Setting up my company

Setting up a company is a process that involves several key stages. Here is a general guide to help you get started:

1. Choosing a legal structure
Select the most appropriate legal structure for your business from the following options:

– Sole proprietorship (EI)
– Micro-business
– Limited Liability Company (SARL)
– Simplified Joint Stock Company (SAS)
– Société Anonyme (SA)

2. Drafting the Articles of Association
Your company’s articles of association define how it will operate. They must include :

– Company name
– Corporate purpose (business activity)
– Registered office
– Share capital
– Partners’ contributions (in kind, cash, etc.)

3. Registering your company
You need an administrative address for your company. You can use your home, business premises or a domiciliation service.

4. Open a Business Bank Account
A dedicated bank account is necessary to separate your personal and business finances.

5. Deposit share capital
Deposit share capital into the company’s bank account and obtain a certificate of deposit.

6. Publish a Notice of Incorporation
Publish a notice of incorporation in a local legal gazette.

7. Register the Articles of Association
File the articles of association with the relevant Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) or online via the Infogreffe website.

8. Obtain a SIRET number
After registration, you will receive a SIRET number and an APE code, which identify your company to INSEE.

9. Take out insurance
Some activities require specific insurance (professional liability, ten-year insurance, etc.).

10. Keep accurate accounts
You need to keep accurate accounts, and call in a chartered accountant if necessary.

Useful resources

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI): For personalized advice and training.

Official websites: Infogreffe, Service-Public.fr for online procedures.

Incubators and Help Networks: For support and advice.

Each step may have specificities depending on your country or region, so be sure to check local requirements.

Banks in France

There are several major banks in France, including BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, Crédit Mutuel, CCF, LCL, CIC and Groupe BPCE (Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne). Each offers a wide range of banking services, from current accounts to loans and investments.

Domiciling my company in France

Domiciling a company in France means choosing a physical address for your company’s head office. This address must appear on all official documents and will be used to receive official correspondence. Here are the main steps involved in registering your company in France:

Choose the type of domiciliation address :

Commercial domiciliation :

– Use a commercial domiciliation company that offers prestigious addresses and additional services (mail reception, meeting rooms, etc.).

– Commercial premises: Rent or buy commercial premises suited to your business activity.

– Domiciliation at home: Use your own home as your registered office, under certain conditions.

Draw up company articles of association:

Include the registered office address in the company bylaws.

Obtain the owner’s agreement (if applicable):

If you are using a personal home or rented premises, obtain the owner’s written consent.

Gather the necessary documents:

– Copy of signed articles of association.
– Proof of use of premises (lease contract, certificate of domiciliation, title deed, etc.).
– Identification of manager or partners.
– Certificate of publication in a legal gazette.

Submitting the application to the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) :

The application must be submitted to the appropriate CFE (CCI, Chambre des métiers, etc.), which will forward the documents to the appropriate bodies (INSEE, Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce, etc.).

Obtain a Kbis extract :

Once your application has been validated, you will receive a Kbis extract, which is the official birth certificate of your company in France.

Further advice:

Check the rules specific to your activity, as some regulated professions may have additional requirements, particularly as regards domiciliation.

Think about the credibility and visibility that your chosen address can bring, especially for potential customers and partners.

If you need personalized advice or assistance with this process, it may be useful to consult a lawyer, a chartered accountant or a service specialized, like our company, in setting up businesses in France.