Form a Company in France
Set up a French SAS or SARL as a resident or non-resident. We explain the process and connect you with a French provider for the statutes, filing through the Guichet unique and ongoing compliance. Remote formation is often possible, subject to acceptance.
EU Market Access
A French company trades inside the European Union single market and customs union, reaching a large base of customers and suppliers.
Established Legal System
A mature civil-law framework with clear company-law rules and a well-organised commercial register (RCS).
Company Formation Support
Get guidance on the company formation process, required documents and next steps for setting up your business in this jurisdiction.
Flexible Structures
The SAS offers considerable flexibility in governance, while the SARL suits smaller owner-managed businesses.
Why Form a Company in France?
France is a long-established European base for international business. The points below are general commercial considerations, not guarantees, and your own circumstances should be checked with a qualified adviser.
Access to the EU Market
A French entity operates from within the European Union single market and can trade across member states, which many international businesses value.
Large Domestic Economy
France is one of the largest economies in Europe, offering a substantial home market alongside EU-wide reach.
Flexible Company Forms
The SAS is widely used for its governance flexibility, while the SARL is a familiar owner-managed form, so the structure can be matched to the business.
Skilled Workforce & Infrastructure
A highly educated workforce and strong transport, energy and digital infrastructure support a wide range of activities.
Innovation & Incentives
France offers various research and innovation incentives for qualifying activities, subject to conditions that should be reviewed.
Extensive Treaty Network
France has a broad double-tax treaty network and EU directives that may reduce withholding taxes in cross-border situations. Eligibility should be confirmed case by case.
Formation Packages
Choose the structure that fits your business — every engagement is quoted individually.
- French company formation & name check
- Drafting of the statutes
- Filing via the Guichet unique; RNE / RCS registration
- SIREN / SIRET allocation & Kbis extract (commercial companies)
- Corporate document set
- Registered office address (first year available, subject to final provider quote)
- Bookkeeping & annual accounts support
- Bank account introduction
- Ongoing compliance reminders
- Holding company + operating company
- Review of potential participation-regime eligibility.
- Registered office for both entities
- Accounting for the structure
- Coordination with your adviser
Statutory costs such as notary, registry and government fees are set by third parties and quoted separately. Figures are confirmed in writing before you commit.
France Formation Services
Everything you need to form, register and run a French company, handled with an in-country service provider.
Company Formation
Full French SAS or SARL registration: name check, drafting of the statutes, submission through the Guichet unique for registration in the Registre national des entreprises and, for commercial companies, the RCS, with SIREN/SIRET allocation and issuance of a Kbis extract.
Registered Office & Substance
A French company must maintain a registered office (siège social) in France. We can arrange registered-office services and provide general guidance on the substance and effective management that genuine tax residence requires. Services are subject to banking and substance requirements, and to acceptance by the provider.
Directors & Shareholders
Foreign individuals and corporate shareholders can own and direct a French company. Appointment of a manager (gérant) or president is required depending on the form.
Banking
Introductions to French banks. A capital-deposit account is typically needed for incorporation, and account approval rests with the bank after its own KYC.
Accounting & Compliance
Bookkeeping, annual accounts, business-formalities and registry filings, corporate tax and VAT (TVA) returns where applicable, kept on schedule against French deadlines.
Tax & Treaty Guidance
An overview of French corporate tax, VAT and the treaty network, so the structure fits your plans.
How to Form a French Company
- 1
Tell Us Your Plans
Send your details through the quote form. We explain the options and, where appropriate, connect you with a French service provider.
- 2
KYC & Documents
The provider verifies identity and collects the usual documents: passport and proof of address for individuals, and incorporation documents for corporate shareholders.
- 3
Statutes & Capital
The statutes are drafted and the required portion of the subscribed cash capital is deposited with a bank, notary or other authorised depositary before registration, with a certificate of deposit issued.
