How to Create a Company in France: Simple Legal Steps

/in /by

Setting up a business in France is easier than many people think — as long as you follow the right legal steps. France offers a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, whether you’re launching a small freelance activity or forming a full company structure. Below is a straightforward guide to help you understand the essential stages of business creation in France.

1. Choose Your Legal Structure

The first step is selecting the most suitable legal status for your activity. This determines your tax system, social contributions, and accounting obligations.

Main options:

  • Micro-Entrepreneur (Auto-entrepreneur):
    Ideal for freelancers and small businesses. Simplified taxes and accounting.

  • Entreprise Individuelle (EI):
    For sole traders without company creation formalities. Unlimited liability unless opting for EI à Responsabilité Limitée.

  • EURL / SARL:
    Limited liability companies, suitable for small to medium businesses. EURL = one partner, SARL = multiple partners.

  • SAS / SASU:
    Flexible modern company structures. SASU = one shareholder, SAS = several.

  • SA:
    For large companies needing significant capital.

2. Draft the Company’s Statutes (If Applicable)

For most companies (SAS/SASU, SARL/EURL, SA), you must write statutes (statuts juridiques).
They define:

  • The company’s name

  • Business activity (objet social)

  • Registered address (siège social)

  • Share capital

  • Rules between partners

Micro-entrepreneurs and EI do not need statutes.

3. Deposit Share Capital

If you create a company (SAS, SARL, etc.), you must deposit the share capital in a bank, a notary, or the Caisse des Dépôts.

Minimum amounts:

  • 1€ minimum for SAS/SASU and SARL/EURL

  • 37,000€ minimum for SA

You will receive a certificate of capital deposit (attestation de dépôt de capital).

4. Publish a Legal Notice

For company creations (SAS/SASU, SARL/EURL, etc.), you must publish an announcement in an official Journal d’Annonces Légales (JAL).
It summarizes:

  • Company name

  • Legal form

  • Address

  • Share capital

  • Identity of managers

Micro-entrepreneurs do not need this step.

5. Register Your Company

Registration is now done through the Guichet Unique (INPI), which centralizes all business creation procedures in France.

You will obtain:

  • SIREN number

  • SIRET number

  • APE/NAF code

  • Tax and social security affiliation

Depending on your activity, you will be attached to:

  • URSSAF (freelancers, liberal activities)

  • Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie (commercial activities)

  • Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat (crafts / artisan activities)

6. Declare Your Business Activity

Once registered, you must activate your business obligations:

  • Tax regime (income tax, corporate tax, VAT thresholds)

  • Social contributions

  • Professional insurance (mandatory in many sectors)

  • Accounting setup

Micro-entrepreneurs only need to declare their turnover monthly or quarterly.

7. Start Operating Legally

After receiving your registration documents, you can officially start operating.
Make sure you:

  • Keep proper accounting (simplified for micro-entrepreneurs)

  • Issue invoices with required legal mentions

  • Respect VAT rules

  • Renew professional insurance yearly

Final Tips for Success

  • Prepare a clear business plan before choosing your legal structure.

  • Check if your activity requires specific authorizations (health, transport, real estate, etc.).

  • Compare SASU vs EURL if you’re a solo entrepreneur — they have different tax and social rules.

  • Keep all documents (statutes, capital deposit, JAL proof, registration paperwork).

    Ask your question: