Country guide · 6 topics

Starting a business in France

Everything Corpy covers for France, checked against the guichet unique, the tax administration (DGFiP) and the Talent Passport rules.

Corporate tax

15-25%

VAT

20%

Setup time

1-3 weeks

Min. capital

€1

Common entity

SAS

Six topics, answered

Company formation

Founders usually form an SAS or SASU through the online guichet unique. Capital can be €1, but you need a bank deposit certificate and a legal notice first.

Read the company formation guide → Corporate tax

Corporate tax is 25%, with a 15% rate on the first €42,500 for qualifying SMEs. VAT is 20%, and France has an Innovation Box for IP income.

Read the corporate tax guide → Business laws

Annual accounts go to the commercial court registry, beneficial owners are registered and the Labour Code and sector agreements govern staff.

Read the business laws guide → Free zones & incentives

France has no free zones of the Dubai kind. Its incentives are the research tax credit, the young innovative company status and Bpifrance funding.

Read the free zones & incentives guide → Banking & finance

Traditional banks and online business banks such as Qonto both serve new companies. You need an account to deposit share capital before registering.

Read the banking & finance guide → Visas & residency

Non-EU founders use the Talent Passport, either as founders of an innovative company backed by a recognised body or as business creators investing €30,000.

Read the visas & residency guide →

Why founders choose France

Large research credit

The crédit d'impôt recherche refunds 30% of eligible R&D spending, one of the largest such schemes in Europe.

Strong startup support

Bpifrance loans and grants, the JEI status and the French Tech network back young tech companies.

Access to the EU market

A large domestic market and full access to the EU single market.

Is France right for you?

Good fit

R&D-heavy tech companies
Founders moving to France
Businesses selling to French customers

Think twice

Founders optimising for low payroll costs
Very small service businesses better as micro-entrepreneurs
Anyone wanting minimal paperwork

Our take

France is expensive to employ in but generous to innovators. For R&D companies the research credit and JEI status can offset much of the payroll cost, for others the social charges dominate.

The first year, step by step

Week 1
Draft the articles (statuts) and choose SAS, SASU or SARL.
Week 1
Deposit share capital and obtain the bank certificate.
Week 1-2
Publish the legal notice of incorporation.
Weeks 1-3
File on the guichet unique and receive the Kbis extract and SIREN.
Weeks 2-4
Register for VAT and set up payroll with Urssaf.
Every year
File accounts with the registry and the corporate tax return.

Typical first-year costs

Registry fee (SAS)	about €37
Legal notice publication	about €150-200
Beneficial owner declaration	about €21
Accountant (expert-comptable)	€1,500-4,000 / yr
Domiciliation, if needed	€300-1,200 / yr

Indicative ranges. Estimate yours →

Where founders slip

Company Formation

Skipping the capital depositThe bank certificate is required before registration.

Company Formation

Choosing SARL by defaultSAS is more flexible for investors and share classes.

Corporate Tax

Assuming 15% appliesThe reduced rate needs turnover under €10m and mainly individual shareholders.

Business Laws

Underestimating social chargesEmployer contributions add roughly 40-45% to gross salary.

Banking

Opening the account lateYou need an account before you can register.

Visas

Applying without a recognised partnerThe founder Talent Passport needs a recognised support body.

Words you will meet

SAS / SASU: Simplified joint-stock company, SASU has one shareholder.
SARL / EURL: Limited liability company, EURL has one shareholder.
Kbis: Official extract proving registration.
SIREN: Company identification number.
Statuts: Articles of association.
Expert-comptable: Chartered accountant.

All France guides

1 guide

Company formation

France SAS vs SARL: Choosing the Right Company Structure

Jul 9, 2026

Quick questions

Can a foreigner own a French company?

Yes, 100%. The president of an SAS can live abroad, though banks and the tax office find a local link easier.

SAS or SARL?

SAS is more flexible for share classes and investors, SARL is more regulated and suits family businesses.

What is the minimum capital?

€1, though more is usual to show credibility.

Who gets the 15% rate?

SMEs with turnover under €10 million whose capital is fully paid and at least 75% held by individuals.

How long does registration take?

Usually one to three weeks through the guichet unique.

Compare France

Germany vs Netherlands →Best countries 2026 →

Official sources

Guichet unique (INPI)↗impots.gouv.fr (DGFiP)↗entreprendre.service-public.fr↗Bpifrance↗Welcome to France: Talent Passport↗