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Company Registration in France- An Overview

The company formation in France helps small businesses and large companies establish a strong business presence in the 3rd largest economy of Europe, with top markets for company establishment in finance, insurance, real estate, e-commerce, and services. It will help you obtain tax benefits via double taxation agreements with 120+ countries and acquire 100% foreign ownership with company registration in France.

Start your limited liability company (LLC) in France from India with Corpbiz™- India’s leading business consultancy to kickstart your dream business in Europe with company registration in France.

We will help you start a company in France by formulating your memorandum of association (MOA) and articles of association (AOA), securing Supplementary Information Request at the National Entries (SIRENE) and System for Identification of the Establishment Register (SIRET) numbers, corporate tax, and VAT registrations, and various industry-specific licenses, and providing uninterrupted bookkeeping and accounting services. Let our expert consultants at Corpbiz™ help you set up a company in France at an affordable price.

Company Registration in Mauritius?

Benefits of Online Company Registration in France

Are you thinking of forming a company in France? If yes, then analyze the following key benefits of online company registration in France:

Benefits of Online Company Registration in France
Tax Benefits

Tax Benefits

Online company registration in France will help you earn huge revenue with low tax liabilities through double taxation agreements (DTAs) with 120+ countries that will help you obtain foreign tax credits, deductions, and exemptions. The French government offers tax exemptions on foreign direct investment (FDI).

Reduced Corporate Tax Rate

Reduced Corporate Tax Rate

If you operate a limited liability company (LLC) with an annual turnover under EUR 10 million and at least 75% of share capital owned by individual members, your tax liabilities decrease from 25% to 15% on the first profits of EUR 42,500. France also provides low-interest loans for R&D initiatives and projects.

AT Reverse Charge Mechanism

VAT Reverse Charge Mechanism

You won’t need to pay value-added tax (VAT) on your supplies if you’re a non-resident company in France for tax purposes. France implements a VAT reverse charge mechanism that makes the customer liable for VAT. It is one of the key merits of company registration in France.

European Union

European Union

France is one of the founding members of the European Union, with 2nd second-largest consumer market. Its strategic location serves as a gateway for foreign entrepreneurs to facilitate international trade in Eastern and Western Europe. Business registration in France will help you commence your business operations with ease in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland.

Robust Infrastructure

Robust Infrastructure

France has one of the best and most technologically advanced infrastructures, which makes it a perfect choice for an LLC incorporation. With top-notch telecom and logistics sectors, France has opened doors for international businesses seeking company registration in freight forwarding, passenger transport, import-export services, e-bike rentals, warehousing, and supply-chain management.

Tourist Destination

Tourist Destination

France is a beautiful place with various serene destinations, such as the Eiffel Tower and Fourviere Hill, amongst other top attractions. Every year, over 85 million tourists visit the country. Online company registration in France is the best choice if you want to start a tourism business in France.

Skilled Workforce

Skilled Workforce

France has the highest number of skilled people in business management, IT, legal, and fintech sectors. Its highly educated workforce makes it a viable choice for foreigners seeking online company registration in the finance and IT industry sectors because great employees together make a great company.

Eligibility Criteria for Business Registration in France

Learn the eligibility criteria for business registration in France and kickstart your business journey with ease and confidence:

  • Structured Business Plan
  • Reservation of a distinct business name.
  • Minimum capital requirement
  • You must have a valid passport and a resident visa permit.
  • You must formulate a Charter of Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) [limited liability company] declaration
  • A talent passport permits if you’re a non-European Union resident and planning to set up a physical business establishment in France.
  • You must obtain a short-stay Schengen business visa (Type C) if you’re planning to stay in France for 90 days or less.
  • You must obtain a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) if you’re planning to stay in France for more than 90 days, but not more than 365 days.
  • A valid Value Added Tax (VAT) number.
  • You must appoint a local representative if you’re a foreign applicant.
  • You must set up a corporate bank account.
  • You must form your company’s memorandum of association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
  • You must hire a company secretary, a chartered accountant, and an auditor.

Criteria for Directors for France Company Formation

The checklist for Directors for France company formation is as follows:

  • The director must be at least 18 years of age
  • The director must have a valid passport
  • The director must have a digital signature
Documents for Company Formation in Mauritius

Documents Required for Company Incorporation in France

The list of documentation needed for company incorporation in France is as follows:

  • Identification of Directors & Shareholders
  • A Copy of the Passports of All Directors & Shareholders
  • Memorandum of Association (MoA)
  • Articles of Association (AoA)
  • France’s Residence Permit & Visa, if applicable
  • Company’s Correspondence or Virtual Address in France
  • A Power of Attorney, if Applicable
  • Translation Documents, if any
  • Business Name Reservation Certificate
  • Relevant Business Licenses & Permits
  • A Certificate of Good Standing
  • Share Capital or Minimum Capital Requirement, if Applicable

How to Register a Business in France?

