Register a Business in France: Everything You Need to Know

France in 2025 is one of the most attractive destinations for global entrepreneurs and multinational corporations aiming to expand in Europe. As the world’s seventh-largest economy, France offers a highly developed infrastructure, access to the European single market, and a skilled workforce supported by government initiatives for innovation and foreign investment. Paris, Lyon, and Marseille have emerged as hubs for startups and global businesses alike, while the government continues to streamline registration and tax processes to encourage international participation.

This guide is written for international companies, startups, and expansion teams looking to Register a Company in France. You will learn about market entry options, business structures, the registration process, legal documentation, compliance requirements, and Employer of Record (EOR) alternatives to quickly hire talent without full incorporation.

Table of Contents

• Exploring Your Market Entry Options in France
• Business Structures You Can Choose From
• Comparing Business Structure Options
• How to Choose the Right Business Model for Your Operations
• Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration in France
• Key Documents Required to Register Your French Company
• Post-Incorporation Essentials You Shouldn’t Ignore in France
• Additional Business Licenses and Registrations You Might Need in France
• Timeframe to Set Up a Business in France
• What Does It Cost to Incorporate a Company in France?
• Obstacles Global Founders May Face While Setting Up in France
• Incorporating as a Foreign-Owned Company: A Special Path
• Employer of Record: A Simpler Way to Hire in France Without Incorporation
• Why Asanify is the Ideal Partner for Global Companies Entering France
• Summary & Final Takeaways
• FAQs

Exploring Your Market Entry Options in France

Before registering your company, it is important to decide how you want to operate in France. There are two main approaches: setting up a local company or using an Employer of Record (EOR) for quick market entry.

Incorporating a Local Business Entity

Incorporating a French company involves registering with the French Commercial Court (Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce), obtaining a SIREN number, registering for taxes, and opening a corporate bank account. This route is ideal for companies that want a long-term presence, complete operational control, and the ability to raise capital locally. It requires adherence to French labor laws, social security obligations, and corporate tax compliance.

Hiring Through an Employer of Record (EOR)

For companies seeking rapid market entry or short-term operations, an Employer of Record (EOR) allows you to hire full-time employees in France without creating a local legal entity. The EOR serves as the legal employer and manages payroll, taxes, and social security contributions, while you maintain day-to-day operational control. This approach reduces risk, saves time, and ensures compliance with French labor regulations.

Business Structures You Can Choose From

France offers a variety of legal structures to suit different business models and scales of operation:

• Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle) – Easy to establish but involves unlimited personal liability.
  
• Partnerships (Société en Nom Collectif – SNC) – Two or more partners share profits and liabilities jointly.
  
• Simplified Joint Stock Company (SAS) – Highly flexible, preferred by startups and foreign investors; provides limited liability and flexible governance.
  
• Limited Liability Company (SARL) – Common among small and medium businesses; offers limited liability and a simpler structure than SAS.
  
• Public Limited Company (SA) – Suited for large corporations planning to raise capital from multiple investors or go public.
  
• Branch Office of a Foreign Company – Allows a foreign company to operate locally but remains legally tied to the parent entity.
  

Comparing Business Structure Options

Structure	Ownership	Liability	Taxation	Compliance	Best For
Sole Proprietorship	1 owner	Unlimited	Personal income tax	Low	Freelancers and micro-businesses
SNC	2+ partners	Unlimited	Personal income tax	Moderate	Small co-owned ventures
SARL	1–100 shareholders	Limited	Corporate tax	Moderate	SMEs and family businesses
SAS	1+ shareholders	Limited	Corporate tax	Flexible	Startups and foreign investors
SA	2+ shareholders	Limited	Corporate tax	High	Large corporations & public listing
Branch Office	Parent company	Parent liable	Corporate tax on French revenue	Moderate	Foreign companies testing the market

How to Choose the Right Business Model for Your Operations

Choosing the right business model in France is a crucial step for any foreign entrepreneur or international company. Your choice will influence how much liability you carry, the ease of compliance, the cost of operations, and the flexibility to grow or raise funds in the future. France offers a variety of legal structures, each suited to a different type of business, so it is important to evaluate your operational goals and long-term plans before deciding.

Here are the key factors to consider when selecting the most suitable structure for your company:

Business Size and Stage

• Solo entrepreneurs or freelancers often start as an Entreprise Individuelle (Sole Proprietorship) due to its simplicity and low setup cost.
• Small and medium-sized businesses commonly choose SARL for limited liability and straightforward management.
• Startups and scaling businesses backed by investors typically prefer SAS, which provides flexibility in ownership and governance.
• Large corporations or enterprises planning a public listing should consider an SA, as it is designed for complex operations and external fundraising.

Nature of Operations

• Service-oriented businesses, professional consulting firms, or small trading entities are well-suited to SARL or SAS, as they provide limited liability without complex compliance requirements.
• Businesses with long-term R&D, product development, or manufacturing plans benefit from SAS or SA, especially if future capital raising or partnerships are expected.
• Companies testing the market or running representative activities may start with a Branch Office, avoiding the need to form a new legal entity initially.

