How to open a business in France?

Business in FranceEntrepreneurs from all over the world are thinking about establishing their own business in France. More than 30,000 new enterprises are registered in the country, successfully promoting goods within the country and within the European Union. The state and society have a positive attitude towards such an investment initiative, expressed in a clear and simple legal framework.

Business in France

France is not over-saturated with foreign capital. The vast territory and large population form a sustainable business environment. Capitals and goods coming from abroad receive new inspiration, fuelled by the unique French mentality.

Numerous international experts note that business in France is characterized by the following advantages:

  1. Flexible government regulation in the field of economics,
  2. Absence of differences in the rights of doing business between residents and non-residents,
  3. Low level of corruption,
  4. Lack of bureaucracy,
  5. Preferential tax rates,
  6. Excellent infrastructure,
  7. Possibility of unlimited export to Europe,
  8. Skilled labour resources.

Establishing business in France

Direct management of own company, but not trust of its administration to third persons, a non-resident entrepreneur in France, will require the receipt of a merchant card. This card is issued for a period of up to 12 months, which can be subsequently extended.

Depending on the type of activity and the chosen tax system, it is necessary to choose the form of an enterprise for establishing business in France. The most optimal among them are the following:

  1. Individual entrepreneur.
    • It is established by an individual who is responsible for the company's liabilities with personal property.
  2. Limited liability company.
    • Two or more persons may act as founders. Liability of the participants extends exclusively within the limits of the sums of contributions to the capital of the company.
  3. Company with unlimited liability (anonymous company).
    • This type is used to administer large business. At least 7 people are required to participate. Half of the capital is contributed immediately before the establishment of the enterprise, the second is contributed within 5 years.
  4. Joint-stock company of a simplified type.
    • Establishment by 1 person is allowed. Liability is limited to capital contributions.

Registration of Business in France

In addition to the possibility of organizing your own business, an entrepreneur is available to buy a business in France. The procedure is easier than in case of registration. Indeed, most resort to the registration procedure.

In general,  registration of business in France is carried out in the following stages:

  1. Verification of the uniqueness of the company name,
  2. Notarization of constituent documents,
  3. Registration in the commercial and industrial register,
  4. Opening a bank account,
  5. Registration in the tax authority. It ends up with the granting of a unique tax number to the company ,
  6. Registration in a number of social insurance companies,
  7. Publication in the official state print edition.

Business registration in France does not take more than 30 days.

Small business in France plays a significant role in the country's economy. At the moment, there are more than 3,000,000 small enterprises that have filled mainly the services market segment. A distinctive feature of such an enterprise is the presence of less than  50 employees hired employees . In addition, in respect of small enterprises, the legislation of the country provides for an impressive number of programs that stimulate the business of this type, as well as significant tax breaks.

The existing National Agency for the Establishment of Enterprises, stimulates small business and carries out a number of measures for buying up in the event of threat of bankruptcy.

In order to obtain detailed information, we suggest you to contact qualified specialists. Quality consultation minimizes potential financial and temporary risks. Responsible approach and thoroughness in details is the key to a successful enterprise.

Please select interests you the legal form of the company:

France -SA

France -SARL

For reference:

SARL - Société à Responsabilité Limitée - Limited Liability Company (LLC) - is a company "established by one or more persons who are liable only to the extent of their contributions". SARL (LLC) is the company of commercial nature whatever is its purpose.

SA - Société Anonyme - analogue of the Joint Stock Company - is a limited liability company incorporated under French law, which is suitable for large projects.

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