Set Up Your Business in France

1. Strategic Location

• France is centrally located in Europe, providing easy access to the EU market, which boasts over 450 million consumers. This geographical advantage facilitates trade and logistics across Europe.

2. Strong Economy

• As one of the largest economies in the EU, France has a diverse and robust economy with significant opportunities in various sectors, including technology, finance, agriculture, and manufacturing.

3. Business-Friendly Environment

• France has implemented numerous reforms to simplify business operations, making it easier for foreign companies to establish and thrive. The government actively encourages foreign investment through various incentives.

4. Access to Skilled Workforce

• France boasts a highly educated and skilled workforce, particularly in fields such as engineering, technology, and business management. This talent pool can help you drive innovation and efficiency in your operations.

5. Legal and Financial Stability

• Operating in France provides a stable legal framework and strong intellectual property protections. This stability is crucial for long-term business planning and investment security.

6. Supportive Infrastructure

• France has a well-developed infrastructure, including transportation, telecommunications, and logistics, which supports efficient business operations and connectivity with suppliers and customers.

7. Networking Opportunities

• Establishing a presence in France allows you to tap into local business networks, industry associations, and trade events. This can facilitate valuable partnerships and collaborations.

8. Visa and Resident Permit Benefits

• Setting up a business in France can facilitate obtaining a long-stay business visa or French Entrepreneur Visa, allowing entrepreneurs to live and work in France while managing their business. This can lead to family reunification opportunities as well.

For registering a branch office or creating a new company in France, ABC France will manage all essential steps under one package. The following steps outline the necessary actions:

1. Appoint a Company Manager / Representative:

Since French regulations require that the legal representative or manager of a business be an EU resident to ensure compliance with local procedures, non-EU business owners must appoint a company manager. The appointed manager will oversee all necessary activities to establish the company.

2. Prepare or Translate the Articles of Association (Statutes):

A new Statutes should be developed or the existence (mother company) Statutes must be adapted to French regulations and officially translated into French by a registered legal firm. This is necessary and mandatory for the registration process.

3. Have a Registered Office Address in France:

A registered office address in France is required for official correspondence and tax purposes. This can be a physical or virtual office.

4. Choose a Business Structure:

Selecting the appropriate business structure (e.g., SARL, SAS or SA) is crucial for defining how your company will operate legally and financially in France. This is must for any company formation.

5. Opening Bank Account:

For new companies, the initial capital must be deposited in a temporary bank account. Once the company is fully registered, this account will be converted into a business account. A certificate of deposit will be required for the registration process.

6. Register with the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE):

The CFE is the formal body that processes company registrations in France. All necessary documents must be submitted to the CFE to officially register your branch or new company.

7. Publication in a Legal Journal:

French law requires the registration of the branch or company to be publicly announced in a Journal d’Annonces Légales. This step ensures transparency and legal compliance.

8. Receive Business Registration Numbers (SIREN and SIRET):

After registration, your branch or company will be issued unique SIREN and SIRET numbers, which are essential for all legal and financial transactions in France.

9. Register for VAT and Social Security:

Your company will employ staff or engage in VAT-applicable activities, you must register for VAT and social security. This ensures compliance with French tax and employment regulations.

10. Language and Cultural Considerations:

While not mandatory, speaking French can greatly ease your interactions with authorities and clients. Our experts, fluent in both language and culture, will be a valuable asset to your business.

1. Standard Package:

• What it includes: Our experts and partner lawyers specializing in international law will handle all the mandatory steps and fully manage your company registration. This includes taking care of all the administrative and legal procedures required for the setup of your business.
• Additional Support: One of our team members will act as the representative and temporary manager of your business until the company is fully established. We will also assist you in managing the early stages of your business.

2. Partnership Package:

• What it includes: This offer addresses challenges related to non-European or non-Swiss nationality. In this option, we become your partner by taking a 20% ownership stake in your company in France and contribute our share of the initial company capital (capped at €5,000).
• Comprehensive Support: Our experts and partner lawyers specializing in international law will manage all mandatory steps and administrative procedures for company registration.
• Representation: One of our team members will act as the minority president of your company in France until you obtain your long-term visa. Once that happens, the representative will step down.
• Partnership: We share in both profits and losses, working together to grow a successful European business. This partnership adds value and trust to your company, which will support your application for a long-term visa and residence permit in France.

The total cost for any package is €7,000. 

In the unlikely event if ABC France cannot complete the services due to factors beyond the control, we are committed to refunding a (50%) of the fees paid by the client under specific conditions outlined in the “Refund Policy“

Approximately 1 to 2 months, depending on the responsiveness of authorities.

If you choose to register your company branch in France or establish a new company, additional services and steps will be required in the future to ensure your business operates in compliance with EU regulations. We can assist with any future services and actions needed, including but not limited to the following:

1. Business Owner Visa/Residence Permit:

During the company registration process or after its establishment, if the business owner wishes to handle their own visa or residence permit application, they may seek support from an immigration consultant or lawyer. We offer comprehensive assistance for obtaining business visas and residence permits for business owners traveling to France as part of their projects. This includes managing administrative formalities, assisting with the preparation and submission of applications, and following up with consular and local authorities. This service priced is €2,000 (excluding VAT). Additional costs like visa cost and other similar charges are not included in this pricing.

2. Business Plan Development:

A business plan is essential for conducting company activities in France. Our experts can provide this service, with fees determined based on the size and scope of the business.

3. French Corporate Tax Obligations and Financial Reporting:

To ensure compliance with French corporate tax laws and the accurate filing of annual financial statements, it is necessary to engage an accountant familiar with French tax regulations. The accountant will handle the preparation and submission of all required reports to the relevant authorities. We offer access to these services through our tax and consulting partners, with applicable fees.

4. Compliance with French Labor Laws (if employing staff):

If your company plans to hire staff, a human resources consultant or legal advisor can help navigate French labor laws and draft employee contracts. We provide this service, with applicable fees.

5. Obtaining Industry-Specific Licenses (if applicable):

If your business requires industry-specific licenses, the branch manager or an industry specialist may be needed to acquire them. We offer this service, with fees based on the specific requirements.

6. Insurance Coverage:

We can connect you with an insurance broker to assess the appropriate coverage for your business operations. Fees will apply for this service.

7. GDPR Compliance:

For GDPR compliance, we can connect you with a data protection officer or legal advisor specialized in data protection regulations. They will assist in ensuring compliance, and applicable fees will be charged.