Starting a Business in France

Business Structures

Auto-Entrepreneur/Micro-Entreprise - Simplest structure - Revenue limits apply - Simplified accounting - Lower social charges - Good for freelancers/consultants

SASU/EURL (Single-Person Companies) - More professional image - Higher setup costs - Full accounting required - Better for growth - Asset protection

SARL/SAS (Multi-Person Companies) - Standard company forms - Different governance rules - Investment possibilities - Complex administration - Professional requirements

Registration Process

1. Choose Structure based on needs 2. Register Business Name at INPI 3. Draft Statutes (statuts) 4. Open Bank Account for capital 5. Register with Greffe (commercial court) 6. Obtain SIRET number 7. Register for Taxes and social security 8. Join Professional Bodies if required

Costs and Obligations

Startup Costs - Auto-entrepreneur: €0-50 - SASU/EURL: €500-1,500 - SARL/SAS: €1,000-2,500 - Lawyer/accountant fees additional

Ongoing Obligations - Social charges (25-45% of revenue) - Income tax on profits - VAT if applicable - Annual accounts filing - Professional insurance often required

Support for Entrepreneurs

Public Programs - BPI France: Funding and support - French Tech: Tech startup ecosystem - Pôle Emploi: Unemployment while starting - CCI: Training and mentoring

Private Support - Incubators and accelerators - Co-working spaces - Startup competitions - Angel investor networks - Crowdfunding platforms