Guides

How to register a company in France as a non resident

You do not need to live in France, or hold a French residence permit, to own and run a French company. A non resident can incorporate a SASU or SAS remotely, provided the company has a valid registered office address in France. This guide explains the steps, the address requirement, and how Koulier lets you set that address up online from 10 euros per month.

Business domiciliation in France: how it works and what the law requires

Every company registered in France must have a registered office (siège social) at a French address. Domiciliation is the legal way to place that registered office at the premises of an approved provider instead of renting an office or using your home. This guide explains what domiciliation is, what the law requires from you and from the provider, and how to set it up entirely online.

SASU, SAS, SARL or EURL: which legal form should you choose in France

Most founders creating a company in France hesitate between four legal forms: the SAS and its single-shareholder version the SASU, and the SARL and its single-shareholder version the EURL. All four limit your liability to your contribution and can be created with a share capital of 1 euro. The real differences lie in how the director is covered by social security, how flexible the rules are, and how profits are paid out.

CFE: the French local business tax explained

The CFE (cotisation foncière des entreprises) is a local tax owed by almost every company and self-employed person in France, including businesses that have no office of their own. Its amount depends on the commune where the business is located, which makes the choice of your registered office address more important than it seems.

Company name in France (raison sociale): definition and how to choose it

The company name (raison sociale) is the official name that identifies a company to the authorities, the courts and its business partners. It appears in the articles of association, on the Kbis extract and on all commercial documents. Choosing it carefully, and not confusing it with the trade name or the brand, helps you avoid hold-ups when registering your company.