France Company Formation

France is the largest country in Western Europe and the European Union, located at the heart of the world’s largest consumer market. It is the third-largest country in Europe and has the world’s 5th largest economy with a GDP of approximately $2.465 trillion and a population of 66.9 million (2017 est.). France is the most visited country in the world, welcoming 83 million foreign visitors annually. France has aggressively sought to attract foreign investment – and with considerable success. One result is that French company formation is now very simple and it is straightforward to set up a business in France, although local advice is essential in order to ensure compliance with legal and financial regulations.

The country has excellent infrastructure, a relatively favourable demographic outlook, and the most business-friendly R&D tax treatment in the world, according to the OECD. Company Registration in France is rather simple as long as the requirements of the law are met.

Company Bureau can assist you in the process of France Company Formation with minimal hassle and without the need to travel there. We can assist you with a full range of services including company registration within France, Bank Account, VAT Registration, Registered/Virtual Office and Accountancy Services!

There are three main types of France company formation that include:

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

There is no fixed pattern for company registration in France. Options range from opening a small representative office – a bureau de liaison – to acquiring an existing company or setting up a new business. A SARL (Limited Company) is the most popular for overseas clients.

Limited company SARL

• The minimum share capital was recently reduced to €1.00
• The minimum number of shareholders is one
• Shareholders are liable up to the limit of their capital contribution
• Accounts must be audited in line with statutory requirements
• Top managers have more onerous tax and security rules than SA managers

All non-EU residents are now required to apply for government authorisation if they want to open a SARL in France, this includes applying for an extract of a criminal record which needs to be officially translated into French by a certified translator.

Societé Anonyme – SA

• The minimum share capital is just €1, however, banks will require a higher capital than this to
be paid up
• The company must have at least seven shareholders
• Shareholders are liable up to the limit of their capital contribution
• Services accounts must be audited in line with statutory requirements
• Top managers are treated as employees for tax and social security purposes

Societé Par Actions Simplifieé (Simplified Stock Corporation) – SAS

SAS is a relatively new type of entity in France. It is a vehicle for creating a joint venture between a local company and a foreign partner. Previously, companies in France had found it difficult to enter into joint-venture relationships with foreign companies because of the rigidity of their corporate law. However, SAS companies are increasingly finding favour with foreign investors, particularly in the USA, who wish to set up subsidiaries in France.

• The minimum share capital has recently been reduced to €1, we recommend €18,500 should
be paid up
• The company must have at least two shareholders and a chairman
• Shareholders are liable up to the limit of their capital contribution Check name for
uniqueness with the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI)
• There is no need for a board of directors

For a jurisdiction that is stable and superbly located, set up a company in France today. Please contact Company Bureau Formations for further details on France Company Formation.  We can set up a company for you in the quickest possible timeframe.

 

Contact us now for further details