Scroll down and follow the step-by-step procedure to register a business in France:

Company Registration Process in Mauritius

Select the Business Structure

You must select an appropriate company type as per your preferences and capital. Contact our consultants for expert guidance on different types of company structures, such as limited liability companies (LLC), partnerships, private shareholding, and branch offices for company formation in France.

Business Name Search and Reservation

You must conduct a thorough business name search and reserve it with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). Your business name shouldn’t violate France’s laws and policies.

Submission of Documents

You must submit the necessary documents, such as identification, address proof, and passport copies of directors and shareholders, details of a local representative, memorandum or association (MOA), articles of association (AOA), and other relevant documents with registration fee payment to the Trade and Companies Register (RCS).

Issuance of France Business Incorporation Certificate

The Trade and Companies Register (RCS) will approve your application for company registration in France and grant you France company incorporation certificate authorizing you to commence your business operations.

Receive France Company Incorporation Numbers

You will receive a Business Directory Identification System (SIREN) and Establishment Directory Identification System (SIRET) from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE).

France Company Incorporation Announcement

You must publish your company’s incorporation notice in the Official Journal of Trade and Companies (BODACC) after company registration in France.

Trade License Application

You must obtain a relevant trade license, such as a commercial, industrial, and professional service business license from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFI) and an artists business license from the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA).

Relevant Business License and Permits

You must obtain industry-specific licenses, such as construction, payment aggregator, tourist agency, and financial service licenses and permits, such as building, environment, and zoning permits, to start your business activities after business registration in France.

Secure Residential Visa

You must obtain a relevant visa permit if you’re planning a stay in France or to establish a physical establishment after company registration in France.

Secure Talent Passport

You must obtain a talent passport if you’re planning to extend your stay in France for at least 4 years after company incorporation in France.

Open a Bank Account

You must open a corporate bank account to track and monitor your bills payables and receivables after company registration in France. A bank account is important to make utility payments and employee salary dispersion.

Registration for Corporate Tax Obligations

You must register your company with the Directorate-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI) to fulfill your annual tax obligations after France business setup.

Registration for Social Security & Employee Healthcare

You must register with Unions for the Recovery of Social Security Contributions and Family Allowances (URSSAF) and Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) to fulfil your obligations against your employees.

Accounting and Compliance Setup

You must establish an accounting and compliance setup to monitor and track your company’s finances and annual reporting obligations after company registration in France.

Types of Business Structures for France Company Incorporation

You must explore the following business structures for your France company incorporation:

Limited Liability Company

Limited Liability Company [société à responsabilité limitée- SARL]

A limited liability company (SARL) is the most famous business structure for company registration in France. You can establish an LLC with 2 members and no major capital requirements. It is best suited for businesses seeking limited partnerships and foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish subsidiaries or branch offices.

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership [société en commandite par actions- SCS]

A limited partnership (SCS) is a type of business structure that consists of a general partner and two or more limited partners, with the latter having limited liability in the firm. There’s no minimum capital requirement for an SCS. We recommend this structure if you’re a startup.

Partnership Limited by Shares

Partnership Limited by Shares [société en commandite par actions-SCA]

A partnership limited by shares (SCA) is a business structure that consists of both partners with limited and unlimited liability with capital division in shares. The general partners control the company, while limited partners enjoy limited financial obligations against the company’s debts.

General Partnership

General Partnership [société en nom collectif- SNC]

A general partnership (SNC) is a business structure that consists of two or more members who have an equal share in profits with unlimited liability. You can open an SNC firm in France with no minimum capital reserve in tourism, manufacturing, retail, and financial services with our France company incorporation.

Simplified Joint Stock Company

Simplified Joint Stock Company [société par actions simplifiée- SAS]

A simplified joint stock company (SAS) is another famous business structure in France. All partners have limited liability against the debts of the company. From transferable share to flexible management, this structure is beneficial for you if you’re seeking France company incorporation and want to opt your own tax regime.

