The Incorporation Process: Step by Step

Once you've chosen your structure, it's time to create your company. France has significantly digitized this process, making it faster and more accessible than ever before.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation

Before starting the incorporation process, gather these essential documents:

For French Nationals: - Valid ID card or passport - Proof of address (less than 3 months old) - Declaration of non-conviction (déclaration de non-condamnation)

For International Founders: - Passport with valid visa/residence permit - Proof of address (can be from home country if recently arrived) - Birth certificate with apostille and certified translation - Declaration of non-conviction

For All Founders: - Draft articles of association (statuts) - Lease agreement or domiciliation contract for company address - Bank certificate for capital deposit

Step 2: Draft Your Articles of Association (Statuts)

The statuts are your company's constitution. While templates exist, it's worth investing in proper legal advice to ensure they're tailored to your needs. Key elements include:

- Company name and purpose (objet social) - Registered address - Share capital amount and distribution - Governance structure - Rules for share transfers - Decision-making procedures

Pro tip: Make your company purpose (objet social) broad enough to cover potential pivots but specific enough to be credible. Many startups regret overly narrow definitions that require amendments later.

Step 3: Open a Bank Account and Deposit Capital

You'll need to deposit your initial share capital in a French bank account. This process has traditionally been challenging for international founders, but new options have emerged:

Traditional Banks: BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Crédit Mutuel have startup-friendly branches in major cities.

Neo-banks: Qonto, Shine, and Manager.one offer faster, fully digital account opening.

Online Solutions: Services like Legalstart and Captain Contrat can handle capital deposits as part of their incorporation packages.

The bank will provide a certificate of deposit (attestation de dépôt), which you'll need for registration.

Step 4: Register Your Company

You can register through several channels:

Online via guichet-entreprises.fr: The official government platform, available in English. Processing takes 48-72 hours.

Through an Online Service Provider: Companies like Legalstart, Captain Contrat, or Agence Juridique handle the entire process for €200-500.

Via a Lawyer or Accountant: More expensive (€1,000-3,000) but provides personalized advice.

At the Local CFE: Centre de Formalités des Entreprises offices provide in-person assistance.

Step 5: Receive Your Registration Documents

Once approved, you'll receive: - KBIS extract (official company registration) - SIRET number (14-digit company identifier) - VAT number (if applicable) - Official notification from INSEE

These documents are your company's official identity. The KBIS extract, in particular, will be requested for everything from opening bank accounts to signing contracts.