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Change Company Name in a SAS (French Simplified Joint-Stock Company)
Change the name of your SAS with the help of our French corporate lawyers and paralegals. We manage every step of the process — drafting the necessary corporate resolutions, amending the bylaws, publishing the legal notice, and filing with the Commercial Court Registry — until you receive your updated Kbis extract showing the new company name.
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What is a Change of Company Name in a SAS?
Changing the name (dénomination sociale) of a SAS involves officially updating the company’s identity in its constitutional documents and in the French Trade and Companies Register (RCS).
This modification can reflect a change in business direction, a rebranding effort, or a simplification of your corporate image. Whatever the reason, the change must comply with French corporate law and be registered to have legal effect.
A new company name only becomes official once it is filed with the Registry and appears on the company’s updated Kbis extract.
Advantages:
Strategic rebranding: Refresh your company’s image and align it with new business goals or markets.
Continuity preserved: The company keeps the same legal personality, assets, and liabilities.
Immediate visibility: The new name appears in all official databases (RCS, INPI, tax administration, etc.) once registered.
Simplified legal process: Only a decision of the shareholders (or president, depending on the bylaws) and an update of the bylaws are required.
Professional compliance: Our lawyers ensure all filings, publications, and documents meet statutory requirements.
Changing your SAS name is straightforward — provided the procedure is correctly executed and documented under French company law.
How to Change the Name of a SAS in France?
Changing your company’s name requires both a corporate decision and administrative formalities. Here’s how FrenchCo.lawyer assists you step by step:
Collecting Key Information
We gather the current company details (corporate name, registration number, registered office, president’s ID) and confirm the new proposed name. A preliminary name availability check is done to avoid conflicts or refusals.
Drafting Corporate Resolutions and Amended Bylaws
Our lawyers prepare the special resolution approving the name change, update the bylaws accordingly, and ensure compliance with your company’s articles of association.
Preparing the Legal Announcement
We draft and publish the mandatory notice in an authorized legal gazette (journal d’annonces légales) within the jurisdiction of the company’s registered office.
Filing the Amendment with the Commercial Court Registry
Our team compiles and files the modification dossier (shareholders’ resolution, updated bylaws, gazette proof, and registry forms) with the Greffe du Tribunal de commerce.
Delivery of the Updated Kbis Extract
Once the filing is approved, we provide your new Kbis extract showing the updated company name — your official proof of the legal change.
Why Choose FrenchCo.lawyer?
Our legal services are handled exclusively by registered French lawyers, supported by experienced paralegals. We ensure that your company’s name change is completed swiftly, accurately, and fully compliant with French law. You stay focused on your business; we handle the law and paperwork.
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What We Need From You to a Change Your SAS Company Name ?
To complete your company name change quickly and securely, please provide:
Company Identification
Current name, SIREN number, and registered office address.
New Company Name
Identity documents, proof of address, and ownership details for each shareholder.
President’s Identity
Copy of the president’s ID and proof of residence.
Updated Bylaws Authorization
Confirmation of the decision process (shareholder resolution or president’s decision, depending on bylaws).
Legal Publication Proof
We handle publication but need your approval for the final announcement text.
And Then?
Once we receive the necessary documents and confirmations, our lawyers handle the entire amendment process — from preparing the paperwork to obtaining your updated Kbis extract reflecting your new company name.
Change SAS Company Name – Simple Process, Clear Budget
Flat legal fee starting from €599 excl. taxes*
Additional mandatory costs: publication in the official legal gazette + court registry filing 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 Name Changes
Fast and compliant process: From shareholder approval to registry filing, we handle your SAS name change swiftly and accurately.
Legally sound documentation: Every resolution and updated bylaw meets French legal requirements.
Secure transition: We protect your rights, contracts, and brand continuity throughout the change.
Lawyer-led quality: All steps are managed by licensed French lawyers, ensuring precision and peace of mind.
Let us handle the legal side —
you focus on growing your business under its new name.
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Understanding the Change of Company Name in a French SAS
What does changing the company name of a SAS involve?
Changing the company name (dénomination sociale) of a Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS) means modifying the company’s official identity as registered with the Registre du commerce et des sociétés (RCS).
This modification affects all public documents — from invoices and contracts to tax filings — and requires a statutory amendment of the bylaws, an official announcement, and a registry filing.
The change becomes legally effective only once the Commercial Court Registry updates the Kbis extract, which serves as the company’s ID certificate in France.
Why might a SAS change its company name?
Several legal and strategic reasons can justify a company name change:
- Rebranding or repositioning – Adapting the corporate image to new markets, products, or values.
- Mergers or acquisitions – Aligning with the name of a parent company or newly merged entity.
- Trademark conflicts – Changing a name following a dispute or INPI (French IP Office) objection.
- International harmonization – Adopting a single name across subsidiaries or jurisdictions.
- Simplification – Replacing a complex legal name with a clearer, more memorable brand.