French Joint Stock Company

French Joint Stock Company [société anonyme- SA]

A French joint stock company (SA), also known as a public limited company, is mostly famous for large entities seeking funds through the stock exchange. With a EUR 37,000 capital requirement and a minimum of two shareholders, this structure is ideal for you if you’re a big corporation seeking huge capital reserve through the stock exchange.

Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietorship [entreprise individuelle-EI]

A sole proprietorship (EI) is a one-person business structure. The sole member is responsible for all management of the company and has unlimited liability against the company’s debts. You can opt for an SP if you are a small business and want to enjoy full control.

Single Member Limited Liability Company

Single Member Limited Liability Company [entreprise unipersonnelle à responsabilité limitée- EURL]

A single-member limited liability company (EURL) is a sole-member business structure with limited financial obligations against the company’s debts. You can register this company if you like independent management with limited liability.

Single Shareholder Simplified Joint-Stock Company

Single Shareholder Simplified Joint-Stock Company [société par actions simplifiée unipersonnelle- SASU]

A single shareholder simplified joint stock company (SASU) is a single shareholder company who has limited financial liability. You can go for this business structure if you’re an individual or legal entity with minimum capital requirements.

Structure Comparison for France Company Formation

You must check the below mentioned comparative study of business structures for France company formation:

Business Structure Type Foreign Ownership Minimum Capital Requirement Directors Members/Shareholders/Partners Business Liability Tax Obligations
Limited Liability Company (SARL) 100% No minimum requirement Not applicable At least 2 Partners, but not more than 100 Limited Moderate to Low
Limited Partnership (SCS) 100% No minimum requirement Not applicable At least 2 Members Unlimited liability for the general partner Moderate to Low
Limited Partnership by Shares (SCA)   EUR 37,000 Not Applicable At least 4 Members – one General and three Limited Partners   Moderate to Low
General Partnership (SNC) 100% No minimum requirement Not applicable At least 1 General and 2 Limited Partners Unlimited for the general partner Moderate to Low
Joint Stock Company (SAS) 100% No minimum requirement At least one Director/President At least 2 Partners Limited Moderate to High
Single Member Limited Liability Company (EURL) 100% EUR 1 At least two At least 1 Member Limited Moderate if elects to be taxed as a business
Sole Proprietorship (EI) 100% No minimum requirement Not applicable At least 1 Member Unlimited Moderate to High
Single Shareholder Simplified Joint-Stock Company (SASU) 100% EUR 1 Not Applicable At least one Limited Moderate
Joint Stock Company (SA)   EUR 37,000 or EUR 225,000 if listed on stock exchange At least three. At least two and seven if listed on the stock exchange Limited Moderate to High

Compliance After Business Registration in France

Have you recently setup a business in France? If yes, then check the list of the necessary compliance requirements after business registration in France.

KBIS Extract

KBIS Extract

You must obtain a “KBIS Extract” from the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) to open a bank account after business setup in France.

KBIS Extract

You must obtain a “KBIS Extract” from the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) to open a bank account after business setup in France.

Bank Account

Bank Account

Your company must open a bank account after company registration in France.

Bank Account

Your company must open a bank account after company registration in France.

Industry Specific Licenses & Permits

Industry Specific Licenses & Permits

Your company must obtain industry-specific licenses and permits to comply with France’s law after business registration in France.

Industry Specific Licenses & Permits

Your company must obtain industry-specific licenses and permits to comply with France’s law after business registration in France.

FVisa Permits

Visa Permits

You must apply for a Visa permit as per your duration of stay after France company formation.

Visa Permits

You must apply for a Visa permit as per your duration of stay after France company formation.

Talent Passport

Talent Passport

You must apply for a talent passport if you’re planning to reside in four years after France company registration.

Talent Passport

You must apply for a talent passport if you’re planning to reside in four years after France company registration.

Annual Reporting

Annual Reporting

Your company must file an annual financial return with the relevant authority after your France business setup.

Annual Reporting

Your company must file an annual financial return with the relevant authority after your France business setup.

Annual Return Filing

Annual Return Filing

Your company must timely fulfill its annual or monthly tax return obligations with the Directorate General of Public Finances.

Annual Return Filing

Your company must timely fulfill its annual or monthly tax return obligations with the Directorate General of Public Finances.

Beneficial Owner Reporting (UBO)

Beneficial Owner Reporting (UBO)

Foreigners and non-resident companies must file the beneficial owner report at the time of their France company incorporation application submission. You have an option to file the report within 15 days from the date of company incorporation.

