Launch your company in France with clear, personalized legal guidance. We take care of every step from registration to compliance with precision and attention, so you can move forward with confidence.
Launch your company in France with clear, personalized legal guidance. We take care of every step from registration to compliance with precision and attention, so you can move forward with confidence.
France is a leading destination for entrepreneurs looking to build and scale their businesses in Europe.
With a strong startup ecosystem, access to a large and diverse market, and generous government support—including funding, tax breaks, and simplified procedures—France offers a solid foundation for innovation and growth. Its skilled talent pool and strategic location make it especially attractive for international founders.
France is a leading destination for entrepreneurs looking to build and scale their businesses in Europe.
With a strong startup ecosystem, access to a large and diverse market, and generous government support—including funding, tax breaks, and simplified procedures—France offers a solid foundation for innovation and growth. Its skilled talent pool and strategic location make it especially attractive for international founders.
No hidden costs
Just For You
English-Speaking
The SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) is the French equivalent of a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
It’s the most commonly used and straightforward business structure in France. A SARL can be established by a single person and requires only €1 in minimum share capital. Shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of their contributions.
The SA (Société Anonyme) is a French joint-stock company, typically used for larger businesses or those planning to raise significant capital.
It requires a minimum share capital of €37,000 and at least two shareholders. The SA offers limited liability to its shareholders, who are only responsible for the amount they invest. This structure is often chosen by companies aiming for greater governance and scalability.
The SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) is a flexible French corporate structure, often favored by startups and growing businesses.
It requires at least one shareholder and a minimum share capital of €1. The SAS offers limited liability and allows for a customizable governance structure, making it well-suited for entrepreneurs seeking agility and control in their operations.
The EURL (Entreprise Unipersonnelle à Responsabilité Limitée) is a French single-member limited liability company. It is essentially a one-person version of the SARL, offering the same protections and structure. With a minimum share capital of just €1, the EURL limits the owner’s liability to their contributions, making it a popular choice for solo entrepreneurs and freelancers.
The micro-entrepreneur status (formerly known as auto-entrepreneur) is a simplified business structure designed for self-employed individuals in France.
It’s ideal for freelancers and small-scale entrepreneurs due to its easy registration process, reduced accounting obligations, and simplified tax regime. However, it comes with turnover limits and doesn’t offer limited liability protection.
A subsidiary (filiale) is a separate legal entity established in France and owned in part or in full by a foreign parent company.
Unlike a branch office, a subsidiary operates independently under French law, with its own legal status, liability, and financial accounts. This structure provides greater legal separation and flexibility, making it a common choice for international companies seeking a long-term presence in France.
A branch office (succursale) is an extension of a foreign company operating in France without creating a separate legal entity.
It allows the parent company to conduct business locally, but remains fully liable for the branch’s operations. While it must be registered with the French authorities, the branch does not have its own legal personality, and its activities are directly tied to the foreign head office.
A representative office (bureau de représentation) is a non-commercial presence established by a foreign company in France. It is used primarily for market research, brand promotion, or building local contacts, but it cannot conduct any direct commercial activity (such as sales or contracts). Since it has no legal personality or income-generating function, it is not subject to corporate tax in France. However, it must still be declared to French authorities.
The SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) is the French equivalent of a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
It’s the most commonly used and straightforward business structure in France. A SARL can be established by a single person and requires only €1 in minimum share capital. Shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of their contributions.
The SA (Société Anonyme) is a French joint-stock company, typically used for larger businesses or those planning to raise significant capital.
It requires a minimum share capital of €37,000 and at least two shareholders. The SA offers limited liability to its shareholders, who are only responsible for the amount they invest. This structure is often chosen by companies aiming for greater governance and scalability.
The SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) is a flexible French corporate structure, often favored by startups and growing businesses.
It requires at least one shareholder and a minimum share capital of €1. The SAS offers limited liability and allows for a customizable governance structure, making it well-suited for entrepreneurs seeking agility and control in their operations.
The EURL (Entreprise Unipersonnelle à Responsabilité Limitée) is a French single-member limited liability company.
It is essentially a one-person version of the SARL, offering the same protections and structure. With a minimum share capital of just €1, the EURL limits the owner’s liability to their contributions, making it a popular choice for solo entrepreneurs and freelancers.
