How to set up a Business in France?

Whether you are French, a European Union national or a foreigner, there are many regulations and formalities to follow before you can set up a commercial business.

Do you want to set up your business in France? Are you unsure about how to start and what to do?  If so, you are in the right place.

French law does not allow a foreigner to freely create a company on its territory. A certain number of rules must be met in order to ensure the viability of the creator, and his legal existence.

The law states that a person of another nationality can freely invest as a partner in an SARL or SAS. They can be a citizen of a:

– Member State of the European Union (EU);

– Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA);

– Swiss national.

For non-European foreigners, the process of becoming a director is subject to strict rules.

 

FOR FOREIGNERS LEGALLY RESIDING IN FRANCE

No special formalities are required for the following categories of foreigners:

– Nationals of an EU member state

– Nationals of a State belonging to the European Economic Area (Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway)

– Holders of :

oResident card

o”Long-term resident card” (Carte de résident ” longue durée-CE “)

o 10-year Algerian resident card or “private and family life” card

o “Private and family life” temporary residence permit

o “Skills and talents” card

 

FOR FOREIGNERS NOT RESIDING IN FRANCE

An entrepreneur domiciled abroad can also can launch a business in France without having already settled there.

 

If the foreigner does not wish to move to France, the procedures for creating a company are simpler. Indeed, it is no longer necessary to complete the formalities related to the application for a residence permit.

 

However, it is important to keep in mind that as a manager, regular travel is to be expected. Therefore, a short stay visa must be considered for each trip. The application must be filed with the embassy or consulate of the country of origin. This type of visa is issued for stays not exceeding 90 days.

 

For the creation of the company, no prior steps are required. Depending on the activity, registration can be done with the the Trade Register (RM) or in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). However, it is important to note that the company must have an address in France. It is possible to choose the address of a relative or a service provider specialized in domiciliation, if necessary.

 

Other preliminary formalities must be initiated, because a foreign person, not a European national, who wishes to come and exercise his activity in France must have a long-stay visa to enter the territory.

 

FOR FOREIGNERS WHO WANT TO SETTLE IN FRANCE

In order to settle in France and create your own business, it is essential to complete the administrative procedures related to the application for a long-stay visa. The file will be submitted to the French diplomatic representative in the country of origin. They will issue the residence permit which is mandatory to enter France.

 

Once in France, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the prefecture. This is essential if a foreigner wants to start a business in France. The temporary residence permit is valid for one year and the activity carried out must be mentioned on it.

 

A receipt will be sent to the temporary card applicant. As soon as he or she receives it, he or she will have to take the necessary steps to register the business in the Trade Register (RM) or in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS).

 

Once you have taken all of these steps you can count on us for the rest, (Accounting, legal formalities, Tax, HR & Payroll and Audit)

If this is something which could apply to you, our team of experts will happily assist you with any queries you might have. Please do not hesitate to contact us via telephone +33 (0) 1 53 93 94 20 or by mail at [email protected]

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