Company incorporation in France

If you do business in France there may be a point that it makes sense to set up a local company. Then you need to know how to comply with local regulations and who can help you.

This article describes:

  • the most likely types of company to set up;
  • how you do this and who can help you;
  • a few important fiscal regulations.
Office building where a foreign company is incorporated

Your legal entity in France

France is one of Europe’s largest economies and an attractive destination for foreign businesses. Its strategic location, skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure make it ideal for international companies.

Most Common Business Forms for Foreign Companies

The most popular legal entity for foreign businesses in France is the Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL).

  • Similar to a limited liability company (LLC) in other jurisdictions.
  • Requires a minimum share capital of €1, making it accessible for small and medium businesses.
  • Shareholders’ liability is limited to their contributions.

Another option is the Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS), which offers greater flexibility in governance and is often chosen by larger businesses or startups.

Setting Up a Company in France

Setting up a SARL or SAS involves the following steps:

  1. Drafting and notarizing the company’s Articles of Association (Statuts).
  2. Depositing the share capital in a French bank account and obtaining a certificate of deposit.
  3. Registering the company with the Trade and Companies Register (Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés, RCS).
  4. Obtaining a SIRET number, which serves as the company’s unique identification number in France.

Foreign nationals can act as directors (Gérant for SARL or Président for SAS). While residency in France is not mandatory, a French address for the company’s registered office is required.

Taxation and Withholding Taxes

French companies are subject to corporate income tax at rates ranging from 15% (for small profits up to €42,500) to 25% (standard rate for larger profits).

Regarding dividends:

  • Dividends distributed to shareholders are subject to a 30% flat tax, known as the Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU), which includes income tax and social charges.
  • France has an extensive double taxation treaty network to reduce withholding taxes for foreign shareholders.

Service Providers for Company Incorporation

These firms assist with incorporation, taxation, and compliance to ensure a smooth process for foreign entrepreneurs.

Do you need a local company?

A local entity is not always the answer. A distributor, an agent or an employer of record gives you presence in the market without the administration of your own company.

You do need one when you hire local staff, hold stock or an office, bid for public tenders, or when your activity creates a permanent establishment for tax purposes. The alternative is usually a branch: cheaper to set up, but the parent company stays liable.

Do you need help in France?

Our service providers are local specialists. They know the market, the regulations and the parties that matter, and they can support you with the steps on this page.

Ask a professional

Setting up a company in France in three steps

Step 1

Choose the legal form

Compare a limited company, a branch and a representative office on liability, minimum capital, local director requirements and what a bank will accept.

Step 2

Incorporate and register

Prepare the statutes and identification documents, register with the trade register and the tax authority, and open a local bank account — usually the slowest step.

Step 3

Stay compliant

Arrange bookkeeping, VAT and payroll from day one and note the filing deadlines. Fines for late annual accounts are common and easy to avoid.

Company incorporation in other countries

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