Business
France — Business: Company Formation
Foreigners can register a French company without residency, though non-EU/EEA citizens need valid legal residence status (typically a long-term visa/permit allowing business activity), a passport/residence card, a criminal record statement, and a French business address. France requires no local resident director — foreign nationals can fully own and manage a French company, though a local representative eases banking/admin. Formation steps: domiciliation (French business address), drafting Articles of Association (in French, signed by all founders), opening a business bank account and depositing share capital, appointing officers, publishing a formation notice in an authorized legal journal, then filing via the Guichet Unique (INPI) online portal. Most companies register within 2-4 weeks with complete documentation.
Key facts
- No residency or local director required — foreigners can fully own and manage a French company remotely.
- Non-EU/EEA founders need valid legal residence status, passport/residence card, criminal record statement, and a French business address.
- Core steps: domiciliation, Articles of Association (French, signed), bank account + capital deposit, officer appointment, legal notice publication, Guichet Unique (INPI) filing.
- Typical registration timeline: 2-4 weeks with complete, accurate documentation.
Steps
- Secure a French business address (domiciliation) — Via lease or domiciliation contract.
- Draft Articles of Association — Must be in French, signed by all founders.
- Open a business bank account and deposit share capital — Minimum €1, but banks typically expect a few thousand euros in practice.
- Appoint officers — Designate the business manager/president.
- Publish a formation notice — In an authorized legal journal; obtain the publication certificate.
- File via Guichet Unique (INPI) — Upload documents and pay registration fees online.
Timelines
- Typical registration timeline: 2-4 weeks
Required documents
- Articles of Association (French)
- Proof of French business address
- Passport/residence card
- Criminal record statement (non-EU/EEA)
Common mistakes
- Assuming French residency is required to form or own a company — it is not; only a French business address and, for non-EU/EEA founders, valid legal residence status are required.
- Underestimating practical bank expectations — while legal minimum capital is €1, banks typically expect a few thousand euros deposited.