Liability Appetite

• Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships (SNC) involve unlimited personal liability, which means owners are personally responsible for business debts.
• Limited liability structures like SARL, SAS, and SA protect personal assets and are generally preferred by foreign founders.
• Branch Offices limit liability to the parent company, but do not create a separate legal entity under French law.

Investment and Fundraising Plans

• SAS is the most popular structure for attracting venture capital and foreign investment due to its flexibility in issuing shares and organizing shareholder agreements.
• SA is required if you plan to raise significant capital from multiple investors or list shares publicly.
• SARL is sufficient for small businesses with limited external funding needs but is less flexible for issuing equity.
• SNC and Sole Proprietorships are rarely used for fundraising due to unlimited liability and investor reluctance.

Long-Term Growth Strategy

• Companies planning to expand across France or the EU should choose an SAS or SA for scalability and investor credibility.
• SARL is ideal for stable businesses with limited growth expectations and a focus on local markets.
• Branch Offices or EOR solutions are suitable for short-term or experimental market entry, with the flexibility to transition into a subsidiary later.

Suggested Read: Understanding Labour Laws in France: A Complete Guide 2025

Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration in France

1. Define your company type based on your goals and growth plans.
   
2. Choose a unique company name and verify its availability with the French Trade and Companies Register (Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés).
   
3. Prepare incorporation documents, including the Articles of Association, identification of shareholders, proof of office address, and capital deposit certificate if required.
   
4. Deposit minimum capital into a French bank account for structures like SAS or SA, and obtain a deposit certificate.
   
5. Sign and notarize the Articles of Association where applicable.
   
6. Register with the Commercial Court (Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce) to obtain your SIREN and SIRET numbers.
   
7. Activate VAT registration if your company will conduct taxable activities in France or within the EU.
   
8. Open a corporate bank account to handle all operational and payroll transactions.
   

Key Documents Required to Register Your French Company

To complete incorporation, you will need:

• Valid identification documents or passports for all directors and shareholders
  
• Proof of residential address for directors and shareholders
  
• Articles of Association (Statuts) signed and, if necessary, notarized
  
• Proof of registered office address, such as a lease agreement or property ownership certificate
  
• Bank deposit certificate (for structures with mandatory initial capital)
  
• UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) declaration to comply with EU anti-money laundering laws
  

Post-Incorporation Essentials You Shouldn’t Ignore in France

After incorporation, several steps are required to ensure compliance:

• Register for social security with URSSAF if you plan to hire employees
  
• Activate VAT and corporate tax registrations with the French tax authorities
  
• Set up payroll systems to manage employee salaries, social charges, and income tax deductions
  
• File the UBO declaration within 30 days of incorporation
  
• Maintain proper accounting and submit annual financial statements as required by French law
  

Additional Business Licenses and Registrations You Might Need in France

Depending on your business activity and location, additional registrations may be required:

• Local trade permits from municipal authorities for physical establishments
  
• EORI registration for import/export activities within the EU
  
• Sector-specific permits for industries such as food services, education, healthcare, or finance
  
• Environmental permits if your operations have environmental impact
  

Timeframe to Set Up a Business in France

France has modernized many aspects of its company registration process through online filings and digital tools like the Infogreffe and Guichet Unique platforms, which have made the process faster and more transparent. If your documentation is complete, including translations and notarization where necessary, company incorporation can typically be completed in two to three weeks.

Here is a realistic timeline for incorporating a company in France:

Step	Estimated Duration
Prepare and notarize Articles of Association	2–4 business days
Deposit capital in a French bank and obtain deposit certificate	2–5 business days
Register with the Commercial Court (Greffe) and obtain SIREN/SIRET	3–5 business days
VAT registration and activation (if required)	3–7 business days
Total Time to Register	10–20 business days

Delays may occur if foreign documents require apostille or translation, banking verification takes longer, or additional sector-specific approvals are needed.

What Does It Cost to Incorporate a Company in France?

The cost of incorporation varies depending on the business structure and whether you engage professional services.
Typical costs include:

• Government registration fees: €100–€250
  
• Notary fees (if applicable): €500–€1,500
  
• Capital deposit requirements: €1–€37,000 depending on structure (for SA)
  
• Professional/legal service charges: €500–€1,500
  
• Optional sector-specific registrations or permits: €200–€1,000
  

On average, foreign companies can expect to spend between €1,000 and €3,500 for complete incorporation.

