We Offer Strategic Legal Services
Manage a French Company
Operate your French company confidently with the assistance of our corporate lawyers and paralegals.
We handle all legal, administrative, and regulatory aspects of day-to-day company management — including updating the bylaws, maintaining corporate records, filing annual reports, appointing or removing managers, and ensuring continuous compliance with French corporate law.
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What Does It Mean to Manage a French Company?
Managing a French company involves more than running daily operations. It means maintaining the legal integrity of your business structure — ensuring that your company complies with French corporate law at every stage of its existence.
Our lawyers assist business owners, managers, and shareholders in all key areas of corporate management, such as:
Appointing and removing managers or directors
Updating company information (registered office, share capital, or corporate purpose)
Holding annual general meetings (AGM) and drafting minutes
Maintaining shareholder registers and statutory books
Maintaining shareholder registers and statutory books
Monitoring compliance with accounting, tax, and employment obligations
By entrusting these tasks to our professionals, you ensure full compliance, legal accuracy, and peace of mind — so you can focus entirely on growing your business.
How We Help you Manage your Company in France?
At FrenchCo.lawyer, we simplify corporate management.
Our step-by-step assistance ensures your company remains compliant and protected throughout its life cycle.
Reviewing Your Company’s Legal Situation
We begin with a detailed review of your company’s current documents — bylaws, latest filings, and Kbis extract — to ensure all information is up to date and compliant with French regulations.
Drafting Corporate Documents
Our lawyers prepare all necessary legal acts: meeting notices, resolutions, minutes of decisions, management reports, and amendments to the bylaws if required. Every document is drafted with precision and adapted to your company’s structure.
Filing with the Registry
We take care of all required filings and publications — from management appointments to capital updates or office transfers — directly with the Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce and official journals.
Ensuring Ongoing Compliance
We monitor your company’s legal obligations year-round, including deadlines for annual accounts, beneficial ownership updates, and mandatory filings. Our team ensures nothing is overlooked.
Delivering Updated Legal Proofs
Once filings are approved, you receive the updated Kbis extract and certified documents reflecting your company’s current situation — ready to present to banks, investors, or partners.
Why Choose FrenchCo.lawyer?
At FrenchCo.lawyer, all legal support is provided by licensed French lawyers, assisted by experienced paralegals who handle the technical filings. We guarantee accuracy, compliance, and complete transparency — so that your company operates with confidence under French law. You focus on your business. We ensure that every legal, administrative, and compliance aspect is handled flawlessly.
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What We Need From You to Manage Your Company in France ?
To manage your company efficiently and keep it legally compliant, we will ask you to provide the following:
Company Information
Your latest Kbis extract, company identification number (SIREN/SIRET), and copies of your current bylaws.
Management Details
Information on the current manager(s) or director(s): full name, address, proof of identity, and any changes to be made (appointment, renewal, or resignation).
Registered Office Documents
Lease agreement, domiciliation certificate, or property deed confirming your company’s official address.
Financial and Operational Data
Recent balance sheet and corporate records, if available, to assess reporting obligations and potential adjustments.
And Then?
Once we have received all the required documents, our lawyers take over the process from start to finish. They begin by carefully reviewing your company’s current legal situation to determine the exact modifications needed. Next, they draft or update all necessary legal acts to ensure full compliance with French corporate law. Once finalized, our team files the complete set of documents with the Commercial Court Registry and follows up until registration is confirmed. Finally, we deliver the official Kbis extract and certified copies of the updated filings, providing you with clear proof that your company’s changes have been duly registered in France.
Manage Your Company in france – Streamlined Process, Transparent Budget
Flat legal fee starting from €599 excl. taxes* (includes full legal drafting, filings, and registration follow-up)
Additional mandatory costs: publication in the legal gazette (if applicable) + registry filing fees
No hidden fees, no extras — everything is clearly stated.
Our Promise:
No upsells for “extra” compliance packages.
No misleading tiers or hidden charges.
Only real legal services — tailored to your company’s needs.
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Why Manage your Company with FrenchCo.lawyer?
We Believe in Clear, Reliable Legal Management
Full legal compliance: We ensure every filing, amendment, and report meets French regulatory standards.
End-to-end support: From meeting minutes to registry filings, we handle all formalities.
Lawyer supervision: Every document is reviewed by a licensed French attorney.
Peace of mind: You’ll always have an updated, compliant company — ready for banks, audits, or investors.
Let our legal experts handle the details —
so you can focus on what truly matters: running your business.
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Understanding the Management of a French Company
Can a foreigner create and manage a company in France?
Yes. Foreign individuals or legal entities can freely manage or co-manage a company in France — whether it is a SARL, EURL, SAS, or SASU. However, the formalities depend on their nationality and whether they intend to live in France.
1. Managers Living Abroad
If the company’s gérant (SARL/EURL) or président (SAS/SASU) resides outside France, no French residence permit is required. The appointment can be registered directly with the Registre du commerce et des sociétés (RCS).
