How to Register a Company in France: Step-by-Step Guide

Registering a company in France in 2025 involves selecting a legal structure, preparing mandatory documents, and applying online via Guichet Unique to obtain SIREN, SIRET, K-Bis and VAT numbers required for legal business operation.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple company forms exist: EI, EURL, SARL, SAS, SA, and branches for foreign companies.
• Essential documents include Articles of Association, business address proof, ID, capital deposit certificate, and legal notice publication.
• To register a company choose the appropriate legal structure, verify the company name (INPI/Infogreffe), draft and sign Articles of Association, open a French business bank account with capital deposit, publish a legal notice, and submit all documents via Guichet Unique.
• Registration is mandatory before starting any professional activity, no minimum income threshold applies.
• Costs range from €260–€320 for basic registration, with optional legal/accounting fees increasing total setup cost.
   

Types of companies you can register in France

Before starting your company registration in France, select the business structure best suited to your needs:

Documents required to register a company in France

Before proceeding to registration, prepare a set of documents and information that French authorities require:

• Articles of Association: Defines company structure and governance, must be in French.
• Proof of Business Address: Valid French registered address (e.g., lease, utility bill, or domiciliation certificate).
• ID for Directors/Shareholders: Passport or ID, plus visas/residence permits for non-EU nationals.
  Declaration of Non-Conviction: Statement from each director confirming no criminal or bankruptcy history.
• Capital Deposit Certificate: Issued by a French bank showing share capital has been deposited.
• Proof of Legal Notice Publication: Copy of company formation notice published in an approved journal. 

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• Licenses for regulated activities.
• Corporate shareholder documents (e.g., incorporation certificate, board resolution).
• Power of attorney or statutory auditor details, if required.

Step-by-step guide for company registration in France

Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to registering a company in France in 2025

1. Choose Legal Structure: Select a suitable business form (SARL, SAS, etc.) based on liability, tax, and governance needs.

2. Check Company Name: Ensure your business name is unique via the INPI or Infogreffe database to avoid conflicts.

3. Draft Articles of Association: Prepare statutes detailing company name, purpose, capital, shareholders, and governance. Must be in French and signed by all founders.

4. Open Bank Account & Deposit Capital: Set up a business bank account in France and deposit share capital. Obtain a capital deposit certificate.

5. Secure a Registered Office: Provide proof of a French business address (lease, domiciliation contract, or utility bill).

6. Publish Legal Notice: Publish a company formation notice in an authorized legal journal. Obtain the publication certificate.

7. Submit Online Application: Register via the Guichet Unique portal. Upload required documents and pay registration fees.

8. Application Review: Authorities review and validate the application. Errors or missing documents will be flagged.

9. Receive Registration Numbers:  Once approved, you receive:

• K-Bis extract (official registration certificate)
• SIREN (9-digit company ID)
• SIRET (14-digit establishment ID)
• VAT number (for taxable activities)

10. Register for Tax & Social Security:

• VAT: Confirm VAT registration and filing schedule.
• Corporate Tax: SAS/SARL are taxed by default (~25%).
• URSSAF: Set up for social contributions if hiring or self-employed.
• Trade-Specific Registrations: Register with relevant chambers if required.

Post-Registration Formalities 

After incorporation of company in France, there are a few additional steps to ensure your business is fully operational and compliant:

• Company Stamp and Stationery: While not legally required, many French businesses use a company stamp (le cachet) for formal documents. Ensure your invoice templates include your SIREN, SIRET, VAT number, and RCS city as required by French law.
• Open a Permanent Bank Account: Transition your capital deposit account into a standard business account or open a new one. Banks typically require your K-Bis extract and identification documents for company officers.
• Insurance: Depending on your industry, certain insurances may be mandatory (e.g., professional liability). It's prudent to obtain adequate coverage early on.
• Accounting System: Set up bookkeeping processes in line with French accounting standards. This may involve hiring a certified accountant (expert-comptable) or using approved software. Proper record-keeping and annual financial statements are legal requirements in France.

When is Company Registration Required in France?

France requires registration based on starting a professional activity, not on reaching an income level. If you intend to earn profit as a business, you must register.

• No minimum income threshold exists. You register from the first euro if your activity is commercial, freelance, or craft-based.
•  Selling personal items occasionally is fine, but buying to resell, selling regularly online, or offering services means you are a professional and must register.
•  You must register before starting or within 15 days of starting activity. Practically, register first because you can’t issue invoices without a SIRET number

Micro vs Company thresholds: While you must register regardless of income, your income level determines which regime you can use.

Note: If you exceed the VAT threshold but stay under micro turnover ceilings, you stay micro but must charge + file VAT.

Fees and Charges for Company Registration (2025)

Registration itself is done online, but companies pay statutory fees plus optional setup costs.

Mandatory registration costs (SAS/SARL/SASU/EURL)

Optional but common costs

• Legal/accounting support:  Often €500–€2,000+ depending on complexity.
• Business address (domiciliation):  Around €20–€70 per month if you don’t lease office space.
• Software/accounting tools:  Extra recurring cost depending on provider.
• Bank capital deposit:  Legal minimum is €1 for SAS/SARL, but banks may expect more in practice.

Why Company Registration Is Necessary in France?

Registering a company in France is not just a legal requirement—it is essential for:

• Legal Recognition: Your business becomes a legally recognized entity (with rights and obligations).
• Access to Banking Services: Only registered businesses can open commercial bank accounts and obtain capital deposit certificates.
• Compliance with Tax Law: Registration ensures that your business is assigned a SIREN/SIRET and VAT number for tax reporting.
• Hiring Employees Legally: Registration enables social security (URSSAF) setup and legal employment contracts.
• Signing Contracts: Only registered entities can enter into enforceable commercial agreements.
• Public Confidence: Registered companies are listed in official registries like INSEE and Infogreffe, increasing trust and credibility.
• Access to Funding: Government grants, private loans, and investment funds often require proof of official business registration.

Who must register for a Company in France?

Anyone intending to operate a business in France, whether resident or non-resident, must register a legal entity. This includes:

• French citizens and residents starting a commercial, professional, or industrial activity.
• Foreign nationals, including EU and non-EU citizens, wishing to operate or invest in a French business.
• Foreign companies expanding into France through subsidiaries or branch offices.
• Freelancers and solo entrepreneurs offering services in France.
• Startup founders and investors setting up innovative ventures within the French market.

Post-Registration Compliances

Once registered, you enter a fixed compliance cycle. Missing filings leads to automatic penalties, loss of exemptions, and audit risk.

Conclusion

Registering a company in France in 2025 is now more streamlined through digital administration tools, yet strict compliance with legal and documentation requirements remains essential. Entrepreneurs must first choose the right legal structure such as EI, SARL, SAS, or SA based on liability, tax impact, and business scale. Founders must prepare key documents including Articles of Association, proof of address, ID verification, capital deposit certificate, and publication of legal notice.