We Offer Strategic Legal Services
Change the Company Name of a EURL (French Sole-Shareholder Limited Liability Company)
Modify your company’s name smoothly and in full legal compliance with the assistance of our French corporate lawyers and paralegals.
We handle the entire process from preparing the shareholder decision to filing with the Commercial Court Registry and delivering the updated Kbis extract.
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What Does It Mean to Change the Name of a EURL ?
Changing the company name (“dénomination sociale”) of a EURL allows the business to rebrand or realign its corporate identity while maintaining its legal personality and continuity.
The EURL remains the same legal entity — only its trade name on official documents, contracts, and the Commercial Register changes.
This modification must follow strict legal steps to ensure validity, including a shareholder decision, updates to the bylaws, publication in a legal gazette, and registration with the Registry of Commerce and Companies (RCS).
Advantages
Preserves continuity: The EURL’s contracts, SIREN number, and tax status remain unchanged.
Rebranding freedom: Enables modernisation or repositioning in the market without reincorporation.
Administrative clarity: All official records reflect the new name once the registry update is complete.
Legal protection: Prevents any conflict with similar registered names through formal approval.
Simplified procedure: Only one shareholder’s decision is needed, reducing paperwork and timing.
Renaming your EURL gives your company a fresh public image while retaining its legal and financial history.
How to Change the Name of a EURL in France?
The procedure is straightforward when handled by experienced professionals.
Here’s how our team manages the entire process for you:
Collecting Required Information
We verify the current corporate details, confirm the new chosen name, and ensure it complies with French naming rules and availability on the INPI database.
Drafting the Legal Documents
Our lawyers prepare the sole-shareholder decision approving the change, amend the bylaws accordingly, and draft the notice of modification to be published.
Publication in a Legal Gazette
We arrange the mandatory announcement in a legal journal (journal d’annonces légales) to officially disclose the new company name.
Filing with the Registry
Our paralegals assemble and submit the full modification dossier to the Commercial Court Registry, including the shareholder resolution, updated bylaws, and proof of publication.
Delivery of the Updated Kbis
You receive the new Kbis extract showing your company’s updated legal name, together with certified copies of all filed documents.
Why Choose FrenchCo.lawyer ?
All our formalities are handled by registered French lawyers and trained corporate paralegals. We guarantee speed, accuracy, and compliance, ensuring your new company name is legally recognized and enforceable. You can focus on your business growth — we take care of the legal details.
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What We Need From You to to Change Your EURL’s Name ?
To complete the modification quickly, please provide the following:
Current Company Information
Your company’s existing legal name, registration number, and Kbis extract.
Proposed New Name
The desired company name (we can verify its availability and compliance).
Sole Shareholder’s Decision
Identification of the sole shareholder and signature authorizing the change.
Manager’s Details
Proof of identity and residence of the manager (“gérant”), if different from the shareholder.
Updated Registered Office Details
If the name change accompanies a move or re-domiciliation, the new address documents.
And Then?
Once these elements are received, our team handles the entire process: from drafting the legal decision and updated bylaws to filing with the Registry and obtaining your official new Kbis extract reflecting the company’s new name.
Change Your EURL Name – Simple Process, Clear Budget
Flat legal fee starting from €499 excl. taxes
Additional mandatory costs: publication in the legal gazette + registry filing fees
No hidden costs, no upsells — everything is transparent from the start.
Our promise:
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 Stand for Clarity and Expertise in Lawyer-Led Company Formation
Fast and accurate updates: From document drafting to Kbis amendment, we handle every step of your company name change efficiently.
Legally compliant documents: Each declaration and filing meets current French corporate and registry requirements.
Protective legal drafting: All resolutions and supporting documents are prepared to secure your company’s identity and ensure proper legal continuity.
High professional standards: reviewed by licensed French lawyers, guaranteeing precision, reliability, and accountability.
Let us manage your company’s legal formalities so you can focus on building your business under its new name.
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Understanding the Change of Company Name in EURL
Can a foreigner create and manage a company in France?
