Setting up a Business in France - France Business Registry

In terms of economy, France is one of the most powerful country. It is characterized by a large industrial base, important agricultural resources and a highly trained workforce. It has a competitive market that offers exciting business opportunities to foreign investors. Setting up a Business in France is directed by the French Center for Business Formalities (Centre de Formalités des Entreprises - CFE).

Business Structure: The type of entities which can be established in France as described below:

Limited liability Company (SARL): It is the most common type of company in France. Minimum one shareholders is required for incorporation. Liability of shareholder is limited only to a number of contributions. Minimum share capital should be of €1.00.

Joint Stock Company/Public Limited Company (SA): For the incorporation of this type of Company at least seven shareholders are required. Minimum share capital should be of €37,000, out of which at least half must be paid up. Liabilities of Shareholders are extended up to the limit of their capital contribution

Simplified Joint Stock Company (SAS): For the incorporation of this type of Company at least two shareholders and a chairman must be required. Liability of shareholder is limited to the extent of their capital contribution. The Minimum share capital should be of €37,000.No board of director is required in setting up this type of business.

Register a Company in France

General Partnership (SNC): In forming this type of entity two partners are required. Both the partners are jointly and severally liable for the debts and obligations of the entity.

Single Member Limited Liability Company (EURL): It is a hybrid between a limited Liability company and Partnership. For this type of Entity no minimum share Capital is required. If case of outstanding debts, the personal assets of the owners are not protected.

Procedure for Incorporation:

• The first and foremost step is to check the availability of name through Institute National de la Propriety Industrially (INPI) website. If it is available then a certificate of reservation is issued by INPI and entity can proceed with the further operations.
• Next step is to open a Bank account and deposit the initial capital required for incorporation.
• Next step is to file the application for registration at the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE)
• The application must be followed by submitting documents such as articles of association, the bank certificate stating the capital deposit, a proof that the specific Gazette has received a notification regarding the establishment of the new company, the structure of the proposed entity and its purposes, the addresses of the managing board and the address chosen for the company.

After receiving the application, the CFE sends the necessary information to every office and authority in order to get it registered and enters the company in the Register Nationale des Enterprise.

Once the company incorporated will receive the SIRENE (Systéme Informatique pour le Répertoire des Entreprises), SIRET (Systéme Informatique pour le Répertoire des Etablissements) and NAF (Nomenclature des Activities Francaises) numbers.

Once the above procedure is complied, the company is ready to start its procedure. The process of company incorporation procedure in France is not complex if proper guidance is there. Enterslice with the help of their professional team can assist the seeking investor.