→ In short: you can manage a French company entirely from abroad, provided the company has a legal registered office and proper documentation.
2. EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals
Nationals of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland may freely manage a French company. If they move to France, they only need to register with their local mairie within three months of arrival—no residence permit required.
3. Non-EU Residents
Managers from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who wish to live in France must hold an appropriate residence permit:
- 1-year entrepreneur/profession libérale residence card (renewable)
- 4-year multi-year card (after the first year, subject to civic integration and, from 2026, French language proof)
- 10-year resident card after five years of residence
Some entrepreneurs may also qualify for Talent Pass permits (valid up to 4 years) for innovation or investment projects.
Failure to obtain the correct permit can result in fines, imprisonment, and prohibition from managing a company in France.
4. Treaty Exemptions
Citizens of Algeria, Andorra, Monaco, and certain other countries benefit from simplified procedures through bilateral agreements.
5. Registration with the RCS
Regardless of nationality, the appointment of a foreign manager or president must be filed with the RCS, along with certified identity proof and translated supporting documents (if not in French).
What are the social security obligations for a company manager?
The social protection regime depends on the company form and the manager’s ownership status.
1. Self-Employed Manager (TNS – Travailleur Non Salarié)
Applies to:
- Gérant associé unique (sole shareholder-manager of an EURL)
- Majority gérant of an SARL
They contribute to the independent social scheme, covering health, maternity, pension, and family allowances.
Contributions are calculated on:
- Remuneration paid to the manager
- Part of dividends exceeding 10% of capital, premiums, and shareholder loans (if taxed under IS)
2. Assimilated Employee Manager (Assimilé-Salarié)
Applies to:
- Non-shareholder gérants of SARL
- Presidents of SAS/SASU
They contribute under the general social security regime, similar to employees (excluding unemployment unless under an employment contract).
Coverage is broader, but contributions are higher.
3. Manager Residing Abroad
If the manager lives outside France, affiliation depends on:
- Their residence country
Applicable EU regulations (A1 certificate) or bilateral treaties
Without valid coverage, the manager may need to contribute to the French system for income generated from France.
Can management be transferred or changed?
Yes. Changing management in a French company requires formal steps:
- Decision by shareholders
- The removal or appointment of a manager or president must be decided by the shareholders or sole shareholder, following the voting rules set in the bylaws.
- Drafting new documents
- Resignation/termination minutes, appointment resolution, and acceptance statement.
- Update the company’s bylaws if the manager’s name is listed there.
- Publication and filing
- Publish a legal notice in a journal d’annonces légales.
- File the updated documents (minutes, proof of identity, RCS forms) with the Commercial Court Registry.
- Receipt of the updated Kbis extract
- The change becomes official once the new manager or president appears on the Kbis extract.
What are the manager’s legal liabilities?
A French company provides limited liability for shareholders, but managers can be held personally liable in certain situations:
- Mismanagement (faute de gestion) causing damage to the company or creditors
- Failure to declare insolvency within 45 days of cessation of payments
- Criminal liability for fraud, tax evasion, or misuse of company funds
- Joint liability for unpaid taxes or social contributions in cases of negligence
Proper delegation, transparent accounting, and documented decisions are key to limiting risks.
What happens if the company becomes inactive or insolvent?
If a company stops operating, two paths exist:
- Temporary inactivity (mise en sommeil):
- The company keeps its legal status but halts operations.
- Must be declared to the RCS and renewed after 2 years.
- Insolvency (cessation des paiements):
- If the company cannot pay debts with available assets, the manager must file for insolvency within 45 days.
- Failure to do so may trigger personal liability or bankruptcy sanctions.
Our lawyers assist in determining the correct procedure, protecting the manager’s interests, and drafting the necessary filings.
What are the key responsibilities of a company manager (gérant or président)?
The company manager represents the business in all legal and commercial dealings. Their powers and obligations depend on the company type:
- SARL/EURL (gérant): Executes the decisions of the shareholders, manages the day-to-day business, and ensures compliance with accounting, tax, and employment laws.
- SAS/SASU (président): Holds broad discretionary powers, defined in the bylaws. They sign contracts, represent the company before authorities, and handle operational management.
- SCI (gérant): Oversees property management and transactions, within the limits set by associates.
Legal obligations include:
- Maintaining accurate accounting records and annual financial statements
- Filing yearly accounts with the registry
- Holding general meetings and recording minutes
- Keeping shareholder and beneficial ownership registers up to date
- Complying with tax, employment, and data protection regulations
Failure to comply may result in civil and criminal liability for mismanagement (faute de gestion), especially in case of insolvency or regulatory breaches.
Can a manager or president delegate management powers?
Yes — delegation of authority (délégation de pouvoirs) is allowed under French law, but it must be carefully documented.