- 4
Registration & Banking
Incorporation formalities are submitted through the French Guichet unique, leading to registration in the Registre national des entreprises (RNE) and, for commercial companies, the Registre du commerce et des sociétés (RCS), with SIREN and SIRET numbers allocated and a Kbis extract issued for qualifying commercial companies. Tax registration is completed and VAT registration is arranged where required or elected, and assistance may be provided with opening a corporate account.
What You Receive
- ✓ Statutes of the company
- ✓ Filing via the Guichet unique; RNE / RCS registration
- ✓ SIREN / SIRET allocation & Kbis extract (commercial companies)
- ✓ Beneficial-owner registration
- ✓ Corporate document set
Timelines depend on KYC, capital deposit, RCS processing and bank onboarding. We confirm expected turnaround with your quote.
French Tax & Annual Compliance: General Overview
A plain-language summary of the main French tax and filing points for a company in 2026. This is general information to help you plan, not tax or legal advice. Your French provider or adviser confirms what applies to your situation.
Corporate Income Tax (2026)
The standard French corporate income tax rate is 25% for 2026. A reduced rate can apply to a portion of profits for qualifying small companies, subject to conditions. Current figures should be confirmed.
VAT (TVA)
The standard French VAT rate is 20%, with reduced rates for certain goods and services. Tax registration is completed and VAT registration is arranged where required or elected, and periodic returns are filed where the company is registered.
Dividend Withholding Tax
Dividends paid by a French company can be subject to withholding tax, though reductions or exemptions may apply under EU directives or an applicable tax treaty. Eligibility should be checked case by case.
Annual Accounts & Filing
A company prepares annual financial statements, which are approved and filed through the prescribed business-formalities or commercial-registry process. Approval and filing deadlines generally apply after the financial year-end.
Corporate Tax Returns
A company files an annual corporate income tax return with the French tax authorities. Bookkeeping should be kept up to date so returns and accounts can be prepared accurately and on time.
Payroll Obligations
Where a company employs staff or pays remuneration, French social contributions and payroll obligations generally apply, with periodic filings. This only applies where there is actual employment or remuneration.
France Company Formation FAQ
Common questions about forming a company in France. General information only, not legal or tax advice.
Yes. Shareholders do not need to be French nationals or residents, and non-residents can generally own an SAS or SARL, subject to the provider's KYC checks.
Foreign individuals and corporate entities can generally own a French SAS or SARL. A foreign manager does not necessarily need to reside in France, but immigration or residence permission may be required if the manager intends to live and work in France. This should be reviewed for the company's circumstances.
Often, yes. Much of the process can be handled remotely, including signing by power of attorney, though the capital-deposit step has specific requirements. We confirm what is possible in your case.
There is no substantial statutory minimum: an SAS or SARL may generally be formed with capital from €1, although a commercially realistic amount is often advisable. The required portion of cash capital is deposited before registration.
It depends on KYC, capital deposit, RCS processing and banking. Registration itself can be relatively quick once documents and capital are in place.
A capital-deposit account is normally needed for incorporation, and a corporate account is normal in practice. Account opening is a separate process with its own checks.
Yes. A corporate shareholder, including a foreign company, can own a French company. Its constitutional documents and beneficial owners will be needed for KYC.
Mainly corporate income tax (standard 25% for 2026), VAT (standard 20%) where applicable, and potential dividend withholding tax subject to relief under EU directives or a tax treaty. This is general information, not tax advice.
Typically the annual accounts are approved and filed through the prescribed business-formalities or commercial-registry process, together with a corporate income tax return, periodic VAT returns where registered, and payroll filings where applicable.
Yes. French companies are commonly used as holding structures. There is potential eligibility for the participation regime on qualifying shareholdings, subject to applicable conditions. Holding-company income is not automatically exempt, so the treatment should be reviewed.
For individuals, generally a passport, proof of address, business-activity and source-of-funds information and tax-residency details. For corporate shareholders, incorporation and constitutional documents, registers, an ownership chart and UBO information.
Still Have Questions?
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