Do business
in France
Expand your operations to France with confidence. Incorporate your SARL or SAS, stay fully compliant, and access local tax, HR, and legal expertise; all through Commenda.
Trusted by global businesses
benefits
Why choose Commenda for your company expansion in France
Choose the right French entity for your business
We support SARL and SAS incorporation based on your needs, whether you’re building a product company or a European HQ.
Take the complexity out of French compliance
Our expert partners help you handle VAT, CIT, URSSAF, and financial statement filings.
Comply with local governance and labor laws
We assist with director appointments, UBO declarations, payroll registration, and social security compliance.
entity types
Choose the right business structure for your company
SARL
- Limited liability protection
- Well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses
- Easier to set up and manage compared to SAS
- More structured governance, which can reduce internal disputes
- Preferred for family-owned or closely held companies
- Ownership is limited to 100 shareholders
- More rigid management structure (must have at least one manager “gérant”)
- Transfer of shares is more restricted and may require shareholder approval
- Must be registered with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS)
- Requires VAT and SIRET/SIREN registration
- Annual financial statements and CIT filing required
- URSSAF and payroll registrations mandatory if hiring employees
local expert support in 70+ countries
Got questions? Schedule a call with one of our experts
Choose a convenient time to speak with our incorporation team and get the answers you need.
Logan Jackonis
Head of Services and Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
France is a major gateway to the EU, with a large consumer base, a skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure. It offers a favorable environment for innovation, especially in tech, manufacturing, and green industries. With recent reforms aimed at reducing corporate tax and simplifying labor laws, France is increasingly startup- and investor-friendly.
No. Commenda enables full remote setup of a French entity via digital signature and proxy powers. All key documents can be executed electronically, although certain banks may still request in-person verification for account opening.
After incorporation, companies in France must: – File annual accounts with the Commercial Court registry – Submit corporate income tax returns (standard rate: 25%) – Register and report for VAT (if applicable) – Maintain payroll and social security filings for employees – Report beneficial ownership to the national registry (RBE) Commenda supports your filings and ensures you remain compliant year-round.
Yes. France allows 100% foreign ownership of companies in most sectors. Non-EU founders may need to appoint a resident director or complete additional identity verification, but there are no restrictions on control or equity ownership for standard commercial activities.
– Research Tax Credit (CIR) of up to 30% on eligible R&D expenses – Subsidies for innovation, green energy, and job creation through Bpifrance – Exemptions for startups in Jeune Entreprise Innovante (JEI) status – Reduced corporate tax rates for SMEs under certain thresholds Commenda can assess eligibility and navigate the French incentive landscape on your behalf.
