
Once all capital contributions have been received, the holding institution issues the attestation de dépôt des fonds — the capital deposit certificate. This document confirms that the required share capital has been deposited and is held in compliance with French law. It is a mandatory component of the incorporation dossier.
Capital Released Upon Kbis Delivery
Following registration of the company and issuance of the Kbis, we present the registration certificate to the holding institution. The blocked capital is immediately released and made available to the company as operational working capital.
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What We Need From You to Open Your Capital Deposit Account?
To open your capital deposit account and proceed with incorporation without delay, we will require the following from each founding shareholder and, where applicable, the company itself.
Shareholder Identity Documents
A valid passport or national identity card for each individual founding shareholder. For corporate shareholders, a current certificate of incorporation or equivalent registration document from the relevant authority in their jurisdiction.
Proof of Address
A recent utility bill, bank statement, or official document confirming the residential or registered address of each founding shareholder — dated within the last three months.
Capital Structure Confirmation
The agreed share capital amount, the number of shares to be issued, and the precise contribution of each shareholder — expressed both as a monetary amount and as a percentage of total capital.
Draft Articles of Association
A draft or confirmed version of the company's articles of association reflecting the agreed capital structure. Our lawyers prepare this document as part of the incorporation mandate.
Source of Funds Declaration
Some institutions require a declaration confirming the legitimate origin of the funds being deposited as share capital. We advise on this requirement on a case-by-case basis and assist with the preparation of the relevant documentation where needed.
And Then?
Once we have received these documents, our legal team manages the entire capital deposit process — from account opening application to certificate collection — and integrates it seamlessly into your five-day incorporation timeline. You receive your attestation de dépôt des fonds and your Kbis without having to manage a single administrative step yourself.
Capital Deposit Account in France — Simple Process, Clear Budget
Capital deposit account coordination is included within our fixed-fee company incorporation mandate — no separate billing for this step
Third-party costs — banking fees, notarial fees where applicable — invoiced at cost, line by line, with no mark-up
No hidden charges. Transparent process. Full legal coordination included from document collection to certificate delivery.
Our commitment:
No surprise fees
No intermediaries
Only qualified lawyers
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Why Choose Us?
We Deliver Transparent, Lawyer-Led Accounting & Tax Support
Integrated expertise: Our lawyers and accountants work together to ensure your records and filings meet French GAAP and legal standards.
Accurate and compliant: We manage your accounts, VAT, and tax declarations with precision and reliability.
Tailored advice: Get clear guidance on tax optimization, remuneration, and business structure.
Bilingual support: Communicate easily in English or French, with responsive and professional service.
Let us handle your accounting and tax compliance — so you can focus on growing your business.
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Understanding Capital Deposit Accounts in France
Where can a capital deposit account be opened in France?
A capital deposit account may be opened with a French bank, a notary (notaire), or the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations. The most common route for business incorporations is a French bank, though the choice depends on the entity type, the nationality of the shareholders, and the timeline of the incorporation. Foreign shareholders who do not yet have a French banking relationship may face additional compliance requirements from certain institutions. Our lawyers advise on the most appropriate and accessible option for your specific shareholder profile and coordinate the opening process accordingly.
What happens if a shareholder fails to deposit their capital contribution?
If one or more founding shareholders fail to transfer their capital contribution to the blocked account within the agreed timeframe, the incorporation process cannot proceed. The incomplete deposit means the attestation de dépôt des fonds cannot be issued, and the dossier cannot be filed with the greffe. In addition, failure to pay up subscribed capital within the timeframe set by the articles of association constitutes a breach of the shareholder’s obligations and may expose them to a claim by the company and the other shareholders. We provide each shareholder with clear wire transfer instructions and confirm receipt of all contributions before proceeding to the next stage.
What is the attestation de dépôt des fonds and why is it essential?
The attestation de dépôt des fonds is the official certificate issued by the holding institution — bank, notary, or Caisse des Dépôts — confirming that the required share capital has been received and is being held in a blocked account in the company’s name. It is a mandatory document in the French incorporation dossier and must be submitted to the greffe alongside the signed articles of association, the legal notice publication certificate, and all other required formation documents. Without it, the greffe will refuse to register the company. We collect this certificate directly from the institution and integrate it into your dossier without delay.
How much capital must be deposited before incorporation?
The minimum capital requirement varies by entity type. For a SARL or EURL, the legal minimum share capital is €1, though we advise on an appropriate capital level for banking and commercial purposes. For a SAS or SASU, there is equally no regulatory minimum. However, regardless of the total share capital agreed, French law requires that at least one fifth of cash contributions be deposited prior to incorporation for SARL and EURL structures, with the balance payable within five years. For SAS and SASU, the articles of association determine the proportion payable at incorporation. Our lawyers confirm the applicable requirements for your chosen structure during the initial consultation.