Yes. France allows both foreign individuals and foreign legal entities to establish and manage companies under French law. There is no nationality restriction on company ownership or management, provided the founder complies with basic registration and residency rules.
1. Founders living abroad
A foreign entrepreneur who does not live in France can fully own and manage a French company. The appointment as manager or president is filed with the Registre du commerce et des sociétés (RCS), and no residence permit is required if they operate from abroad.
2. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals
Citizens from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland may create and run companies in France freely. If they relocate to France, they must simply register with the mairie (town hall) within three months of arrival—no residence card required.
3. Non-EU nationals residing in France
Non-EU citizens intending to live and manage their company in France must hold a valid residence permit authorizing business activity, such as:
- The one-year “entrepreneur/profession libérale” card;
- The multi-year card (up to four years) after one year of lawful stay;
- The ten-year renewable resident card; or
- The “talent-entrepreneur” permit for certain innovative or investment projects.
Operating without proper residence authorization may expose the manager to fines, imprisonment, or a ban from French territory.
4. Bilateral and treaty exemptions
Special exemptions exist under treaties for nationals of countries such as Algeria, Monaco, and Andorra.
5. Registration with the RCS
Once residence and identity requirements are satisfied, incorporation formalities are completed with the RCS. The registry issues a Kbis extract, the official proof that the company legally exists.
What is the minimum capital required to create a company in France?
There is no statutory minimum capital for most French company types.
For instance, both SARL and SAS structures can be incorporated with as little as €1 in share capital.
However, under-capitalization carries practical and financial risks:
- Credibility: Partners, banks, and suppliers may hesitate to work with a company showing minimal capital.
- Financing: Lenders often demand personal guarantees when capital is too low.
- Legal risk: If losses reduce equity below 50 % of capital (Article L. 223-42 C. com.), shareholders must decide whether to recapitalize or dissolve.
- Manager liability: If no corrective action is taken, the manager can be held personally liable.
Cash contributions must be partially paid at incorporation (at least 20 %), with the balance due within five years. In-kind contributions require valuation and a notarial or statutory auditor’s report when significant.
In short: while €1 is legally acceptable, a realistic capital level strengthens credibility, stability, and access to financing.
Where can I set the registered office (siège social) of a French company?
The registered office determines the company’s jurisdiction, applicable law, and commercial registry. It must be declared upon incorporation and supported by proof of occupation.
Common options include:
- Owned or leased premises — supported by a property deed or lease agreement.
- Home address of the manager — allowed temporarily (up to 5 years) or permanently outside major cities, depending on co-ownership and lease terms.
- Domiciliation company — an approved service provider offering a professional address, mail handling, and compliance assistance.
- Parent company’s address — if a foreign group opens a French subsidiary or branch.
Failure to comply (expired domiciliation, breach of lease, or lack of proof) can lead to strike-off from the RCS.
Choosing the right siège social balances legal security, costs, and credibility before clients and banks.
What are the social security rules for company directors in France?
- The director’s social regime depends on the legal form and whether they are majority shareholders.
1. Self-employed regime (Travailleurs non-salariés – TNS)
Applies to:
- EURL managers (associé unique gérant), and
- Majority gérants of SARL.
They contribute to the independent workers’ system, covering health, maternity, pensions, and family allowances. Contributions are lower but benefits are more limited.
2. Assimilated-employee regime
Applies to:
- SAS and SASU presidents,
- Minority or non-shareholder managers of SARL.
These directors contribute to the general social security system, receiving benefits similar to employees (excluding unemployment). Contributions are higher, but protection is stronger.
3. Directors living abroad
Foreign-resident directors may remain under their home country’s social system (EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with an A1 certificate). Others are subject to French affiliation unless an international treaty provides otherwise.
What is the general process to create a company in France?
- Choose the legal form (EURL, SAS, SARL, etc.) based on your project.
- Define share capital and draft the bylaws (statuts).
- Deposit capital in a bank or notary account.
- Publish a legal notice in an approved gazette.
- File the dossier with the Commercial Court Registry (RCS).
- Receive the Kbis extract, confirming official registration.
All these steps can be completed within one to two weeks with proper preparation.
How does creating a company compare with operating as a sole proprietor?
