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Open a Representation Bureau in France
Establish your French representation bureau with our corporate lawyers and paralegals who handle every step: drafting formal documentation, securing the host agreement, completing all filings with the French Trade and Companies Registry (RCS), and providing your official registration certificate.
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What is a Representation Bureau in France?
A representation bureau (bureau de représentation or liaison office) is the simplest form of a foreign company’s presence in France. It allows a foreign enterprise to maintain visibility, conduct market research, and promote its activities—without engaging in direct commercial transactions.
It’s an ideal structure for testing the French market before launching a subsidiary or branch, as it provides a legal identity for administrative, promotional, or liaison activities without generating taxable income in France.
Main Advantages :
No corporate tax exposure: A representation bureau is non-commercial and therefore not subject to French corporate tax or VAT.
Simplified registration: Minimal paperwork, no share capital, and no need for a separate legal entity.
Market access: Establish a physical presence to study local demand, meet partners, and prepare for future expansion.
Brand credibility: Display your company name and address in France, showing commitment to local clients.
Low compliance burden: No annual accounts filing or statutory audit required, provided no commercial activity is undertaken.
A representation bureau is the safest and most efficient first step for international groups wishing to explore or prepare the French market.
How to Open a Representation Bureau in France?
Our process is simple, secure, and fully compliant with French regulations.
Preliminary Assessment
We analyze your business goals, confirm eligibility for a representation bureau (non-commercial status), and prepare a compliant action plan.
Drafting and Legal Preparation
Our lawyers draft all required documents — including the representation agreement, the parent company certificate of incorporation, and the proof of address for the French office.
Address and Domiciliation Setup
We arrange the registered address (through a domiciliation contract, leased premises, or the manager’s address) to serve as your official liaison office location.
Filing with the Trade and Companies Registry (RCS)
We compile the full file and submit it to the relevant Commercial Court Registry for registration under the parent company’s name.
Delivery of Official Certificate
You receive your official notice of registration (attestation d’immatriculation au RCS) confirming that your foreign company now operates a representation bureau in France.
Why Choose FrenchCo.lawyer?
Our bilingual French lawyers and corporate paralegals specialize in assisting foreign businesses establish a compliant and recognized presence in France. We manage all filings with accuracy and speed, ensuring your representation bureau is legally recognized and fully operational — without the risk of tax requalification or administrative delay. We simplify French bureaucracy so you can focus on developing your market presence.
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What We Need From You to Open a Representation Bureau in France ?
To register your bureau quickly and correctly, please provide the following:
Parent Company Information
Certificate of incorporation (less than 3 months old), registered address, and corporate purpose.
Manager or Representative Details
Identity documents and proof of residence of the appointed local representative (may reside in France or abroad).
Proof of Address in France
Lease, domiciliation agreement, or occupancy certificate for the premises to be used as the liaison office.
Power of Attorney
Authorizing our firm to complete filings and communicate with French authorities on your behalf.
And Then?
Once we receive the above, our lawyers handle all steps — drafting, verification, submission to the registry, and follow-up with French authorities. Within a few days, your representation bureau is officially recognized, allowing you to represent your brand, recruit staff, or explore the market legally in France.
Open a Representation Bureau – Simple Process, Clear Budget
Flat legal fee starting from €899 excl. taxes
Additional mandatory costs: registration filing with the Trade and Companies Registry + domiciliation fees (if applicable).
No hidden costs, no intermediaries.
Our commitment:
No hidden “setup packages”
No intermediaries or agents
Only verified legal expertise
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Why Choose Us?
We Believe in Transparent, Lawyer-Led Business Establishment in France
Fast and reliable setup: From initial filing to bureau registration, we coordinate every administrative step seamlessly.
Legally compliant documents: All declarations and filings comply fully with French commercial and foreign business regulations.
Protective legal structure: We ensure your representation bureau operates safely within French law, without creating tax exposure.
High professional standards: Every stage is supervised by licensed French lawyers guaranteeing precision, compliance, and accountability.
Let us handle the legal setup of your representation bureau —
so you can focus on expanding your brand presence in France.
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Understanding the Opening of a Representation Bureau in France
Can a foreign company open a representation bureau in France?
Yes. Any foreign company—whether from the EU or outside—can freely establish a representation bureau (bureau de représentation) in France.
This structure allows the company to maintain a presence in France for market observation, networking, and brand representation, without carrying out direct commercial activities.
A representation bureau has no legal personality distinct from the parent company. It therefore acts on behalf of the foreign entity, under its full responsibility. No share capital is required, but the registration process with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS) must be completed to ensure compliance.
Does the representation bureau pay French taxes?
No, provided it strictly limits itself to non-commercial activities.
A representation bureau has no taxable profits in France since it does not engage in trade or billing.
However, it may still be subject to:
- CFE (Cotisation Foncière des Entreprises) — a local business property tax, depending on the premises used;
- Employer social contributions, if staff are hired locally;
- VAT on certain purchases (if not recoverable).
Once the bureau performs sales or commercial transactions, the French tax authorities (DGFiP) may requalify it as a permanent establishment, making it liable for corporate tax (IS) and VAT.
