Setting up a company in France: where to start?

Three key decisions at the start

Before you can actually begin operations, three strategic decisions must be made:

• Choosing the legal form
  The most common structures are the SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) and the SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée). Each has its own implications for liability, flexibility and taxation.

• Embedding within your group
  Will the French entity be set up as a subsidiary or a sister company? This decision impacts tax consolidation, transfer pricing and legal obligations.

• Appointment of directors
  Depending on who will manage the company, there may be requirements regarding diplomas, professional experience or social security status.

Administrative procedure

Once these decisions are made, we prepare a complete administrative file to apply for a French company number (SIREN).

Good to know:

• A notary is not required in France to set up a company.

• The articles of association are mandatory and must include, among other details, the French bank account number. → Contact your bank in time or choose a French bank with a local branch.

• Additional documents must be signed and collected (ID copies, proof of capital deposit, etc.).

Filing the application

The full file is submitted to the relevant French registry (greffe). Once approved, you will receive:

• The SIREN number

• The official extrait K-BIS, comparable to the Belgian company register extract (KBO).

Processing times depend on the region and the complexity of the file.

From approval to operations

As soon as the capital is deposited and released on the French bank account, your company can officially begin its commercial activities.

Keep in mind:

• Accounting and tax obligations start immediately.

• Hiring staff is possible once the SIREN number is assigned.

• A valid employment contract in line with French labour law is required.

For all administrative formalities related to tax and social law, our specialists are ready to guide and advise you. So do not hesitate to contact us with any further questions.