In France you can set up an SAS or a SARL with €1 of capital. You need articles of association, a capital deposit with a bank or notary, a legal notice and a filing with the business formalities portal (Guichet des formalités des entreprises). Here is the path, step by step.
SAS, SARL or sole proprietorship
- Sole proprietorship (EI). The fastest route, with no capital. By law your personal assets are kept separate from your business assets, but there are no partners or shares to transfer.
- SAS (or SASU with a single shareholder). The usual form for startups: very flexible articles and easy entry for investors. At least half of the cash contributions is paid in at formation.
- SARL (or EURL with a single shareholder). More rules set by law, common for family businesses. At least a fifth of the cash contributions is paid in.
In both companies, the rest of the capital is paid in within five years of registration.
The steps, in this order
Articles of association
They set out the name, registered office, purpose, capital and who runs the company. In an SAS you decide almost everything: how decisions are made, how new shareholders join and what happens if one leaves. If you expect investors, it is worth spending time on them.
Capital deposit
You open a blocked account in the name of the company in formation, with a bank or a notary, and deposit the capital. You receive a deposit certificate. The funds stay blocked until registration.
Legal notice
You publish the notice of incorporation in a publication authorised for legal notices. Its price is regulated.
Filing and registration
You submit the articles, deposit certificate, notice and directors’ details through the Guichet des formalités des entreprises (INPI). On registration you receive the Kbis, the document proving the company exists, and the bank releases the capital.
Tax and VAT
Registration also registers the company with the tax office. You choose your VAT scheme: in 2026 you can stay below the threshold if you do not exceed €85,000 in sales or €37,500 in services. From 1 January 2027 the simplified scheme ends and, up to €1M turnover, VAT is filed every quarter.
Bookkeeping and e-invoicing
You keep books from day one and, since 1 September 2026, you must be able to receive electronic invoices through an approved platform. SMEs must issue them from 1 September 2027. Every year the accounts are approved and filed with the greffe within a month (two months if filed electronically).
Costs
The legal notice and registration have official rates; if a notary is involved, their fees are added. We give you the total before we start.
Common mistakes
- Copying generic articles. In an SAS, the articles are your operating agreement.
- Signing major contracts before the Kbis. It is better to wait for registration.
- Treating the capital as personal money. It belongs to the company.
- Forgetting the e-invoicing platform. Receiving e-invoices is already mandatory.
- Leaving the bookkeeping until year end. VAT is filed every month or quarter.
Your checklist
- Legal form chosen: SAS or SARL.
- Articles signed.
- Capital deposited and certificate from the bank or notary.
- Legal notice published.
- Filing with the Guichet des formalités and Kbis.
- VAT scheme and e-invoicing platform.
- Bookkeeping from day one.
If you like, we do it with you: we choose the legal form, prepare the articles with your lawyer if needed and set up the bookkeeping for the start. Formation has a fixed price.
Figures checked against official sources on 1 November 2026. They change every year, so confirm them before you act.