Set up a company in France — the right way
From choosing the right legal structure to completing registration with the Greffe and URSSAF, we guide you through the entire process in English. Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks.
SAS vs SARL — which is right for you?
The two most common structures for foreign companies entering France. We'll help you choose based on your investors, team size, and governance needs.
| Criterion | SAS | SARL |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum share capital | €1 | €1 |
| Number of shareholders | 1 minimum (SASU) | 1–100 associates |
| Governance | Highly flexible (defined by bylaws) | More structured, statutory rules |
| Investor-friendly | Yes — preferred for fundraising | Limited — share transfer restrictions |
| Director title | Président (can be a company) | Gérant (must be a natural person) |
| Social regime for director | Assimilé-salarié (higher charges) | TNS if majority gérant (lower charges) |
| Best for | Startups, scale-ups, PE-backed | SMEs, family businesses, subsidiaries |
Step-by-step: setting up your French company
Choose your structure
SAS or SARL — we advise based on your investors, governance, and operational needs.
Draft and certify bylaws (statuts)
We draft bilingual bylaws tailored to your business. Certification and notarisation if required.
Open a business bank account
Deposit your share capital. We advise on French banks and fintech alternatives (Qonto, Shine) that work well for foreign founders.
Register with the RNE / Greffe
File with the Registre National des Entreprises (formerly RCS). Obtain your SIREN and SIRET numbers.
Register with URSSAF and tax authorities
VAT registration (TVA intracommunautaire), corporate tax setup, and first social contribution registrations.
Post-incorporation compliance
Registered address, mandatory insurance, employment declaration (if hiring), and first statutory filings.
Typical Timeline
- Week 1 Structure advice, drafting bylaws, bank account opening
- Week 2 Capital deposit certificate from bank
- Week 2–3 RNE registration filing
- Week 3–4 SIREN/SIRET issued, VAT registration
- Week 4 Operational — ready to trade
Timeline can vary depending on bank account opening speed and document readiness.
Cost Overview
- Government fees ~€37–60 (Greffe registration)
- Minimum share capital €1 (but €1,000+ recommended)
- Registered address ~€30–150/month (virtual office)
- Legal fees (Lexternal) Transparent fixed-fee engagement
Ready to set up your French company?
Book a free 30-minute discovery call. We'll walk through the right structure for your business and give you a clear action plan.
Get started