Check the product out in your shopping cart
Simply add the product you need to your shopping cart and then check it out to start your French company formation process.
Company Formation in France
France has rapidly transformed into one of Europe’s leading hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship. With pro-business reforms, competitive incentives, and strong government support for startups, the country now rivals traditional business centres. Paris and other major cities are thriving with tech and creative industries, making France a dynamic destination for companies looking to launch or expand within the EU.
Expert Company Formation Support
We guide you through setting up your company in France — choosing the right legal structure, preparing the required documents, and ensuring full compliance.
Timeframes
Under typical conditions with all documentation in order, registration takes around 2 to 6 weeks.
Ready for Business
From initial consultation through full registration, we handle the key steps so your company is legally established and ready to operate in France.
Quick Incorporation
Our all-inclusive French company formation package provides you with all you need to incorporate and run a company in France, whether you’re looking to incorporate a SARL (Limited Liability Company) or SAS (Joint Stock Corporation).
- Company Formation France (SARL or SAS)
- Bank Account
- VAT Registration
Start a business in France
France is rapidly transforming into a start-up hub, and it offers a compelling environment for incorporation with support for innovation and foreign entrepreneurs. You can establish a private limited liability company (SARL) or a simplified joint-stock company (SAS) with a minimum share capital of just €1. The process includes choosing a unique company name, notarising the Articles of Association, opening a bank account and depositing initial capital, and registering your company with the appropriate commerce register. Ongoing obligations include VAT registration, corporate tax compliance (~25 %), and accounting obligations—but the business climate is designed to reward enterprise and innovation.
French Incorporation
Ongoing Obligations
French companies must maintain proper accounting records, prepare annual financial statements, and file them with the Commercial Court Registry (Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce). Corporate tax and VAT returns must be filed regularly, and companies must keep an up-to-date UBO register. An audit is required if certain thresholds in turnover, assets, or staff are exceeded. Directors are responsible for ensuring compliance with corporate, labour, and tax regulations.
Capital Setup
France has simplified its capital requirements: a SARL or SAS can be incorporated with as little as €1 in share capital. Founders may contribute capital in cash or kind, with funds deposited into a temporary bank account before registration. Shareholder liability is limited to their capital contribution, and capital increases can be made at any time.
Business Structure Requirements
The most common company type is the SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée / Private Limited Company), ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises. It requires at least one shareholder and one managing director (gérant). For larger businesses or those seeking investment, the SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) offers greater flexibility and is often preferred by startups and international groups. Both structures allow 100% foreign ownership and require a registered office in France.
Taxes
Corporate income tax in France is 25% (as of 2024) for all companies. SMEs with annual turnover below €10 million and profits under €42,500 may benefit from a reduced rate of 15% on the first €42,500 of profits. France has over 120 double-tax treaties, a robust R&D tax credit (CIR), and incentives for innovative companies, including reduced taxes on IP income. VAT registration is mandatory if turnover exceeds €85,800 for goods or €34,400 for services.
Pick the Perfect Plan
- Most popular
SARL Company in France
Incorporation of company
Buy Now£2,775.00
/ Company Formation
Includes bank assitance, VAT registration, employer registration
- VAT registration
- Bank assistance
- Employer registration
SAS Company in France
Incorporation of company
Buy Now£3,000.00
/ Company Formation
Includes bank assistance, VAT registration, employer registration
- VAT registration
- Bank assistance
- Employer registration
Branch Setup in France
Setup of branch for existing entity
Buy Now£3,300.00
/ Branch
Add-ons
More complex setup required?
Might also like...
Business Plans
Writing a business plan isn’t just about numbers—it’s about clearly communicating your company's USPs, revenue model, financial forecasts, milestones, KPIs, and SWOT analysis. Our experts craft investor-ready plans to help you secure funding and bring your product to market faster.
Startup Business Mentor
Why try and climb that business mountain alone when you can have an experienced partner go with you? Our startup business mentor service offers you all the guidance you need, from expert business mentors, to get your startup soaring to success!
Fractional CFO
Access high-level financial expertise without the full-time commitment, gain the clarity and guidance you need to scale with confidence
How it works
See our step by step process once you purchase this item.
- 1
- 2
Answer some questions
We will send you some simple questions for you to fill in so that we can properly set up your new company in France.
- 3
Sit back and relax
Let us do the work to set up your French company. This will include a really quick and easy identity check where you’ll need your ID or passport to hand.
- 4
Reap the benefits!
Once your company has been formed, you can officially start doing business in France!
Questions?
What types of companies can be formed in France?
France offers several company types. The ones that can be registered by Start My Business are: French Limited Liability Company (SARL — société à responsabilitélimitée) French Joint Stock Corporation (SAS — société par actions simplifiée)
What is the initial share capital required to form a limited liability company in France (SARL)?
The minimum share capital to establish a French limited liability company (SARL) is €1. There is no longer a statutory minimum, giving founders flexibility in setting their capital structure. However, in practice, many businesses choose to contribute a higher amount to reflect credibility and meet banking or investor expectations. The capital can be paid in cash or in kind and must be deposited into a company bank account before registration.
How much capital is required to start a French Joint Stock Corporation (SAS)?
A Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS) requires a minimum share capital of €37,000, with at least 50% paid in at the time of incorporation. The remaining balance must be contributed within five years. A SAS must also have at least two shareholders, though there are no restrictions on their nationality or residency. This structure is particularly popular with growing businesses and international investors due to its flexibility and modern governance model.
What other features does a SARL have?
Accounts must be audited as per statutory requirements.Shareholders have limited liability, up to the amount of their contribution.
How much is corporate tax in France?
France currently applies a standard corporate income tax rate of 25% for all companies, regardless of their profit level. This rate was fully implemented from 1 January 2022 as part of France’s corporate tax reform. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that meet certain conditions may qualify for a reduced rate of 15% on the first €42,500 of taxable profits.