Can a non-resident or foreign shareholder deposit capital into a French account?
Yes. Non-resident and foreign shareholders can deposit capital contributions into a French capital deposit account via international wire transfer. The holding institution will require identity verification and, in certain cases, a source of funds declaration before accepting the transfer. Some French banks impose additional compliance requirements on shareholders from certain jurisdictions. Our lawyers anticipate these requirements and advise shareholders on the documentation needed to satisfy them, ensuring the deposit is completed without unnecessary delay.
How long does it take to open a capital deposit account?
Timeline overview:
| Stage | Duration |
| Document collection & verification | 1–2 days |
| Account opening application submitted | Day 2–3 |
| Institution processing & account activation | 1–3 days |
| Capital transfer by shareholders | 1–2 days |
| Certificate of deposit issued | Within 24–48 hours of receipt |
When coordinated proactively as part of our incorporation mandate, the capital deposit process is completed within two to three business days — fully compatible with our five-day incorporation timeline.
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More About Capital Deposit Accounts in France
Who is responsible for opening the capital deposit account?
The responsibility for opening the capital deposit account rests with the founders of the company — typically through their legal representative or the firm managing the incorporation. In practice, our lawyers open and manage the account on your behalf as part of the incorporation mandate, coordinating directly with the chosen institution and managing all correspondence, documentation, and follow-up until the certificate is issued.
Can the capital deposit account be opened at any French bank?
Not all French banks offer capital deposit accounts, and those that do apply varying identity verification and compliance requirements — particularly for non-resident shareholders. Our lawyers work with institutions that are reliable, efficient, and familiar with the documentation profiles of international founders, ensuring the account is opened and operational within the timeframe required for a five-day incorporation.
Is the capital deposit account the same as a business current account?
No. The capital deposit account is a temporary blocked account opened exclusively for the purpose of receiving share capital contributions prior to incorporation. It cannot be used for any business transactions. Once the Kbis is presented to the holding institution, the blocked funds are released and become available as operational capital. At that point, a separate business current account is required for the company’s day-to-day banking. We assist with the opening of an operational French business account as part of our bank account opening service.
What happens to the capital if the incorporation is abandoned?
If the incorporation process is abandoned before the company is registered — for example, due to a change in the founders’ plans or a rejection of the dossier by the greffe — the deposited capital is returned in full to each shareholder in the proportion in which it was contributed. The holding institution releases the funds upon presentation of evidence that the incorporation will not proceed. Our lawyers manage this process and ensure that all shareholder contributions are returned promptly and in full.
Can capital be contributed in kind rather than in cash?
Yes. French law permits capital contributions to be made in kind (apports en nature) — for example, in the form of equipment, intellectual property, or real estate — rather than in cash. In-kind contributions do not pass through the capital deposit account but must be independently valued by a commissaire aux apports appointed by the court. Where both cash and in-kind contributions are made, the cash element is deposited in the blocked account in the usual manner. Our lawyers advise on the valuation and documentation requirements for in-kind contributions at the outset of the mandate.
Can the capital deposit process be completed entirely remotely?
Yes. The entire capital deposit process is managed remotely under our mandate. Shareholder identity documents are collected and verified electronically. Account opening applications are submitted directly by our lawyers. Capital transfers are made by shareholders via international wire transfer. The attestation de dépôt des fonds is collected and integrated into the digital incorporation dossier. No physical presence in France is required from any shareholder at any stage of the process.
Is a minimum share capital amount advisable even when the legal minimum is €1?
Yes. While the legal minimum share capital for a SARL, EURL, SAS, or SASU is €1, incorporating with a nominal capital amount carries practical disadvantages. French banks routinely assess the capitalisation of a company during business account onboarding and may decline or restrict accounts for under-capitalised entities. Suppliers, clients, and commercial counterparties also view share capital as an indicator of financial seriousness. Our lawyers advise on an appropriate capital level for your specific activity and commercial profile during the initial consultation.
What if the greffe rejects the incorporation dossier after the capital has been deposited?
If the greffe issues a rejection notice (refus d’immatriculation) identifying a deficiency in the dossier, the capital deposit account remains blocked and the funds are not released until the issue is resolved. We respond to any greffe observations immediately, correct the identified deficiency, and resubmit the dossier without delay. In the rare case that the incorporation cannot proceed at all, the blocked capital is returned to the shareholders in full as described above.
