Our French lawyers are ready to walk you through the steps required for starting a business in France, one of the most powerful countries in the world.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Who can register companies in France? | Both EU and non-EU residents can open a company in France. |
|
Types of companies |
– private and public limited liability company, – general and limited partnership, – sole proprietorship |
|
Number of shareholders for SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) |
At least 1 shareholder |
| Formalities for starting a business in France |
– company name verification and reservation, – preparation of Articles of Association, – tax registration, – application for special licenses and permits |
| Minimum share capital (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Local corporate bank account |
Yes, but not mandatory |
| Tax registration (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Time frame for starting a business |
Around 2 weeks |
| Board of managers (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Legal representative (YES/NO) | No |
| Resident director required (YES/NO) |
No |
| Office rent (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Possibility of hiring expats (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Annual financial statements required (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| We provide support for company formation in France (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Which is the most popular business structure in France? | SARL is the most used business structure in France. |
|
Name verification required (YES/NO) |
YES |
|
Authority in charge of business registration in France |
French Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
| What is the SIRET number? | SIRET number is issued when a company is registered in France. |
| Other approvals solicited for opening a business in France |
Proof of authorization for using future business premises in France |
| The use of liaison offices in France |
For business promotion and advertising of international companies in France |
| Can I buy a shelf company in France? |
Yes, ready-made companies are already registered and can be easily purchased by foreign entrepreneurs. |
| Is the branch a legal entity? |
No, branches are not legal entities. |
| The purpose of opening a subsidiary in France |
Excellent structure for large enterprises from abroad |
| Non-profit companies in France | Available for charitable purposes |
| When can a subsidiary issue invoices in France? |
As soon as the company is registered in France |
| Immigration matters for foreign employees in France |
Depending on the country of origin, some might need a work permit in France. |
| We represent clients with a power of attorney |
Yes, we can manage the paperwork for starting a business in France. |
| Accounting services for companies in France |
Available on request |
| Reasons to choose our French lawyers | We have experience in the business field in France and can assist foreign investors in starting their companies in this country. |
Do I need to arrive in person if I want to open a company in France in 2026?
No, you don’t have to travel to France if you have decided to register a business here. You can participate in the registration process, but if you do not have time, you can delegate this task to a trusted party, such as our team of lawyers in France.
How can I hire a local lawyer to represent me in the registration process?
By granting the power of attorney. The document will state the manner in which the third party (our lawyer) can complete the legal formalities on behalf of the donor (the party that grants the right of legal representation).
How long does it take to open a company in France in 2026?
The registration procedure takes minimum 1 week, but in general, the formalities are completed in around 2 weeks.
Do I need to pay fees for legal services?
Yes. If you want to be represented by a local lawyer, you will need to pay for the legal services provided by the attorney.
What are your company registration fees in 2026?
We charge minimum EUR 1,290 for our legal services designed for the registration of a legal entity.
What are the services included in the company formation package?
Besides the standard formalities for the actual incorporation of the company (obtaining a trade name, drafting and signing the statutory documents, etc.), our company formation package includes the following:
- obtaining a license for commercial activities;
- obtaining a registration certificate;
- obtaining a VAT number;
- opening a corporate bank account at a local bank in France.
Do you offer an initial consultation?
Yes. Us and our clients will have an initial consultation (free of charge) during which we will assess the business plans and needs of the investors. We will present the steps and the documentation necessary and all the formalities that we’ll be carrying out. We encourage you to provide us with as many details as possible about your future French business, so that we can offer the proper solutions for you.
We invite you to read about starting a business in France in the infographic below:
What are the main types of companies in France?
According to the Commercial Law in France, the following types of entities are available for registration in France:
- the sole trader, which is the simplest business form available for single enterprisers in this country;
- the private limited liability company which takes several forms;
- the unipersonal limited liability company which is characterized by the fact that it has one shareholder;
- the joint stock company, also known as the public limited liability company;
- the simplified public limited liability company which is preferred by foreign companies interested in the French market;
- the partnership which implies having at least two members called partners.
What is the documentation I should prepare for company registration in France?
The following documents need to be considered for starting a business in France:
- the personal information of the shareholders (their names, addresses, residency are required);
- information about the directors of the company (at least one director must be appointed);
- the company’s Articles of Association, which must be drafted in French and authenticated by a public notary;
- proof of the company’s legal address in France (this is a mandatory requirement no matter the type of structure chosen);
- all the documents submitted by foreign individuals or companies must be translated and notarized.
Are there any Beneficial Owners requirements in France?
Yes, when the investors will provide documentation about their identity, address, etc., they also need to disclose who the beneficial owners of the company are. The information is necessary as we need to add to the registration file a beneficial ownership declaration.
Who are the supervisory authorities?
Foreign investors should also know that, depending on the type of company they want to open, they need to register with different authorities, as it follows:
- if the company will complete commercial activities, it must register with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
- if the business will complete a specific trade or craft – the Chamber of Craftsmen;
- in the case of sole trader completing liberal professions – URSSAF;
- for those operating in agriculture – the Chamber of Agriculture;
- financial companies must register with the Central Bank and/or the Financial Supervisory Authority.
What are the share capital requirements for starting a business in France?
Foreign investors who want to start businesses in France must comply with the following share capital requirements imposed by the law:
- sole trader, partnership, private limited liability company, unipersonal limited liability company don’t need a minimum share capital;
- the joint stock company requires a minimum share capital of EUR 37,000.
What do the start-up costs include in France?
On average, it is relatively easy to start a business in France in terms of costs and time, compared to the other G20 countries. Cost components include:
- labor;
- facility costs;
- transport;
- utility costs (electricity, telecommunications, and others).
Our French lawyers invite you to watch a comprehensive video about company formation in France:
Can you provide legal services in other countries?
Yes, our team of lawyers in France is part of a large network of lawyers and company formation specialists, who offer tailored services in different countries:
- in case you need legal services in another European country, for example in Romania, we recommend our partners – Rolegal.com;
- if you want to start a business in Europe, you can set up a company in Estonia;
- company formation services are also available if you need to open a company in another European country, such as Malta, where the time frame for incorporation is 1-2 weeks;
- if you need assistance for starting a business outside Europe, for example setting up a company in Mexico or in Australia, we can put you in contact with our partners;
- our partners can also help investors set up a company in Malaysia.
For more information about starting a business in France, please contact our law firm in France.