We Offer Strategic Legal Services
Create a Company in France
Start your business in France with our team of French corporate lawyers and paralegals. We handle everything — from drafting your company’s statutes to filing with the Commercial Registry and securing your official Kbis extract. Whether you choose to form a SAS, SASU, SARL, EURL, SCI or other, our professionals ensure your company is created quickly, lawfully, and efficiently.
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What Does It Mean to Create a Company in France?
In France, forming a company means creating a legal entity distinct from its founder(s), capable of owning assets, entering contracts, hiring employees, and conducting business. Depending on your project, you can choose between different structures — SAS, SASU, SARL, EURL or SCI — each offering its own advantages in terms of flexibility, liability, and governance. Other more complex company forms also exist.
Main Advantages of Incorporating in France:
Limited Liability: Protect your personal assets — your risk is limited to the amount of your contribution.
Credibility and Recognition: A French registered company inspires trust among banks, suppliers, and partners
Access to Funding: Grants, loans, and investment programs are available only to registered legal entities.
Flexible Governance: Choose the company type that matches your management style — from solo entrepreneurship to multi-partner ventures.
Structured Growth: Your company can evolve easily by adding new shareholders, adjusting capital, or changing its legal form.
Creating a French company ensures legal protection, professional recognition, and the ability to scale within a stable European business environment.
How to Create a Company in France?
Setting up a company in France doesn’t need to be complex.
With FrenchCo.lawyer, the process is fast, secure, and fully compliant with French corporate law.
Here’s how we guide you through each stage:
Collecting Core Information
We gather all essential details: company name, business purpose, registered address (lease, domiciliation, or ownership proof), shareholder identity, and share capital. Every document is reviewed for legal accuracy before proceeding.
Drafting Tailored Legal Documents
Our lawyers draft your articles of association, manager or president appointment act, beneficial ownership declaration, and the mandatory legal notice for publication.
Managing the Share Capital
We help you open a dedicated account for capital deposits, assist with cash or in-kind contributions, and obtain the bank or notary certificate confirming the funds release.
Filing with the Trade Registry
We assemble and file the full incorporation package with the Commercial Court Registry, ensuring that all required forms, certificates, and declarations are complete and compliant.
Obtaining the Kbis Extract
Once registered, we provide your Kbis extract, the official proof of your company’s legal existence, along with certified copies of your incorporation documents.
With FrenchCo.Lawyer
Every step of the process is managed directly by qualified lawyers, ensuring speed, precision, and full compliance with French legal standards. This allows you to concentrate on developing your business, knowing that your French Company has been lawfully incorporated and is ready to begin operations.
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What We Need From You to Create Your Company in France ?
To form your company smoothly, we will ask you to provide:
Company Details
The desired name, registered address, and corporate purpose of your business.
Shareholders’ Information
Identity documents, proof of address, and ownership details for each shareholder.
Management Information
Details of the company’s manager or president, including ID, proof of residence, and — if applicable — information on foreign residence.
Share Capital Contributions
Information on cash deposits or in-kind contributions, along with any required valuation reports or deposit certificates.
And Then?
Once we have these details, our lawyers handle everything: drafting, registration, and filing until your company is fully incorporated and operational — with its Kbis and all official documents delivered.
Create a Company in France – Simple Process, Clear Budget
Flat legal fee starting from €999 excl. taxes* (includes full legal drafting, filings, and registration follow-up)
Additional mandatory costs: publication in the official gazette and registry fees
No hidden extras, no unexpected charges
Our commitment:
No upselling or unnecessary “packages”
No reseller intermediaries
Only genuine legal work carried out by qualified professionals
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Why Choose Us?
We Believe in Transparent, Lawyer-Led Company Creation
Fast and reliable registration: From preparation to Kbis delivery, we manage all steps efficiently.
Legally compliant documents: Every act and declaration meets current French regulatory standards.
Protective legal drafting: Your documents are designed to secure both your rights and your company’s long-term stability.
High professional standards: All work is overseen by licensed French lawyers, ensuring quality and accountability.
Let us take care of your company’s legal foundation —
so you can focus on growing your business in France.
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Understanding the Creation of a Company in France - Q&A
Can a foreigner create and manage a company in France?
Yes. Foreign individuals and legal entities can freely incorporate a French company (e.g., SAS, SASU, SARL, EURL, SCI), hold 100% of the shares, and be appointed as the company’s officer (e.g., Président of an SAS/SASU or Gérant of a SARL/EURL).
The compliance path depends on nationality and whether the manager intends to live in France.
Managers living abroad
If the officer will not reside in France, no residence permit is required. Their appointment can be filed directly with the Registre du commerce et des sociétés (RCS). This applies to both EU and non-EU nationals.
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals living in France
No visa is needed to manage a French company. If relocating, a simple town-hall registration may be required within three months of arrival.
