How to Create a SAS company in France: A Step-by-Step Guide

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What Is a SAS?

A SAS (Simplified Joint-Stock Company) is a French corporate form that:

  • Can be created with one or more shareholders (natural persons or legal entities).

  • Offers limited liability to shareholders.

  • Has flexible governance rules agreed in the articles of association.

1. Prepare the Founding Documents

Draft the Articles of Association (Statuts)
These are the company’s founding rules. They must include:

  • Company name (denomination)

  • Registered office (siège social)

  • Business purpose (objet social)

  • Share capital and contribution details

  • Governance rules (powers of the president and other officers)

Tip: Many founders use a lawyer or legal service to avoid errors in this step.

2. Define Share Capital and Contributions

  • Minimum capital: There is no legal minimum (you can start with €1), but in practice companies often choose a higher amount to improve credibility.

  • Capital can be contributed in:

    • Cash (money)

    • In-kind contributions (goods, equipment)

    • Skills or work contributions (industrial contributions)

Once the share capital is determined, you must deposit it in a blocked bank account in France. The bank issues a certificate of capital deposit (attestation de dépôt) — this certificate is required for registration.

3. Appoint Company Officers

French law requires a President (Président) for the SAS. This person represents the company legally and in contracts.
Other officers (e.g., CEO) can be appointed if the articles provide for them.

There’s no requirement for officers to be French residents — non-EU founders may still be president, though residence or work authorization affects employment rights.

4. Publish a Legal Notice of Incorporation

You must publish a legal announcement of the company’s creation in a Journal d’Annonces Légales (JAL) where the registered office is located.
This notice must contain key info (company name, capital, address, president, etc.) and you’ll receive an attestation of publication, which is required to complete registration.

5. Submit Your Registration File

Since 2023, company registration is done online through the Guichet Unique (Single Business Formalities Portal) managed by the French authorities.

You’ll need to upload:

  • Articles of association (signed)

  • Capital deposit certificate

  • Proof of legal notice publication

  • Identification and address proof of the president (and other officers)

  • Proof of registered office (lease, domiciliation contract, etc.)

  • Declaration of beneficial owners (persons holding control)

Once accepted, the company is registered with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS).

6. Receive Legal Identification Numbers

After registration, you receive:

  • A SIREN number: unique company identifier

  • A SIRET number: identifier including branch/establishment

  • An APE code: activity classification

These are essential for issuing invoices, filing taxes, and reporting to social security.

7. Register for Taxes and Social Security

Once your SAS is registered:

  • Open a corporate bank account in the company’s name.

  • Register for VAT (TVA) if applicable.

  • Register with URSSAF (social security) if you’ll hire employees or pay salaries.

Timing and Costs

  • Timeline: Typically 1–3 weeks if all documents are complete.

  • Costs:

    • Legal notice publication (~€200–€250)

    • Registry filing fees (~€37–€60)

    • Beneficial owner declaration (~€20)

    • Optional legal or accountant fees depending on complexity.

Summary

Registering a SAS in France involves preparing the company’s legal foundation documents, depositing capital, publishing a legal notice, submitting incorporation paperwork online, and then setting up tax/social registrations. While the process is relatively structured, many founders choose professional support (lawyer, accountant, or legal platform) to avoid mistakes and ensure compliance.

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