Company Registration in France: Formalities for Business Registration

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Verified:  – Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

When launching a business in France, one of the most crucial steps is company registration in France. This process involves officially declaring your business’s activities with the relevant authorities and completing a series of formalities. The required documents and procedures vary depending on the type of business being created. Below is a comprehensive guide on the key steps involved in the company registration in France process:

Types of Businesses Subject to Company Registration in France

  1. Commercial Businesses:
    • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
    • Single-member Limited Liability Company (EURL)
    • Simplified Joint Stock Company (SAS)
    • Single-member Simplified Joint Stock Company (SASU)
    • Public Limited Company (SA)
  2. Civil Businesses:
    • Professional Civil Company (PCS)
    • Civil Business of Means (SCM)
    • Liberal Practice Business (SEL)
    • Civil Real Estate Business (SCI)

When Should the Application for be Filed?

The application for it must be submitted once all the necessary formalities for setting up your business have been completed. This includes the following steps:

  1. Formalities Related to Regulated Activities:
    If your business is involved in regulated activities, such as those requiring specific permits, diplomas, or accreditation, you must complete these procedures before applying for registration.
  2. Declaration of Beneficial Owners:
    Some businesses are required to declare their beneficial owners. You can consult the relevant guidelines to determine if your business falls under these regulations and how to fulfill this obligation.
  3. Domiciliation of the Business:
    The legal address of your business must be established. Ensure that this address is also registered with the postal service to receive important correspondence related to your business after it.
  4. Appointment of the Business Manager:
    The partners or sole partner must appoint the business manager. This step is required for certain business structures like SAS or SARL.
  5. Adoption of the Statutes:
    The business statutes must be drawn up, outlining the structure and operations of your company. If contributions in kind are involved, a contribution commissioner must be appointed to assess the value of these contributions.
  6. Publishing the Business Creation:
    Once the statutes have been finalized, the business creation must be published in a legal publication (such as a legal announcements journal). This is a mandatory step before submitting the registration application.
  7. Filing the Share Capital:
    After the share capital is constituted, it must be deposited into a business bank account. The capital can be accessed once it is completed.
  8. Acquisition of the Necessary Registers:
    Don’t forget to purchase the mandatory business registers, such as those related to accounts and employees, as required by law.

Can You Start Your Activity Before it?

Yes, you can begin your business activity before completing the company registration in France. However, it’s important to mark all documents with the phrase “Business in formation.” Additionally, you must create an annex to the business statutes that outlines the documents passed before applying for registration.

How to Apply for Company Registration in France

To apply for company registration in France, visit the Company Formalities Office website. This will guide you through the process and allow you to submit your application. Upon submission, your business will be automatically entered into both the National Company Register (NBR) and the Trade and Businesses Register (TBR).

What Documents Are Required?

The documents required for company registration in France depend on the type of business you are establishing. Here is a brief overview:

  • Limited Liability Companies (LLC): Articles of association, identification of the business manager, proof of capital deposit, etc.
  • Public Limited Companies (SA): Similar documents but with additional shareholder and board member details.
  • Professional Civil Companies (PCS): Special forms related to the civil nature of the business.

Once your documents are submitted, you will receive a receipt acknowledging the filing of your company registration in France application. This receipt is important as it allows you to proceed with other necessary procedures, such as enrolling in insurance or applying for complementary services. The receipt is valid for up to one month, until you receive confirmation of your business’s official registration.

What Happens After Company Registration in France?

After company registration in France is completed, you will receive a certificate containing your company’s official identification numbers, such as the SIREN number and NAF (EPA) code. These numbers are essential for conducting legal and administrative operations in France.

If your application is incomplete, the Company Formalities Office will notify you of the missing documents. You will need to submit these documents within 15 working days.