Business
France — Business: Limited Company
In France the share capital of an SAS and of a SARL is set freely in the articles of association, and the minimum can be €1, although the official guide says this is not recommended. At least half of cash contributions must be released at incorporation for an SAS, and at least 20% for a SARL, with the balance due within five years of registration. The funds must be deposited before the company is registered, with a bank or notary issuing a certificate of deposit that is required for registration. Bpifrance warns that very low capital does not mean the company has the money it needs to operate.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceEntreprendre.Service-Public.gouv.fr — SAS and SARLLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- The share capital of an SAS and a SARL is free; the minimum can be €1, though the official guide says this is not recommended.
- SAS: at least half of cash contributions must be released at incorporation, the rest within five years.
- SARL: at least 20% of cash contributions must be released at incorporation, the rest within five years.
- The funds must be deposited before registration; a bank or notary issues a certificate of deposit required for registration.
Common mistakes
- Setting €1 capital without checking that the company has enough funds to operate.