Obstacles Global Founders May Face While Setting Up in France

Foreign entrepreneurs often face challenges such as:

• Document translation into French and notarization or apostille for foreign-issued documents
  
• Multi-layered compliance with French labor, tax, and EU regulations
  
• Sector-specific restrictions in industries like finance, insurance, or pharmaceuticals
  
• Remote management difficulties if operating without local representation
  

Incorporating as a Foreign-Owned Company: A Special Path

Foreign entrepreneurs and international companies seeking to establish a presence in France have several legal pathways that allow for full or partial ownership while staying compliant with French and EU regulations. The right choice depends on your business objectives, the scale of your operations, and whether you intend to operate commercially or simply test the market.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (SAS, SARL, or SA)

This is the most popular route for foreign companies looking for complete operational control. A wholly-owned subsidiary is a separate legal entity under French labor law, capable of signing contracts, hiring staff, and conducting business like any local company.

• SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) is the most flexible and favored by foreign investors for its simple governance and shareholding structure.
• SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) is suitable for small and medium businesses.
• SA (Société Anonyme) is best for large enterprises planning significant investment or a public listing.

A wholly-owned subsidiary enjoys the same rights as a French company, can receive 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, and simplifies fundraising or reinvestment in the EU market.

Liaison Office (Bureau de Liaison)

A liaison office in France serves as a representative office for the foreign parent company. It is primarily used for market research, business promotion, and coordination activities.

• A liaison office cannot engage in commercial activities or generate revenue in France.
• It is useful for assessing market potential or supporting the parent company’s business relationships without committing to full incorporation.

Branch Office (Succursale)

A branch office is an extension of the foreign parent company and can engage in certain commercial operations in France.

• A branch is not a separate legal entity and remains legally tied to the parent company.
• It can perform services, conduct research, or carry out sales activities, but contracts and liabilities ultimately belong to the parent entity.
• Registration with the French Trade and Companies Register (RCS) is required, along with a local legal representative.

FDI Regulations and Approvals

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in France is generally liberal, but certain sectors are subject to additional scrutiny or prior authorization, particularly for non-EU investors. Examples include:

• Defense, energy, and telecommunications
• Transport and infrastructure
• Healthcare, biotechnology, and sensitive technology sectors

The French Ministry of Economy (DG Trésor) monitors foreign investments in strategic sectors, and prior approval may be required under the French FDI screening mechanism. This ensures compliance with EU regulations and national security considerations.

For many global founders, navigating incorporation as a foreign-owned entity in France involves legal documentation, sectoral approvals, and compliance with French labor and tax laws. Engaging an incorporation consultant or Employer of Record (EOR) partner can streamline the process, ensuring faster market entry with reduced administrative complexity.

Employer of Record: A Simpler Way to Hire in France Without Incorporation

Entering the French market does not always require creating a legal entity. For many global companies, especially those exploring market potential or running pilot projects, an Employer of Record (EOR) provides a quick and fully compliant way to hire employees in France without the cost and time involved in incorporation.

From a legal perspective, the EOR is the official employer for your French workforce. It handles employment contracts, payroll, social security contributions, and tax withholdings in line with French labor laws. Meanwhile, you retain complete control over the employees’ day-to-day work, responsibilities, and performance management.

This model is ideal for:

• Testing the French market before committing to a permanent entity
• Running short-term or project-based teams for sales, marketing, or support
• Hiring remote French employees for global operations
• Rapidly expanding into the EU without navigating immediate regulatory complexity

Using an EOR protects foreign companies from the administrative and compliance challenges of:

• Drafting French-compliant employment contracts
• Registering with social security (URSSAF)
• Managing payroll and tax reporting
• Handling mandatory employee benefits such as paid leave, pensions, and healthcare

By leveraging an EOR, businesses reduce the risk of non-compliance, worker misclassification, and potential labor disputes, all while achieving fast market entry.

Suggested Read: EOR France: A Detailed Guide on Employer of Record 2025

Why Asanify is the Ideal Partner for Global Companies Entering France

Asanify supports global businesses with both full incorporation and EOR services in France. For companies planning long-term operations, we guide you through every step of the registration process:

• Selecting the right legal structure (SAS, SARL, SA)
• Drafting and notarizing Articles of Association
• Registering with the French Trade and Companies Register (RCS)
• Securing tax and VAT registrations
• Managing post-incorporation compliance and payroll setup

If you are not ready to incorporate, our Employer of Record solution allows you to hire French employees in just a few days, with Asanify managing all employment contracts, payroll processing, and statutory benefits on your behalf. This ensures your team operates legally and compliantly without administrative burdens.

Asanify has successfully supported clients across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia, enabling them to enter the French market efficiently and risk-free. Whether you’re a startup testing demand or a multinational deploying a regional team, we make your France expansion seamless and stress-free.

Summary & Final Takeaways

Expanding into France offers immense potential, but selecting the right market entry strategy is essential. Global companies generally face two main choices: incorporating a French legal entity (such as an SAS, SARL, or SA) or hiring through an Employer of Record (EOR).

If your goal is to establish a long-term presence, raise capital, or maintain complete operational control, forming a registered French company is the most suitable option. On the other hand, if your focus is on rapid market entry, testing operations, or building a small local team without administrative complexity, an EOR allows you to start quickly while remaining fully compliant with French labor and tax regulations.

FAQs

Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant  or Labour Law  expert for specific guidance.