Although purely administrative, the change has far-reaching commercial implications. It should therefore be accompanied by trademark verification, domain name reservation, and updates across all legal and marketing materials.
Who decides the name change in a SAS?
Under French law, the shareholders’ collective body (assemblée générale extraordinaire) or another competent authority defined in the bylaws must approve the change.
Because the SAS form offers flexible governance, the decision-making process depends entirely on the company’s articles:
- In most cases, the president or board proposes the change.
- The shareholders adopt it through a special resolution (modification des statuts).
- The bylaws are updated and signed by the president or authorized representative.
If the bylaws grant the president unilateral powers to modify the name, no shareholder meeting is required — but this must be expressly stated.
What documents are needed to change the SAS name?
To comply with the Code de commerce, the following documents must be prepared and filed:
- Shareholders’ or president’s resolution approving the name change.
- Updated bylaws (statuts mis à jour) incorporating the new name.
- Legal announcement published in a journal d’annonces légales within the company’s registered office jurisdiction.
- M2 form (Registre modification form) duly completed and signed.
- Registry proof of payment and supporting documents (Kbis copy, ID of the president).
The filing must be made electronically through the guichet unique or directly at the Greffe du Tribunal de commerce.
How long does the procedure take?
When handled correctly, the change of company name in a SAS takes on average 7 to 15 working days, including:
- 1–2 days for legal drafting and publication,
- 5–10 days for registry processing (depending on the jurisdiction).
Delays may occur if the registry requests clarifications or if supporting documents are incomplete.
Does changing the name affect existing contracts and obligations?
No.
A change of company name does not create a new legal entity — the company remains the same person under the law (Article L. 210-6 of the Code de commerce).
All contracts, debts, rights, and obligations continue automatically under the new name. However, for clarity and third-party information:
- Contracts and invoices should mention: “SAS [new name], formerly [old name]” for a transition period.
- Partners and banks must be notified.
- The trademark and domain name should be updated to avoid confusion.
Can a SAS change its name to one already used by another company?
No.
The new name must be unique and not infringe upon existing rights. Before filing, a name availability check should be performed via:
- Infogreffe or INPI databases to avoid duplication.
- Trademark search to prevent legal disputes.
If the chosen name is already registered as a trademark by another party for similar goods or services, it may lead to civil liability and injunctions for unfair competition.
What are the costs of changing a SAS company name?
The costs include:
- Legal drafting and filing (professional fees): from around €599 excl. taxes, depending on complexity.
- Publication fee in a legal gazette: approx. €150–200 depending on region and word count.
- Registry filing fee: around €65–80 (set nationally by decree).
In total, the overall cost usually ranges between €750 and €900 excluding taxes when handled by a lawyer.
Can a foreign shareholder or president initiate a name change?
Yes.
There is no nationality restriction on initiating or approving a name change.
Foreign shareholders and presidents of a SAS have the same powers as French nationals.
However, practical aspects must be considered:
- Signatures abroad must be legalized or apostilled before being accepted by the French registry.
- If the president is non-resident, the registered office must still be in France, and a French tax ID may be required for filings.
How to notify third parties after the name change?
Once the new Kbis extract is received, the company must update:
- All legal and commercial documents (invoices, contracts, letterheads).
- Bank accounts and payment systems.
- Employer and tax registrations (URSSAF, INSEE, DGFiP).
- Trademarks, domains, and website.
While not mandatory, notifying clients and suppliers helps avoid administrative issues and ensures business continuity.
What happens if the company fails to register the change?
Failure to file the modification with the Registry means the old name remains legally valid, and third parties can continue to rely on it.
Additionally:
- The company risks fines for omission under Article R. 123-102 of the Code de commerce.
- Tax and contractual inconsistencies may arise.
- Public contracts and tenders could be rejected for mismatch with the Kbis extract.
Proper registration is thus essential for legal and commercial validity.
Change Your SAS Company Name
Let our French lawyers & paralegals
handle the entire process for you — swiftly and compliantly.
More About Changing a Company Name in a SAS
When can a SAS change its name?
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?
You’ll need:
– The shareholders’ resolution approving the new name
– Updated bylaws (statuts)
– Publication in a legal gazette (journal d’annonces légales)
– Filing form (M2) for the Commercial Registry
Do I need to update contracts and bank accounts?
Yes. All company documents (invoices, contracts, letterheads, website, etc.) must reflect the new name. Banks and partners must also be notified.
How long does the process take?
Usually between 7 and 10 business days, depending on the registry’s workload.
Can I do it remotely?
Yes. The entire name change procedure can be managed online with electronic signatures and digital filings.
What are the typical costs?
The total includes the official gazette publication, registry fees, and legal drafting — expect between €250 and €400 in third-party fees, plus our flat legal fee.
Does the change affect my company’s identity number (SIREN)?
No. Your SIREN and legal personality remain the same — only the name is updated in all official records.
Do I need lawyer assistance?
While not mandatory, involving a French lawyer ensures that your resolution, updated statutes, and filings fully comply with French company law and avoid rejection by the registry.