The manager or president may delegate specific operational tasks to other officers, directors, or employees, provided the delegation is:
- Written and precise (detailing scope, limits, and duration)
- Given to a competent and empowered individual
- Accepted in writing
Proper delegation can protect the manager from personal liability if a breach occurs in a delegated area.
However, the manager retains overall responsibility for ensuring adequate supervision and compliance.
What filings and compliance duties must be performed annually?
Each French company must complete a series of recurring legal formalities, including:
- Annual accounts filing with the Commercial Court Registry
- Balance sheet, income statement, and annex
- Must be filed within 6 months of fiscal year-end
- Approval of accounts
- Shareholders or the sole shareholder must formally approve the annual accounts through a recorded decision or general meeting.
- Statutory registers
- Maintain up-to-date registers for shareholders, beneficial owners, and decisions.
- Publication of changes
- Any change (e.g., manager, address, capital, business activity) must be published in a journal d’annonces légales and filed with the RCS.
- Tax and social filings
- VAT, corporate tax, and social declarations must be submitted periodically, even for small companies.
Failure to comply can result in late penalties, deregistration, or director liability.
What are the main taxes and social contributions during company management?
While ongoing taxes depend on activity, every French company faces recurring obligations:
Tax / Contribution | Applicable Entities | Notes |
Corporate Tax (IS) | SARL, EURL (option), SAS, SASU | 15% up to €42,500; 25% thereafter (2025) |
Income Tax (IR) | EURL or partnerships (default) | Profits taxed directly at shareholder’s rate |
VAT (TVA) | All except exempted small businesses | 20% standard, 10%, 5.5%, or 2.1% reduced rates |
CFE | All businesses | Local property tax, due annually |
Payroll taxes | SAS/SARL with salaried staff | Includes social security, pension, etc. |
Tax regimes can be optimized annually depending on company size, activity, and manager status.
How does managing an SARL/EURL differ from managing a SAS/SASU?
Aspect | SARL / EURL | SAS / SASU |
Governance | Governed by statutory rules of the Commercial Code | Flexible bylaws define powers |
Manager title | Gérant | Président |
Social regime | Self-employed (TNS) if majority shareholder | Assimilated employee |
Decision-making | Formal general meetings | Freely structured (written decisions possible) |
Liability | Limited to contributions | Limited to contributions |
Best for | Stable, family or small businesses | Innovative, investor-friendly startups |
In short:
- SARL/EURL: greater structure, traditional management, lower charges
- SAS/SASU: greater flexibility, but higher social costs
Summary: Key Management Duties in France
Duty | Frequency | Responsible Party |
Hold annual general meeting | Yearly | Manager / President |
File annual accounts | Yearly | Manager / Accountant |
Update Kbis for changes | As needed | Legal representative |
Maintain statutory registers | Continuous | Company secretary / manager |
Ensure tax & social filings | Monthly/Quarterly | Accountant / HR / manager |
Respect insolvency deadlines | As required | Manager |
Need professional assistance?
Our lawyers handle every aspect of your French company’s management — from regulatory filings to legal updates and compliance monitoring.
More About Incorporating a French Company
Can foreign directors manage a French company?
Yes. A French company can be managed by a foreign resident or non-resident, whether an individual or a corporate entity. There are no nationality restrictions, but the director must have legal capacity and, in some cases, a French tax ID for registration and payroll purposes.
What documents are required for management changes?
When appointing or replacing a director, you’ll need the company’s updated articles, the shareholder resolution, proof of the manager’s identity, and a formal acceptance letter. All changes must then be filed with the Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce to update the company’s Kbis extract.
Do I need a statutory auditor to manage the company?
Not necessarily. A French company (SARL, SAS, etc.) is only required to appoint a commissaire aux comptes if it exceeds certain thresholds relating to turnover, assets, or staff. Below these limits, management oversight is handled internally through shareholder controls.
How long does it take to update management information?
Once the decision is signed, filing updates with the registry generally takes 3 to 5 business days. After validation, the new manager’s name appears on the Kbis, confirming the official transfer of powers.
Can management be handled remotely?
Yes. Most management tasks — board decisions, filings, and compliance — can be completed online through electronic signatures and remote access to your corporate account. This is ideal for foreign shareholders or holding structures managing subsidiaries in France.
What are the typical management costs?
Costs depend on your company’s size and formalities, but expect registry fees from €50 to €200 for management updates. Legal assistance and document drafting usually range from €400 to €900 depending on complexity and language needs.
What about accounting, tax, and UBO compliance?
Every French company must file annual accounts, declare taxes, and update its bénéficiaire effectif (UBO) register. Managers are legally responsible for maintaining accurate filings, meeting deadlines, and ensuring compliance with anti-money-laundering rules.
Can I change the company’s legal form later?
Yes, a French company can convert from one form to another (for example, from SAS to SARL) if shareholders approve and legal requirements are met. This often happens when adapting governance, taxation, or investor entry conditions as the company grows.
