France Company Formation 2025 | SRL from €1, SA
Form your SRL or SA in France. SRL capital from €1, SA from €61,500. Notarial deed, financial plan, CFR registration. Complete guide and legal support.
In summary: Form your French company with legal support. The SRL (Limited Liability Company) requires no minimum capital since 2019 but needs a financial plan. The SA (Public Limited Company) requires €61,500 minimum capital. All formations require a notarial deed and take 2-4 weeks.
Forming a Company in France in 2025
France offers a stable legal environment and privileged access to the European market of 450 million consumers. Since the 2019 Companies and Associations Code (CSA) reform, business formation has been significantly simplified.
French Legal Forms
SRL - Limited Liability Company
The SRL is the most popular form for French SMEs. Since 2019, it no longer requires a legal minimum capital - you can theoretically start with €1. However, the mandatory financial plan must demonstrate that starting equity is sufficient for the intended activity.
- Capital: No legal minimum (sufficient equity required)
- Shareholders: 1 or more (individuals or legal entities)
- Liability: Limited to contribution
- Management: One or more managers
SA - Public Limited Company
The SA suits larger companies and projects requiring significant fundraising. It allows share issuance and stock exchange listing.
- Capital: Minimum €61,500 (1/4 paid up at incorporation)
- Shareholders: 1 or more
- Governance: Board of directors or sole director
- Shares: Freely transferable (unless restricted by articles)
Corporate Taxation
French corporate tax rate is 25%. SMEs benefit from a reduced rate of 20% on the first €100,000 of profits, subject to conditions.
For holdings, the DBI regime (Definitively Taxed Income) allows 100% exemption on dividends received from subsidiaries (subject to participation conditions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Since the 2019 Companies and Associations Code (CSA), the SRL (Limited Liability Company) no longer has a legal minimum capital - you can theoretically start with €1. The SA (Public Limited Company) requires a minimum capital of €61,500 with at least 1/4 paid up at incorporation.
Formation typically takes 2-4 weeks: document preparation (few days), notary appointment and signing (1-2 days), French Official Gazette publication (5-7 days), CFR registration (immediate), bank account and VAT registration (1-2 weeks).
Yes, foreigners (EU and non-EU) can form a company in France without nationality restrictions. There is no residency requirement for shareholders. However, directors must demonstrate professional integrity.
The SRL suits SMEs: flexible capital from €1, 1+ shareholder(s), shares not freely transferable. The SA is for larger companies: min. €61,500 capital, mandatory board of directors, freely transferable shares, stock exchange listing possible.
Yes, a notarial deed is mandatory in France for incorporating any company (SRL, SA, SC...). The notary drafts the articles, verifies legality, and files with the commercial court registry.
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