Non-EU residents relocating to France
A valid residence permit is necessary (e.g., “entrepreneur/profession libérale” card for 1 year, then multi-year cards up to 4 years; long-term 10-year card after 5 years’ lawful residence; Talent permits in specific cases). Managing without the appropriate status may expose the individual to criminal sanctions and exclusion from French territory.
Special bilateral regimes
Some nationalities (e.g., Algeria, Andorra, Monaco) benefit from treaty-based arrangements.
RCS registration
Regardless of nationality, once any residence requirements are satisfied (or inapplicable), the officer’s appointment is registered with the RCS, which checks compliance before the company is officially recognized.
Where can I set the registered office (siège social)?
You may choose:
- Owned or rented premises (provide deed or commercial lease).
- Manager’s home: often allowed (subject to lease/condominium rules and local restrictions). Temporary domiciliation at home is commonly possible for up to 5 years when permanent use is limited.
- Domiciliation company: a prefecture-approved provider offers a professional address and mail handling—popular for prestige and flexibility.
- Parent company’s premises (for subsidiaries), provided one entity has legitimate use of the space.
Risks if non-compliant: missed renewal of temporary domiciliation (risk of RCS strike-off), lease breaches (possible termination), and fines for non-compliant providers.
What Registration Duties Apply to Contributions Made to a French SARL?
Registration duties depends on the type of contribution, the nature of the assets involved, and whether the SARL is taxed under corporate tax (IS) or under the partnership regime (income tax, IR):
1. Types of Contributions: Pure and Simple vs. For Consideration
Pure and simple contributions: The partner contributes assets (cash, equipment, goodwill, real estate, etc.) in exchange only for shares in the SARL. No other compensation is received.
For consideration (“à titre onéreux”) contributions: The SARL not only issues shares but also assumes liabilities or pays money to the contributor. In this case, the tax rules treat the operation partly as a transfer for consideration.
Mixed contributions: A contribution can be partly pure and simple, and partly for consideration (for example, when the company issues shares but also assumes part of the contributor’s debts).
What are the steps to create a company in France?
- Scoping & documents: name, purpose, registered office, shareholder IDs, management info, share capital.
- Drafting: articles of association, officer appointment, beneficial-ownership declaration, and legal notice.
- Capital deposit: open a capital account, deposit funds or value in-kind contributions; obtain a bank/notary certificate.
- Filing: submit the dossier to the Commercial Court Registry (RCS) and complete forms.
Kbis: receive the Kbis extract (official certificate of existence) and certified copies of incorporation documents.
SASU vs EURL — which solo form should I choose?
Governance
SASU: very flexible; bylaws can tailor decision-making and investor onboarding.
EURL: codified framework (SARL logic) — predictable and secure for traditional activities.
Social status
SASU President: assimilé-salarié (higher contributions, broader protection).
EURL sole-associate gérant: TNS (lower contributions, leaner protection).
Tax
SASU: IS by default; IR only temporary under strict conditions.
EURL: If the shareholder is an individual, choice between IR (default) or IS.
Evolution & investors
SASU: Designed to open to investors and scale quickly.
EURL: Can convert to SARL/SAS but requires formal changes.
Rule of thumb: SASU for flexibility and fundraising; EURL for predictability and contribution savings.
What types of companies can I create in France?
The most common are:
- SAS / SASU (simplified joint-stock company / single-shareholder variant): highly flexible governance, investor-friendly.
- SARL / EURL (limited liability company / single-shareholder variant): predictable framework, appreciated by banks and traditional businesses.
- SCI (real-estate holding): designed for property management; not for commercial trading.
Less common: SA, SNC, SCA—used for specific projects or regulatory contexts.
Your choice hinges on governance flexibility, social security positioning of the manager, fundraising prospects, and tax planning.
What is the minimum share capital?
For SAS/SASU and SARL/EURL, the capital can be set freely in the bylaws (as low as €1).
However:
- Credibility: Under-capitalization can trigger personal guarantees from banks and suppliers.
- Financial health signals: If equity falls below half of the share capital, partners must decide on recapitalization or dissolution (C. com. art. L. 223-42 for SARL/EURL; similar corporate-law logic applies in practice to other forms).
- Payment schedule: For cash, an initial portion is paid at incorporation (commonly 20% for SARL/EURL and 50% for SAS/SASU in practice), with the balance within 5 years.
- Tax effects: Certain tax advantages may depend on fully paid-up capital.
Bottom line: €1 is lawful, but a realistic capital reassures partners and smooths financing.
How are French companies taxed (IS vs IR) and what about VAT/CFE?
Corporate Income Tax (IS).
- Many companies (e.g., SAS/SASU, SARL with a corporate shareholder) are by default under IS.