Maintaining a clear, documented separation of activities is therefore essential.
Where can a representation bureau be located in France?
Several options are available depending on your needs and budget:
- Professional premises:
Rent an office or coworking space, providing a lease agreement for registration. - Domiciliation company:
Use an authorized domiciliation provider, approved by the prefecture, offering a prestigious address and mail-handling service. - Parent company’s French premises (if any):
If your group already operates another French entity, you may host the bureau there. - Representative’s home:
Possible for temporary registration (up to 5 years) if the property and lease allow professional domiciliation.
⚠️ Note: Improper domiciliation may cause refusal of registration or strike-off from the RCS, so the chosen address must comply with French legal standards.
Can a representation bureau hire employees in France?
Yes, but under strict conditions.
The bureau may hire local employees to carry out administrative, promotional, or support tasks—not sales.
The employment relationship must be governed by French labour law, including:- Employment contracts compliant with French law,
- Registration with URSSAF (social contributions authority), and
- Payment of French payroll taxes and social security contributions.
Hiring employees does not change the bureau’s non-commercial nature, provided the staff work only in liaison or support capacities.
- Employment contracts compliant with French law,
Can a representation bureau in France conduct commercial activities?
No, a representation bureau (bureau de représentation) cannot engage in commercial or profit-making activities in France. It serves only as a liaison office — to promote, communicate, or conduct market research on behalf of the parent company. If you plan to trade, invoice, or hire staff locally, a branch or subsidiary would be the correct structure instead.
What activities are permitted for a representation bureau?
A representation bureau can promote, inform, or liaise, but cannot sell or invoice.
Permitted activities include:
- Marketing and public relations campaigns;
- Market research and local studies;
- Coordination with French suppliers or clients;
- Administrative assistance or recruitment for the parent company.
Prohibited activities include:
- Signing commercial contracts in France;
- Generating revenue from local operations;
- Invoicing French clients;
- Storing or delivering goods for sale.
If the office starts trading or generating revenue, it must convert to a branch (succursale) or subsidiary (SARL/SAS) to remain compliant with French tax law.
Who can represent a foreign company in France?
The parent company must appoint a legal representative (représentant légal) or local agent responsible for the bureau’s operations.
This representative may be:
- A French national or foreign resident,
- An employee or director of the parent company, or
- An external professional representative.
If the representative resides outside France, no residence permit is required.
If they plan to live in France, residence formalities differ:
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: simple registration at the local mairie within 3 months.
- Non-EU nationals: must hold a valid residence permit (e.g., entrepreneur/profession libérale card or talent passport).
In all cases, the representative’s appointment must be registered with the RCS, ensuring the bureau’s legal traceability.
What are the registration steps for a representation bureau?
The opening process involves several legal and administrative stages:
- Preparation of documentation:
Parent company’s certificate of incorporation, proof of legal existence, articles of association, and identity of the representative. - Proof of address:
Lease, domiciliation contract, or proof of ownership. - Declaration to the RCS:
Submission of a form (M0-type) identifying the bureau’s address, purpose, and representative. - Filing with the Commercial Court Registry:
The Registry issues an attestation d’immatriculation confirming the bureau’s registration in France.
Timeframe: usually 7–10 business days once all documents are complete.
When should a representation bureau become a branch or subsidiary?
Conversion becomes necessary when the bureau begins commercial activity in France—e.g., signing contracts, invoicing, or managing local clients.
At that stage, the foreign company must choose between:
- Branch (succursale): No separate legal entity; taxed on French profits; simpler structure.
- Subsidiary (SARL or SAS): Independent French company; limited liability; subject to full corporate and accounting obligations.
The transition can be made smoothly, using the bureau’s existing infrastructure as a foundation.
Do I need to register my representation bureau with the French authorities?
Yes. Even though a representation bureau has no independent legal personality, it must still be declared to the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) or the INPI. This registration ensures that your presence in France is legally recognized and compliant with French business and immigration regulations.
Open Your French Representation Bureau
Let our French lawyers & paralegals manage every legal and registration step for your liaison office.
More About Opening a Representation Bureau in France
Do I need to register a representation bureau in France?
Yes. Registration with the INPI or CFE is required to make your bureau legally recognized as a non-trading extension of your foreign company.
What documents will I need?
You’ll need your parent company’s incorporation documents, proof of address in France, and an appointment letter for the local representative.
Can it perform sales or invoicing?
No. A representation bureau is strictly non-commercial — it cannot issue invoices, sign contracts, or generate revenue in France.
How long does the setup take?
Generally between 1–2 weeks, depending on the completeness of your documentation and verification steps.
Can I establish the bureau remotely?
Yes. All procedures, including filing and document certification, can be completed online with lawyer assistance.
What are the setup costs?
- Legal setup typically involves only advisory and registration fees — much lower than for branches or subsidiaries.
Is UBO declaration required?
No, since the bureau has no share capital or separate ownership, no UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) declaration applies.
Can I upgrade later to a branch or subsidiary?
Yes. You can later convert your representation bureau into a branch (succursale) or a subsidiary (filiale) once commercial activity is planned.