Beneficial Owner Reporting (UBO)

Foreigners and non-resident companies must file the beneficial owner report at the time of their France company incorporation application submission. You have an option to file the report within 15 days from the date of company incorporation.

Record Meeting

Record Meeting

Your company must record all your annual general meetings (AGMs) with directors and shareholders after company registration in France.

Record Meeting

Your company must record all your annual general meetings (AGMs) with directors and shareholders after company registration in France.

Notify the Appropriate Authority

Notify the Appropriate Authority of a Change in the Company

Your company must timely inform the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) in case of any changes concerning the company name, address, director, shareholders, and transfer of shares.

Notify the Appropriate Authority of a Change in the Company

Your company must timely inform the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) in case of any changes concerning the company name, address, director, shareholders, and transfer of shares.

Appoint Auditors & Company Secretary

Appoint Auditors & Company Secretary

Your company must timely inform the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) in case of any changes concerning the company name, address, director, shareholders, and transfer of shares.

Appoint Auditors & Company Secretary

Your company must timely inform the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) in case of any changes concerning the company name, address, director, shareholders, and transfer of shares.

Appoint Auditors & Company Secretary

VAT Registration

Your company must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) if your annual threshold for goods exceeds EUR 85,000 and services exceeds EUR 25,000, and EUR 1,00,000 for small businesses.

VAT Registration

Your company must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) if your annual threshold for goods exceeds EUR 85,000 and services exceeds EUR 25,000, and EUR 1,00,000 for small businesses.

Social Security Contributions

Social Security Contributions

Your company must make social security contributions every month by the 5th or 15th.

Social Security Contributions

Your company must make social security contributions every month by the 5th or 15th.

Renewal of Trade Licenses

Renewal of Trade Licenses

Your company must annually renew relevant trade licenses after company registration in France.

Renewal of Trade Licenses

Your company must annually renew relevant trade licenses after company registration in France.

Renewal of Permits

Renewal of Permits

Your company must annually renew relevant industry-specific permits, such as fire, health, and work permits.

Renewal of Permits

Your company must annually renew relevant industry-specific permits, such as fire, health, and work permits.

Corpbiz™ Services for France Business Setup

Company Name Reservation

Company Name Reservation

Corpbiz™ makes sure you get your desired company name with our France company name search facility for France business setup.

Full Documentation & Incorporation

Full Documentation & Incorporation

Our legal team will handle all your documentation requirements for the timely approval of company formation in France.

Online Business Presence Service

Online Business Presence Service

Corpbiz™ ensures you expand your company’s presence in the e-commerce customer market with our business domain services after company incorporation in France.

Visa Services

Visa Services

We ensure you get valid visa permits as per your duration of stay in France via short-term, long-term, and talent passport residence permit after company registration in France.

Corporate Agent Services

Corporate Agent Services

Corpbiz™ provides free-of-charge corporate agent services for 12 months after your successful company incorporation in France.

IPR Services

IPR Services

We ensure nobody steals, counterfeits, imitates, or forgers your intellectual properties. Our company provides fast-track registrations of copyrights, designs, patents, and trademarks.

Company Secretary Services

Company Secretary Services

Corpbiz™ provides corporate secretarial services for the smooth internal governance of your company and its policies after France business setup.

Annual and Quarterly Tax Support

Annual and Quarterly Tax Support

Our international tax consultants will file your annual and quarterly tax obligations with the French tax agency.

Virtual CFO Services

Virtual CFO Services

Our finance team guarantees to provide virtual CFO services for a period of 12 months from the official registration. Our virtual CFO includes financial planning, cash-flow management, bookkeeping services, and international tax compliance.

Integrated HR Services

Integrated HR Services

We will not just register your company, but help you employee some of the best talents of France. Corpbiz™ provides services from initial recruitment to successful onboarding of the candidates.

Smooth Compliance

Smooth Compliance

From Annual finance reporting and VAT registration to employee social contributions, Corpbiz™ guarantees you remain 100% compliant with all of France’s laws.

France Company Incorporation Services

France Company Incorporation Services

Corpbiz™ ensures you get end-to-end assistance through our round-the-clock France company incorporation services.

Why Trust Corpbiz™ for France Company Setup Services?

One-Stop Shop for Business Solutions

One-Stop Shop for Business Solutions

At Corpbiz™, you will get access to all types of business solutions, starting from tax and accounting to virtual company registrations. We have a solution for your everyday business needs.

