France is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international entrepreneurs. And yet, the most common thing we hear from founders abroad is: “I thought it would take months. I didn’t know where to start.” It doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you’re based in Dubai, New York, Singapore, or London, you can incorporate a French company without ever setting foot in France.
Here’s exactly how and how Companow can help you do it.
Before You Begin: Can You Really Do This Remotely?
Yes. France allows full remote incorporation. You can sign all documents electronically or via power of attorney, use a domiciliation service for your registered address, and submit your registration dossier online via the Guichet Unique INPI. France does not require a local resident director. Foreign nationals can generally fully own and manage a French company.
Not sure where to start? Talk to a Companow advisor →
Step 1. Check Your Eligibility
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals follow the same process as French entrepreneurs, with no additional permit required.
Non-EU nationals can create a company in France without residing there. If you plan to manage it from abroad, you’ll need a French business address. If you plan to relocate to France, you’ll need a long-stay visa: either the Entrepreneur / Profession libérale card or one of the Passeport Talent categories available for founders, investors, or management roles.
New in 2025: since the decree of June 13, 2025, the Entrepreneur / Profession libérale card now requires a prior assessment of your project’s economic viability from the relevant labour authority. Factor this into your timeline if you plan to relocate.
Step 2. Choose Your Legal Structure
This is the most consequential decision you’ll make.
The SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) is the go-to for most international founders. It offers maximum flexibility in governance, is ideal for solo founders and future fundraising, and places no cap on shareholders.
The SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) is closer to a UK Ltd or German GmbH. Governance is more rigid, defined by law rather than bylaws, and it suits family businesses or stable structures better.
Both structures offer limited liability and are subject to corporate tax at 25%. Once you’ve chosen, verify your company name on the INPI database at inpi.fr.
Still unsure which structure fits your project? We can help you decide →
Step 3. Get a French Business Address
Every French company must have a registered address in France. For non-residents, the simplest route is a domiciliation company: a licensed provider gives you a legal French address, handles mail forwarding, and can provide meeting room access.
Companow provides registered business addresses in Paris. Learn more →
Step 4. Draft the Bylaws and Gather Documents
Your statuts define your company’s governance and share structure. For a SARL, they’re fairly standardised. For an SAS, they should be tailored to your situation, as poorly drafted bylaws create problems when you raise funds or bring in partners.
Each director and shareholder will need to provide a valid passport or national ID, proof of address from their country of residence, and a declaration of non-conviction confirming no criminal record or past bankruptcy. Foreign documents may require certified French translation, which is the most frequent source of delay.
Step 5. Deposit Share Capital and Publish the Legal Notice
You deposit your share capital into a blocked account in France and receive an attestation de dépôt de fonds, which is required to complete registration. For non-residents, specialist fintechs often make this step easier, as traditional banks typically require more extensive compliance checks.
You’ll also need to publish an avis de constitution in an authorised legal journal. You’ll receive a certificate of publication to include in your registration file.
Step 6. Register via the Guichet Unique
Since January 2023, all company registrations go through a single online portal: the Guichet Unique INPI at formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr. You submit your complete dossier online and receive your Kbis, your SIRET number, your VAT number, and your APE code.
The Kbis is your company’s legal identity card. It is required to open a bank account, sign supplier contracts, respond to public tenders, and apply for financing. Simple cases typically take one to three weeks if the dossier is complete.
Companow handles the entire registration process on your behalf. Get started →
Step 7. Activate Your Business Bank Account
Once the bank receives your Kbis, your account is activated and your share capital is unblocked. Your company is now fully operational: you can invoice clients, sign contracts, hire employees, and trade across the EU.
Need help opening a French business bank account remotely? See how Companow can help →
What Happens After Registration?
Getting your Kbis is the beginning, not the end. You’ll need to confirm your VAT regime, register with URSSAF for social security contributions, and set up your accounting. A chartered accountant is not legally required, but French accounting obligations are significant enough that going without one is rarely a good idea.
The full process, from decision to operational company, typically takes two to four weeks.
Ready to get started? Contact us