How to Start a Business in France: A Clear Guide for Entrepreneurs

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Setting up a business can be exciting—but navigating the paperwork, legal choices, and administrative hurdles in France might feel overwhelming at first. The good news? It’s absolutely manageable once you understand the process step by step.

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or planning to build something with partners, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about launching your company in France.

Choosing the Right Legal Structure

Before registering your business, you must define its legal status. Your choice will shape your tax obligations, liability, and how your company can grow over time.

If you’re going solo:

Individual Business Structures are ideal for one-person ventures:

  • Micro-entrepreneur: A simplified option for small-scale businesses with minimal admin and tax obligations, but limited expense deductions.

  • Sole Proprietorship (EI): Easy to set up, but you remain personally liable for all business debts.

  • Limited Liability Individual Enterprise (EIRL): Offers some protection for personal assets if correctly set up.

If you want a limited liability structure but still work alone:

You might consider one of these:

  • EURL (a limited liability company with a single owner)

  • SASU (a simplified joint-stock company with one shareholder)

Both limit your financial risk to the capital you invest and allow you to operate professionally without personal liability for business debts.

If you’re starting with partners:

Multi-shareholder structures include:

  • SARL: A private limited company, ideal for small teams and family businesses.

  • SAS: More flexible in governance, great for startups or businesses looking to grow fast and attract investors.

The 5 Key Steps to Create Your Business in France

1. Draft Your Articles of Association

This is the core document that outlines how your company will operate—its purpose, name, location, structure, capital, and the rights and roles of each owner. It must meet legal standards and is often best prepared with professional guidance.

2. Deposit the Share Capital

To officially register your company, you’ll need to open a business bank account and deposit the share capital (starting from just €1). You can also contribute non-cash assets or services, depending on your structure.

3. Publish a Legal Notice

A short notice announcing your business formation must be published in an official journal in your area. This step makes your company’s creation public and is legally required.

4. Set Your Official Business Address

Your company must have a registered address in France. This can be your office, home, or a commercial address via a domiciliation service, which also offers mail handling and privacy.

5. Register Online via the Guichet Unique

As of 2023, all new businesses in France are registered through the government’s centralized digital portal: Guichet Unique. You’ll create an account, upload your documents, and answer a few key questions to complete the process.

Final Thoughts

Creating a company in France might seem administrative at first, but it’s perfectly achievable with some planning. From choosing the right structure to handling legal and financial steps, the process is clearer than ever—especially thanks to digital tools and simplified procedures.

Whether you’re launching a freelance practice, opening a shop, or building a scalable startup, France offers a solid framework for entrepreneurship—with access to EU markets, infrastructure, and support systems to help your business thrive.