- Reduced IS rate may apply on a first profit slice if conditions are met (e.g., fully paid-up capital, turnover thresholds, shareholder conditions). Above that slice, the standard IS rate applies.
- Dividends distributed to individuals are generally taxed at the 30% flat tax (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions), unless the progressive scale option is chosen.
Personal Income Tax (IR).
- Companies with an individual as sole shareholder (e.g., EURL, SASU in limited cases) may be under IR by default or election (the rules differ by form and may be time-limited for SASU).
- Profits are taxed directly in the shareholder’s hands under BIC/BNC/BA depending on activity, at progressive IR rates.
Social security is separate from IS/IR (see Q7).
Other taxes
- VAT (TVA): collectable at 20% (standard) or reduced rates (10%, 5.5%, 2.1%) depending on goods/services, unless the small-business exemption applies.
- CFE: annual local business tax tied to premises/location.
- Registration duties: may arise in in-kind contributions, share transfers, or capital changes.
Practical tip: IS can suit reinvestment strategies; IR can suit modest profits taken out personally.
What are the social security contributions for company officers?
It depends on legal form and shareholding:
- SAS/SASU President → Assimilé-salarié (employee-like) coverage under the general regime (no unemployment insurance unless a real employment contract exists). Contributions are higher, coverage is broader.
- SARL/EURL majority Gérant (including the sole-shareholder manager) → TNS (self-employed) scheme. Contributions are lower on average, coverage thinner than assimilé-salarié.
- Non-shareholder Gérant of SARL/EURL → generally assimilé-salarié.
- Managers living outside France → affiliation relies on residence and treaties. EU/EEA/Swiss residents may keep home-state coverage with an A1 certificate; otherwise French affiliation rules apply. Non-EU residents often fall under French TNS (for majority gérants) or assimilé-salarié (for non-shareholder gérants), subject to treaties.
Key rule: a majority gérant cannot cumulate a corporate mandate with an employment contract in the same company for the same functions.
SARL/SAS vs Sole Proprietorship — how do they compare?
Legal personality: Companies (SARL/SAS) are separate legal persons; the sole proprietorship is not.
Liability: Companies limit liability to contributions (banks may still ask guarantees). Sole proprietorship is tied to the individual, despite the newer “professional estate” shield.
Financing & continuity: Companies survive ownership changes; shares can be transferred; easier to attract funding. Sole proprietorship is personal and ends with the entrepreneur (absent transfers).
Tax & social: Companies allow IS vs IR options (depending on form) and choice of officer status; sole proprietorship is always IR and self-employed.
Set up Your French Company
Let our French lawyers & paralegals handle the process for you.
More About Incorporating a French Company
Can legal entities be shareholders?
Yes. French companies can be wholly or partly owned by other companies (French or foreign).
This is common for subsidiaries and group structuring because it provides clear control, tax planning options under IS, and full legal separation with its own Kbis, bank account, and liabilities.
What documents will I need?
Typically:
- Shareholder IDs and proof of address
- Registered office proof (lease, deed, or domiciliation contract)
- Officer ID and proof of residence (special attention if non-resident)
- Capital deposit evidence (bank/notary certificate; valuation for in-kind)
- Beneficial ownership information
- Draft articles and legal notice
Our French registered lawyers prepare all required legal documents.
Do I need statutory auditor?
Most SAS/SARL do not require an auditor at creation. Appointment becomes mandatory if thresholds (size/turnover/balance sheet, or group criteria) are exceeded or specific legal events occur. Many SMEs incorporate without one and appoint later if needed.
How long does incorporation take?
Once documents are ready and capital is deposited, drafting + filing are typically handled quickly, and the Kbis is issued after the RCS verifies the file. Actual timing depends on bank/notary lead-times for capital certificates and registry workload.
Can I incorporate remotely?
Yes. With proper KYC and e-signing, we can draft, file, and obtain your Kbis without your physical presence. Capital can be deposited via a remote bank/notary process; originals and certified copies are couriered as needed.
What are the typical costs?
- Legal fees (drafting, advice, filings and follow-up)
- Mandatory disbursements (legal-notice publication + registry fees)
- Optional: domiciliation, translation, notarization, apostilles, valuation reports for in-kind.
We work on transparent flat fees tailored to your situation (no hidden packages or upsells).
What about beneficial ownership (UBO) and compliance?
All French companies must declare their beneficial owner(s) to the dedicated register. Expect KYC/AML checks by banks and agents; keep IDs, proofs of address, and source-of-funds documents ready to avoid delays.
Can I change legal form later?
Yes. Conversions (e.g., SASU → SAS, EURL → SARL or SAS) are common to accommodate growth, fundraising, or governance changes. This requires formal legal steps (bylaw amendments, filings, possibly auditors in some cases).