The micro-entrepreneur status (formerly known as auto-entrepreneur) is a simplified business structure designed for self-employed individuals in France.
It’s ideal for freelancers and small-scale entrepreneurs due to its easy registration process, reduced accounting obligations, and simplified tax regime. However, it comes with turnover limits and doesn’t offer limited liability protection.
A subsidiary (filiale) is a separate legal entity established in France and owned in part or in full by a foreign parent company.
Unlike a branch office, a subsidiary operates independently under French law, with its own legal status, liability, and financial accounts. This structure provides greater legal separation and flexibility, making it a common choice for international companies seeking a long-term presence in France.
A branch office (succursale) is an extension of a foreign company operating in France without creating a separate legal entity.
It allows the parent company to conduct business locally, but remains fully liable for the branch’s operations. While it must be registered with the French authorities, the branch does not have its own legal personality, and its activities are directly tied to the foreign head office.
A representative office (bureau de représentation) is a non-commercial presence established by a foreign company in France.
It is used primarily for market research, brand promotion, or building local contacts, but it cannot conduct any direct commercial activity (such as sales or contracts). Since it has no legal personality or income-generating function, it is not subject to corporate tax in France. However, it must still be declared to French authorities.
Begin by filling out a simple form to determine your eligibility.
Get a personalized overview of our services, along with a clear, fixed-fee proposal so you know exactly what to expect.
Your dedicated lawyer will handle all legalities and guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and confident process.
Begin by filling out a simple form to determine your eligibility.
Get a personalized overview of our services, along with a clear, fixed-fee proposal so you know exactly what to expect.
Your dedicated lawyer will handle all legalities and guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and confident process.
Setting up a company in France can be complex — from choosing the right structure to navigating legal formalities and compliance.
At LegalMova, our experienced business lawyers handle the entire incorporation process with precision and care, making it simple and secure for you.
How LegalMova helps you lauch with confidence :
Legal guidance on choosing the most suitable company structure (SAS, SARL, EURL, etc.)
We help you select the right legal form based on your goals, liability, and tax needs.
Drafting and filing all incorporation documents
We prepare all the required legal paperwork and handle submission to the proper authorities.
Managing registration with tax, social security, and commercial authorities
We take care of registering your business with all relevant French institutions.
Ensuring full compliance with French corporate law
We make sure your company meets all legal requirements from day one.
Providing ongoing legal support as your business grows
We stay by your side to advise and protect your company as it evolves.
Legalmova took the stress out of starting my business. Their legal services were fast, clear, and incredibly professional. Highly recommended!”
Frederico D., startup founder
Lausanne, Switzerland
“Legalmova was professional and provided me with more insights than I expected about French law. Very efficient.”
New York, USA
“Legalmova guided me through my nationality and visa application with clarity and precision. Thank you i recommend .”
Madrid, Spain
“Legalmova handled our trademark application quickly and professionally. They covered key points we hadn’t even thought of.”
Casablanca, Morocco
Understand the steps to start a company in France, the legal requirements, and how LegalMova can help you build a solid foundation for your business.
Start your visa application with expert legal care and personalized guidance.
Avoid tax surprises with our comprehensive tax consultation services. Get expert advice and strategic planning to ensure a smooth tax season and financial peace of mind.
Avoid tax surprises with our comprehensive tax consultation services. Get expert advice and strategic planning to ensure a smooth tax season and financial peace of mind.
Copyright © 2025 LegalMova. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer : LegalMova is not a law firm. We are a legaltech company providing digital legal tools and services. We facilitate connections between users and independent lawyers for your relocation in Europe. No content or service provided by LegalMova should be interpreted as legal advice or a substitute for consulting a qualified legal professional.
Disclaimer : LegalMova is not a law firm. We are a legaltech company providing digital legal tools and services. We facilitate connections between users and independent lawyers. No content or service provided by LegalMova should be interpreted as legal advice or a substitute for consulting a qualified legal professional.
Copyright © 2025 LegalMova. All rights reserved.
“The work was completed quickly and professionally. I highly recommend Legalmova and their network of lawyers!”