COMPANY FORMATION · FRANCE
A French company, properly established.
France rewards founders who arrive prepared: a flexible SAS, a single online registration desk and a clear tax framework. This guide explains the main choices, the indicative costs and the steps, so your first meeting with advisers starts from clarity.
AT A GLANCE
The essentials, November 2026.
Indicative figures checked against official and specialist sources. Always confirm with licensed advisers.
- Most used structure
- SAS or single-shareholder SASU; SARL or EURL for owner-managed businesses
- Minimum capital
- From €1 for an SAS or SARL; €37,000 for an SA
- Registration
- Online through the Guichet unique, the single formalities desk
- Corporate tax
- 25%; SMEs pay 15% on the first €42,500 of profit, subject to conditions
- VAT
- 20% standard rate, with reduced rates of 10%, 5.5% and 2.1%
- Typical timeline
- Often four to six weeks including the bank account
STRUCTURES
Company types
| Type | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| SAS / SASU | Société par actions simplifiée, one or more shareholders | Very flexible articles; the most common choice for international founders and holding companies |
| SARL / EURL | Société à responsabilité limitée, one to one hundred members | More rigid governance; often used for family and owner-managed businesses |
| SA | Société anonyme, board structure | Minimum capital €37,000; suited to larger companies and listings |
| Branch | A French establishment of a foreign company | No separate legal personality; the parent remains liable |
The right structure, in the right place.
ATLAS MAISON · Business concierge
COSTS
What to budget for.
Indicative only. Packages and government fees change; your advisers confirm the exact figures.
- Registration through the Guichet unique and the mandatory legal notice: usually a few hundred euros.
- Drafting articles and formation with a lawyer or chartered accountant: commonly from around €1,000 to €3,000 depending on complexity.
- Annual accounting and statutory filings: typically from €1,500 a year for a small company.
- A French business bank account is needed to deposit the capital; for non-resident founders, opening it can take the longest.
THE PROCESS
Four clear steps.
- 1
Structure & articles
With your advisers: the form, the shareholders, the registered office and articles in French.
- 2
Capital & bank
Open a business account and deposit the capital, obtaining a certificate of deposit.
- 3
Registration
File online with the Guichet unique and publish the legal notice; SIREN and Kbis follow.
- 4
Tax, payroll & residence
VAT and payroll registration, accounting, and the right visa or residence status for any non-EU manager.
IMPORTANT
This guide is general information, checked in October 2026, and not legal, tax or immigration advice. Fees, thresholds and rules change; licensed professionals confirm what applies to you. ATLAS MAISON coordinates the process and introduces licensed corporate service providers, lawyers and accountants.
Questions, answered
How much capital do I need to set up a company in France?
An SAS or SARL can be formed with as little as €1 of capital, although a higher amount is usually advisable for credibility with banks and partners. An SA requires €37,000.
What is the corporate tax rate in France?
The standard rate is 25%. Qualifying SMEs pay a reduced 15% rate on the first €42,500 of taxable profit.
Can a non-resident own a French company?
Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can own 100% of a French company, and an SAS does not need a French-resident president. A non-EU national who will live and work in France needs the right visa or residence permit.
How long does it take to set up a company in France?
Registration itself is often completed within a few weeks; with the bank account, a realistic plan is four to six weeks.
Can ATLAS MAISON help me set up in France?
Yes. We coordinate the whole project with licensed French lawyers and chartered accountants, from structure and banking to the family’s move, and stay as your single point of contact.
COMPANY FORMATION
Continue exploring.
BUSINESS CONCIERGE
Set up with the right people.
Tell us what you are planning. We introduce licensed providers and coordinate every step. Confidentiality agreement on request.