Loading...
Europe's second largest economy, open for business.
France combines a large, sophisticated domestic market with full EU access and a strong ecosystem for innovation and technology. As the EU's second largest economy, France offers access to 67 million consumers, a world-class research and development infrastructure, and internationally recognised visa pathways for entrepreneurs and talent. Silicon Mappers manages SAS and SARL formation, French tax compliance, and France's visa pathways.
Best for
Choose the right business structure based on your ownership goals, activities, and budget.
The most popular structure for startups and growth businesses — highly flexible governance, no minimum capital, and suitable for investment rounds.
French equivalent of a limited liability company — suits small to medium businesses, with up to 100 shareholders.
Public limited company — for larger businesses, joint-stock structures, and businesses planning to list on French stock markets.
Extension of a foreign company in France — no separate legal entity, registered at the Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce.
Follow these steps to successfully register and launch your business.
Select SAS or SARL based on your governance needs, investor requirements, and shareholder count.
Prepare the Statuts — the foundational legal document governing the company. SAS Statuts are highly flexible and customisable.
Open a corporate bank account and deposit the share capital. The bank issues a certificate of deposit required for registration.
Publish a company formation notice in a legal announcement journal (Journal d'Annonces Légales) — a statutory requirement.
File the incorporation dossier with the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI) or directly at the Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce.
Receive your SIRET (14-digit business establishment number) and SIREN (9-digit company identifier) from INSEE upon registration.
Register for TVA (French VAT) with the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).
Register with URSSAF for social insurance contributions when hiring employees.
Explore the immigration and residency pathways available for business owners and investors.
Fast-track residence permit for startup founders, employees of French Tech companies, and investors — processed within 2 weeks.
Long-term residence permit (up to 4 years) for highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors in France.
For executives and specialists relocating from an overseas entity to a French subsidiary.
Work permit for non-EU employees hired by a French company.
Estimated timelines for each phase of your business setup.
Phase 1
1–4 weeks
From drafting Statuts to receiving SIRET — online filing via INPI has accelerated the process significantly.
Phase 2
1–3 weeks
VAT registration with DGFiP after incorporation.
Phase 3
2–8 weeks
Traditional French banks require in-person visits; EMI accounts can be opened faster.
Phase 4
2–4 weeks
One of Europe's fastest startup visa pathways — processed by Business France.
Information on this website is provided for general guidance only and may change based on government rules, jurisdiction, business activity, and individual circumstances. Silicon Mappers provides consultancy support but does not guarantee visa, bank account, licensing, or government approval outcomes. Final costs depend on jurisdiction, activity, authority approval, and individual circumstances.
Silicon Mappers manages the complexity of global expansion so your leadership team can focus on what matters — growing the business.