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How to register your company in France: A complete guide

Grow your team in France
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Unlock European markets with expansion into France

With a well-defined registration system and support from the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE), France provides a structured approach to business setup. Its strategic location, access to the EU market, and robust infrastructure make it a prime choice for expansion. France offers the perfect blend of opportunity and stability, empowering you to establish, grow, and thrive in one of the world’s leading economies.

The business benefits of registering your company in France 

France has established itself as a top destination for global businesses with its strategic advantages and clear regulatory framework. For entrepreneurs, France offers a supportive environment for managing compliance, payroll, and operations seamlessly. 

Here’s why France is an excellent choice for your business expansion:

  1. Benefit from competitive corporate tax rates and innovation incentives.
  2. Register easily through the CFE with clear guidelines.
  3. Access the EU market with a strategic local presence.
  4. Start without high capital requirements for flexibility.
  5. Stay compliant with straightforward legal regulations.
  6. Leverage a skilled workforce backed by government programs.

France offers a balanced approach to growth and stability, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to expand in Europe.

Next, we’ll explore the different options available—standard registration, France INSEE registration, and Employer of Record (EOR)—to help you decide the best path for your business.

What are the differences between France INSEE registration, standard company registration, and EOR?

France provides three main options for establishing a business, each tailored to different needs and goals:

Aspect

France INSEE Registration

Standard Registration

Employer of Record (EOR)

Purpose

Assigns a SIRENE number for identification and compliance.

Establishes a legal entity with full operational control.

Enables hiring in France without forming a local entity; EOR manages compliance and employment.

Control

Limited to registration and tax identification purposes.

Provides complete control over operations and finances.

Oversight of employees; EOR handles administrative tasks.

Compliance

Requires maintaining compliance with basic tax reporting.

Full responsibility for adherence to all local laws.

EOR ensures labor law and tax compliance on your behalf.

Setup Time

Quick and straightforward for obtaining a SIRENE number.

Longer due to legal and administrative requirements.

Fast, enabling immediate hiring and operations.

Cost

Minimal costs associated with tax registration.

Involves setup fees, legal expenses, and operational costs.

Service fees to the EOR, often more cost-effective overall.

Scalability

Limited to tax registration and identification.

Ideal for businesses planning a significant local presence.

Highly flexible for scaling teams or testing the market.

While France INSEE registration serves as a foundational step for tax compliance, standard company registration offers full control for businesses planning significant local operations. Alternatively, an Employer of Record (EOR) simplifies workforce expansion by handling onboarding, compliance, and administration without the need for entity setup.

Next, let’s dive into how an EOR can simplify hiring and compliance for businesses entering the French.

How EOR simplifies French company registration

Navigating the French market becomes seamless with an EOR. An Employer of Record (EOR) simplifies the process, managing the complexities of onboarding, compliance, and payroll—all without the need to establish a legal entity.

Here’s how an EOR supports businesses entering France:

  1. Skip the lengthy registration process and start operations immediately, as the EOR serves as your legal employer.
  2. Offload administrative tasks like payroll management, tax filings, and employee contracts to the EOR, so you can focus on scaling your business.
  3. Stay compliant with French labor laws and tax regulations through the EOR’s expertise, avoiding legal and compliance risks.
  4. Eliminate entity setup costs and redirect resources to more critical business activities.
  5. Quickly scale your workforce with flexibility to adjust to market needs without the burden of long-term commitments.
  6. Tap into France’s highly skilled talent pool without navigating complex local hiring procedures.
  7. Offer competitive, locally compliant benefits packages to attract top talent, with the EOR managing all associated administration.
  8. Expand with confidence, knowing that the EOR ensures full compliance with French regulations and handles any legal requirements.

An EOR not only simplifies the process but also provides you with the flexibility to grow in France without the challenges of entity establishment.

Next, let’s explore the step-by-step process of registering a company in France to guide you through the traditional approach.

A step-by-step guide to registering a company in France

France’s structured and straightforward process makes setting up a business accessible. Here’s how to handle each step effectively.

Step 1: Obtain a SIRENE number (France INSEE Registration)

A SIRENE number is essential for all businesses operating in France in 2025. It serves as your official business identification for tax, compliance, and administrative purposes.

How to register:

  • Submit your application to the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE), detailing your business activity, location, and ownership structure.
  • Once processed, the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) assigns your business a SIRENE number.

Step 2: Select the right business structure

Setting up a local entity in France can be a daunting and time-consuming process. That’s where an Employer of Record (EOR) like Multiplier steps in to simplify the journey. With Multiplier, you can skip the complexities of entity registration—our EOR service acts as your legal employer, handling everything from onboarding to payroll, taxes, and ensuring compliance with French labor laws. This frees you to focus on growing your business, not navigating French bureaucracy.

If you still prefer to establish your own entity, choosing the right business structure is critical. It determines your legal responsibilities, tax obligations, and operational flexibility, setting the foundation for your business in France.

Common options include:

  • Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL): Ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, offering limited liability.
  • Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS): Provides flexibility in governance and is suited for startups.
  • Entreprise Individuelle (EI): A sole proprietorship, best for independent entrepreneurs.
  • Société Anonyme (SA): Suitable for large corporations with plans to go public.

Step 3: Prepare and submit documentation to the CFE

Once your structure is chosen, prepare the necessary documents to register your business.