The entrepreneur individuel (EI) status was reformed in 2022 to protect personal assets, but significant differences remain.
Aspect | Company (EURL/SASU) | Sole Proprietor (EI) |
Legal personality | Separate legal entity | No separate personality |
Liability | Limited to contributions | Personal assets protected only by “professional estate” |
Taxation | IS (default) or IR (option) | Always IR |
Social status | TNS (EURL) or assimilated employee (SASU) | Self-employed |
Financing | Easier to attract investors | Limited to personal funds |
Continuity | Company survives changes in ownership | Activity ends with entrepreneur |
In short:
Creating a company offers better protection, credibility, and growth potential than remaining a sole trader, even if administrative obligations are higher.
What are the main legal forms available to create a company in France?
Legal Form | Main Features | Best For |
EURL (single-member SARL) | Sole shareholder, limited liability, simple governance | Solo entrepreneurs and freelancers |
SARL | 2–100 shareholders, statutory framework, family-friendly | SMEs and family businesses |
SAS / SASU | Contractual flexibility, president as assimilated employee | Startups and investor-ready ventures |
SA | Heavy structure, minimum capital €37,000, board or council | Large companies, listed firms |
SNC | Partners have unlimited liability | Niche partnerships (professionals, small traders) |
The SAS is often preferred for its flexibility, while the SARL offers predictability and a clear legal framework.
EURL and SASU are optimal for single-owner setups.
How are companies taxed in France?
Most companies are subject to IS by default, including SAS, SASU, SARL, and EURL with a corporate shareholder.
- 15 % on the first €42,500 of profit (if turnover ≤ €10 million and fully paid-up capital).
- 25 % above that threshold.
Dividends distributed to shareholders are taxed again at their level (usually 30 % flat tax, unless opting for the progressive income tax scale).
2. Personal Income Tax (Impôt sur le revenu – IR)
Small businesses and single-member companies with individual shareholders (EURL, certain partnerships) may opt for IR.
Profits are taxed directly as the entrepreneur’s income under BIC, BNC, or BA categories.
3. Other business taxes
- VAT (TVA): Standard rate 20 %, with reduced rates for specific goods/services.
- CFE (Cotisation Foncière des Entreprises): Annual local tax based on premises.
- CVAE: Abolished in 2024.
- Registration duties: Apply in capital increases or asset transfers.
Summary:
Choosing between IS and IR depends on whether profits will be reinvested (IS) or withdrawn personally (IR).
Have a Question?
Contact our French Corporate Lawyers for an Initial Free Consultation about changing your EURL’s company name.
Set up Your French SARL
Let our French lawyers and paralegals handle the entire legal process — from drafting resolutions to updating your Kbis.
More About Changing a Company Name in an EURL in France
Can I change my EURL’s company name?
Yes. An EURL (French single-member limited liability company) can modify its registered name through a formal legal process. The change must be approved by the sole shareholder and reflected in updated company documents, filings, and public announcements.
What documents will I need?
You’ll need an amended copy of your Articles of Association, a decision of the sole shareholder, a notice for publication in a legal gazette, and supporting documents for the registry filing (such as your updated identification and Kbis extract). Our French qualified lawyers and paralegals prepare all required documents.
Do I need to publish the name change?
Yes. French law requires a public notice in an authorized Journal d’Annonces Légales (JAL) to make the name change legally effective and transparent.
How long does the process take?
Once all documents are signed, publication and registry updates typically take 5 to 10 business days, depending on the commercial court’s processing time.
Can I handle the process remotely?
Yes. All steps — including document preparation, signature, and filing — can be handled online through our team of French lawyers and paralegals.
What are the typical costs?
The total cost includes our legal service fee, plus mandatory publication and registry charges. We provide a fixed quote before starting — no hidden costs.
Do I need to update other records after the change?
Yes. After registration, you must update the new name on all legal and administrative materials — including invoices, contracts, and your company’s bank account.
Can I change my EURL name and legal form at the same time?
Yes, but both require separate resolutions and filings. Our lawyers can coordinate both changes if you’re planning a structural reorganization.
