France

Company formation in France

France is the world’s 5th largest economy and the fourth largest recipient of foreign investment in Europe. With a GDP per capita of $35,000, France is an excellent country to do business. More than 20,000 foreign companies are already up and running in France. Unlike many other countries, the rules, regulations, rights, obligations and available State Aid are the same for all companies whether they are French or not.

Company Registration France is rather simple as long as the requirements of the law are met. CompanyRegistrationsWorldwide.com can assist you in the process of setting up a French company, ensuring the process is simple and stress-free.

The three types of French company incorporation include:

  • Business Corporation – Societé Anonyme (SA)
  • Limited Company – SARL
  • Simplified Stock Corporation – SAS

Setting up an SA company – what is required?

  • The minimum share capital is €37,000, at least half of this must be paid up
  • There must be at least seven shareholders within the company
  • Shareholders are liable up to the limit of their capital contribution
  • Accounts must be audited in line with statutory requirements
  • Main managers are treated as employees for tax and social security purposes

Setting up an SARL company – what is required?

  • The minimum share capital is €1.00
  • The minimum number of shareholders is one (also called a EURL Company)
  • Shareholders are again liable up to the limit of their capital contribution
  • Accounts must be audited in line with statutory requirements
  • Main managers have more onerous tax and security rules than SA managers

What is an SAS company?

The Societé Par Actions Simplifieé (Simplified Stock Company) is a vehicle for creating a joint venture between a French company and a foreign partner. Previously, French companies had found it difficult to enter into joint-venture relationships with foreign companies because of the rigidity of French corporate law. However SAS companies are increasingly finding favour with foreign investors considering company formation France, particularly in the USA.

Setting up an SAS company – what is required?

  • The minimum share capital is €37,000 and of which half must be paid up
  • There must be at least two shareholders and a chairman within the company
  • Shareholders are liable up to the limit of their capital contribution
  • A name check with the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI) should be performed in order to check for uniqueness.
  • No board of directors is required

*IMPORTANT POINTS*

  • All French companies must now have regulatory books (Accounting, Stock, Minutes) that must be certified by companies house in France. These books must be kept by the company or the accountant. A French company may not be considered as in good standing without these books.
  • For VAT registration you must have a virtual office in France, this is required by the authorities to show substance in France.
  • Some nationalities may have to supply Criminal Record Check (any non EU)  contact us for more information.
  • A Bank reference letter and a business plan are required for all France company formations.

Banking in France:

Opening a French bank account for your French company is a relatively straightforward process which CompanyRegistrationsWorldwide.com can assist you with.

In order to open a corporate bank account for your French company, a face to face meeting with the bank may be required. We work with major French banks in Paris and various other French Cities . Some of the corporate account features include:

  • Internet banking/remote access
  • Multi currency accounts
  • Debit/credit cards
  • Low transaction fees

Speak with us today to see how we can open a French bank account for your French company.

Is it possible to purchase a ready-made company in France?

CompanyRegistrationsWorldwide.com has a number of French ready-made companies available. These come complete with a French bank account and VAT number. A ready-made company is an excellent solution for anyone looking to set up a French company quickly and efficiently. . Contact us today for a quote.

Additional services

Company Registration France is not a difficult process but you need a proper guidance to achieve it easily. CompanyRegistrationsWorldwide.com can assist you with a whole range of additional professional services in relation to your French company formation such as:

  • Registered and virtual office services in France
  • Accounting and payroll services in France
  • Licencing requirements in France
  • Premises/Warehouse requirements in France.

CompanyRegistrationsWorldwide.com’s experienced experts can provide you with an efficient and comprehensive French company formation service.