Trusted Partner of 4000+ Businesses

Trusted Partner of 4000+ Businesses

We have successfully helped over 4000 Businesses in IT, fintech, F&B, fashion, Manufacturing, and Logistics sectors with company registration in France.

Network of 250+ Consultants

Network of 250+ Consultants

Corpbiz™ has a network of over 250 expert consultants with 10+ years of individual experience in global legal and tax compliance.

4.3 Google Rating

4.3 Google Rating

Over 1000+ clients have given us 4+ ratings on Google for our business consulting services.

Corporate Agent Services

24/7 Assistance

Your success is our success, which is why our customer care team provides 24/7 uninterrupted assistance through the France company incorporation process.

Complete Virtual Support

Complete Virtual Support

You can access and obtain our support with a click of your phone from anywhere in the world.

FAQs for Online Company Registration in France

With the evolution of digitalization in India, it is possible for anyone to start a business anywhere in the world. You can register a company in France from the comfort of your phone. Our website is user and mobile-friendly. Contact us now to get expert guidance on virtual business opportunities in France.

The process for company incorporation in France is as follows:
  • Business name reservation
  • Application, documentation submission, and fee payment to the Trade and Companies Register (RCS).
  • Grant of France incorporation certificate
  • Incorporation Notification Announcement in BODACC.
  • Bank Account Setup
  • Registration with the Directorate General of Public Finances
  • Procurement of the necessary licenses and permits.

You can easily set up a French company in 7 days. The timeline may vary for different business structures; for example, company registration for a public limited company may take 10 to 15 days.

The checklist for natural and artificial persons eligible for France company incorporation is as follows:
  • French Citizens
  • French Legal Entities
  • Foreign Individuals and Legal Entities

The document requirements for company registration in France are as follows:
  • Notarized copies of Identification proofs for all directors & shareholders
  • Passport copies of all directors & shareholders
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Minimum capital requirement statement, if applicable

You can form your France company without hiring a lawyer, but we strongly recommend you get legal guidance throughout the registration process, such as business name registration, company incorporation, industry-specific regulatory approvals, and other post-enforcement compliance approvals. Contact our seasoned attorneys to get expert assistance in France company formation.

The different types of industry-specific trade licenses in France are as follows:
  • Shop and Establishment Licenses
  • Food Establishment Licenses
  • Real Estate Licenses
  • Health Care Licenses
  • Professional Services Licenses
  • Manufacturing Licenses
  • Payment Aggregator Licenses
  • Financial Service Licenses

The various categories of business structures for company registration in France are as follows:
  • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
  • Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
  • Limited Partnership by Shares
  • Joint Stock Company (Public Limited Company)
  • Sole Proprietorship
  • General Partnership
  • Single-Member Limited Liability Company
  • Branch Office

Yes, you can virtually establish a business setup in France; we can help you provide a virtual office, which includes services such as mail collection and forwarding, voice mailbox services, call answering, and annual compliance support.

A Business Directory Identification System (SIREN) number is a 9-digit unique identification number that the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) assigns after company registration in France. The SIREN is located in the certificate of incorporation.

A Directory of Establishments Identification System (SIRET) number is a 14-digit unique identification number that is issued by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), which represents different and specific locations of a company.

The post-registration compliance after company registration in France includes the following:
  • Bank account setup
  • Registration with French social security and tax authorities
  • Annual tax filing
  • Annual financial reporting
  • Beneficial owner declaration
  • Trade license renewals

You must appoint at least one director and two shareholders if you’re planning to set up a limited liability company (LLC) in France.

Yes, you will require a Visa permit if you’re looking to set up a physical office for your company in France. Kindly explore the options below to choose the right visa option for an uninterrupted stay:
  • Talent Passport Visa: This visa is valid for 4 years from the official date of registration.
  • Long-Stay Visa: This visa is valid for 12 months from registration.
  • Short-Stay Visa: This visa is valid for 3 months from registration.

Any foreign company or subsidiary can establish a foreign branch office in France. A branch office in France will be considered the same as its parent entity. You must apply with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). A foreign branch office doesn’t have a separate legal entity.

Yes, you must publish the notification in the Official Journal of Trade and Companies (BODACC) after company registration in France.

Our fee structure for company registration in France is fixed and transparent, with no hidden costs.

Authors

Written by Aarya Pokharel. Last updated on Nov 11 2025, 09:55 PM

Aarya Pokharel brings 3 years of solid experience in legal research and compliance. Her expertise spans tax filing, secretarial compliances, and advisory services, with a strong focus on delivering precise legal research and strategic advisory support.

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