French Business Registration

House of Companies provides comprehensive Business Registration services across all EU States, including France.

Are you considering starting a business in France but worried about the complexities of online company formation? House of Companies offers efficient company formation services tailored to the French market. For those in urgent need, we also provide Shelf Companies and same-day formation services in France!

Buy your Readymade Company

using our Entity Management portal

Are you planning to expand overseas by purchasing a readymade company? Branching out can be tricky and expensive. But our Entity Management has got you covered! Most European countries, and many more than that, allow you to register your current legal entity as a branch.

Try our Entity Management to register your branch or start your company, during a Free Trial.
Once your local branch is registered , you can use Entity Management to further run & grow your company!

Advantages of Setting Up a Business in France

France boasts a diverse and innovative business landscape, especially in tech and startups.

Central position in Europe with excellent infrastructure and transportation links.

Access to highly educated and skilled professionals.

Our Support for Registering Your
Business in France

Understanding French Business Structures

Entrepreneurs can choose from several structures when starting a business in France:

  • SARL (Société à responsabilité limitée): Similar to a Limited Liability Company, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

  • SAS (Société par actions simplifiée): Flexible structure, popular among startups and foreign companies.

  • SA (Société anonyme): Ideal for larger companies, required for publicly traded companies.

French Regulations and Legal Considerations

The regulatory landscape in France requires careful planning, especially for non-residents. Here are some local regulations to keep in mind:

  1. Timeframe & Costs: In France, business registration generally takes between 5 to 10 days. With costs often under €100 for basic registration, France’s streamlined process makes setup easy and affordable.

  2. Online Registration: France allows for online registration through the government portal, reducing the need for a physical presence during setup.

  3. Local Government Agency Involvement: Registrations are processed through the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE), ensuring that non-residents have a centralized point for all compliance-related submissions.

  4. Documents Required: French law mandates documents including the company’s articles of association, details of directors and shareholders, proof of a registered address, and, for non-residents, a certified translation of required documents.

Efficient & Online Formation of French Entities

House of Companies offers tailored advice to help you select the optimal structure and navigate the specific legal and tax implications. With extensive experience across France and the EU, our consultants simplify the registration process for non-residents.

Key French Business Registration Locations

Some of the most popular regions for business registration in France include:

  • Paris: Known for its vast market access and international reputation, Paris is ideal for businesses in finance, technology, and services.

  • Lyon: A significant hub for manufacturing and industrial companies, Lyon offers a strategic location with direct links to other EU markets.

  • Marseille: This port city provides excellent opportunities for logistics and trade businesses seeking to access Southern Europe and North Africa.

Steps to Registering a Business in France

Step 1: Initial Consultation
Our team provides a free consult to determine the ideal business structure, discuss compliance needs, and outline the registration process in France.

Step 2: Document Preparation
House of Companies assists with all necessary documentation, including articles of association, translation services for non-resident documents, and registration forms specific to France’s requirements.

Step 3: Submission via Online Portal
We guide non-residents through the French online registration system, ensuring swift and error-free submissions to the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE).

Step 4: Receiving Approval & Tax ID Assignment
Upon successful registration, the business will receive a SIRET number (identification number) and a VAT ID, essential for compliance and operational start-up.

Affordable Compliance and Legal Advice

France has specific compliance standards, which can be complex. House of Companies offers cost-effective legal support for non-residents, making compliance accessible:

  • Affordable Legal Assistance: Through our partnerships with local law firms, we offer discounted rates on legal consultations and compliance checks.

  • DIY Legal Platform: For those looking to reduce costs, our platform provides templates and DIY tools for managing compliance on your own.

Cutting Operational Costs in France

France has specific compliance standards, which can be complex. House of Companies offers cost-effective legal support for non-residents, making compliance accessible:

Affordable Legal Assistance

House of Companies partners with local law firms in France to provide discounted legal consultations and compliance services. This makes it easier for non-residents to get the legal support they need at lower costs.

DIY Legal Platform

For non-residents who want to handle compliance tasks independently and save money, House of Companies offers a platform with tools and templates. This allows them to manage certain compliance requirements on their own, reducing the need for direct legal assistance.

Requirements and Documents for
Forming a French Entity

Establishing a private limited company in France involves meeting specific legal requirements and preparing essential documentation. Key requirements include drafting the company's memorandum and articles of association, providing details of directors and shareholders, and registering a local office address. Additional documentation may also be necessary to comply with French statutory standards.

Find out what others have
to say about us

"Dealing with local notary and deposit requirements was overwhelming. Registering my UK LTD in France was seamless with the support from Entity Management."

Trucking & Logistics

"Starting a local business felt daunting, but I needed a French company number. The branch setup has been ideal!"

Bol.com Trader

"Outsourcing our staff led us to register in France, and Entity Management has been a fantastic partner for our needs!"

Recruitment & Payrolling

Looking to Register a Business
in France?

Registering a branch of your existing Limited Company may not always be the best solution in France. In our blogs and roadmaps, we outline the pros and cons of different options in each country to help you make the right choice.

If you decide that incorporating a local company is the way forward, House of Companies is here to assist with every step of the incorporation process.

Advantages of our eBranch
and corporate support

Simplified onboarding process easily share your details in your Control Panel.

Online company formation is available in most countries, including France.

Available In These countries

Learn more about taxes

VAT Filing Case Studies

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    The Netherlands

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      Austria

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to register a company in France?Typically 3-5 business days with our expedited service.

Is it mandatory to have a physical office in France?Common types include limited liability companies (d.o.o.), joint-stock companies (d.d.), and sole proprietorships.

How long does it take to register a company in France?Typically, the registration process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the business and the completeness of the documentation.

What documents are required for company registration in France?Required documents usually include the memorandum and articles of association, identification documents of directors and shareholders, and proof of the registered office address.

Is it possible to register a company in Croatia online?Yes, Croatia offers online registration for some types of business entities through the e-Citizens platform.

What are the costs associated with registering a business in France?Costs can vary depending on the type of business entity and services used, but they generally include registration fees, notary fees, and possibly legal or consultancy fees.

Do I need a local director to register a company in France?While not mandatory, having a local director can be beneficial for navigating local regulations and business practices.

Wherever I pay tax,
that’s my home.

Feel welcome, and try out our solutions and community,
to bring your business a step closer
to international expansion.

Got questions? 
Lets talk about your options

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