Documents required:

  • Articles of Association outlining your company’s purpose and governance.
  • Proof of address for your registered office.
  • Identification for directors and shareholders.
  • Bank certification confirming capital deposit (if applicable).

Step 4: Open a business bank account

A French corporate bank account is essential for receiving payments, paying taxes, and managing operational expenses.

Options include:

  • Traditional banks: Such as Société Générale or BNP Paribas for comprehensive banking solutions.
  • Fintech platforms: Providers like Qonto or Wise for modern, user-friendly online banking options.

Documents needed:

  • Business registration certificate
  • Proof of identity for all account signatories
  • Articles of Association

Opening a bank account can be a tedious and time-consuming process, but with Multiplier’s global payroll solution, you can bypass the hassle entirely.

Multiplier allows you to process payroll in multiple currencies, ensures full compliance with local tax laws, and simplifies the complexities of global payroll management.

Step 5: Register for taxes and comply with regulations

Tax registration is mandatory for operating in France.

Steps include:

  • Registering for VAT if your turnover meets the required threshold.
  • Enrolling for corporate income tax and payroll taxes if you employ staff.

Ongoing compliance requirements:

  • Maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with French laws.
  • Submit annual financial statements to the relevant authorities.
  • Ensure compliance with labor laws and social contributions.

Following these steps positions your business for a seamless and compliant start in France, ensuring all foundational requirements are met. 

Next, we’ll delve into the detailed costs associated with this process, empowering you to make informed financial decisions.

The real cost of registering a business in France

Understanding the costs involved in setting up a business in France is crucial for planning effectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown to guide you:

1. Registration costs

  • CFE filing fees: The Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) charges approximately €100 to €250 depending on the business type.
  • Capital deposit: For certain business structures, such as SARL or SAS, a minimum capital deposit of €1 is required but can vary based on your industry.
  • Legal address services: Non-residents may need to rent a local office or use a registered address service, which typically costs €200 to €500 annually.
  • Notary fees: If notarization of documents is required, expect fees ranging from €150 to €500.

2. Annual maintenance costs

Accounting services: Monthly fees for bookkeeping and reporting start at €50 and can increase based on your company’s complexity.

Tax filings: Professional services for filing taxes and preparing financial statements typically cost €300 to €1,000 annually.

Legal address renewal: Maintaining a registered address costs around €200 annually.

3. Additional considerations

  • Banking fees: Setting up a business account in France often involves an initial setup fee of €50 to €200, with ongoing monthly charges for account maintenance.
  • Compliance costs: Ensuring ongoing adherence to French labor and tax laws may require hiring compliance experts, adding €500 or more annually to your budget.
  • An Employer of Record (EOR) eliminates many of these upfront and recurring expenses. By handling payroll, compliance, and onboarding, an EOR offers a streamlined, cost-effective solution, allowing you to bypass the need for entity setup and ongoing administrative overhead.

Next, we’ll compare the expenses of traditional company registration to the benefits of using an EOR in France.

Cost comparison: standard registration vs. EOR

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the costs involved in setting up a company through traditional registration versus using an Employer of Record (EOR) in France:

Cost Comparison: Standard Registration vs. EOR

While traditional registration involves significant upfront expenses and ongoing administrative commitments, an EOR simplifies the process with predictable costs and comprehensive support. With an EOR, you can bypass the challenges of entity setup and focus entirely on scaling your business in France.

Next, let’s explore how a partnership with an EOR like Multiplier can make your expansion into France faster and easier.

Simplify your expansion into France with Multiplier

With Multiplier’s Employer of Record (EOR) solution, navigating the administrative and compliance landscape in France becomes effortless. Focus on driving your business forward while we handle the operational details.

Why Multiplier is your trusted partner for France

  • Hire Locally, Expand Globally
    Access the potential of France’s highly skilled talent pool with ease. Multiplier’s HR experts handle everything from legally compliant contracts to seamless onboarding, enabling your business to scale across borders with confidence and precision.
  • Streamlined Payroll Management
    Achieve unparalleled accuracy and compliance with our real-time payroll management system. Multiplier ensures all employee payouts, taxes, and contributions align with French regulations, keeping your operations efficient and stress-free.
  • A Unified HR Platform
    Simplify HR operations with a single platform that manages onboarding, expenses, leave approvals, and more. Gain full visibility and control over your distributed teams in France, empowering you to make strategic decisions with ease.
  • Effortless Compliance
    Navigate France’s complex labor laws and tax requirements effortlessly. From VAT and social security to employment protections, Multiplier helps you ensure you’re always compliant with a proactive approach tailored to local regulations.
  • Competitive Employee Benefits
    Attract top talent in the French market with bespoke benefit packages tailored to local expectations. Multiplier manages the complexities of administration, ensuring your employees receive the support they need to thrive.
  • Dedicated and Secure Support
    Benefit from 24/5 expert support, GDPR-compliant processes, and SOC 2-certified security standards. With Multiplier, your business and data are protected, giving you the peace of mind to focus on strategic growth.

Multiplier is your partner in unlocking the full potential of doing business in France. From tailored payroll solutions to expert guidance on navigating local regulations, Multiplier delivers everything you need to build and scale with confidence. With Multiplier, you gain the tools, expertise, and flexibility to focus on what matters most—achieving your vision and thriving in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Book a Demo today to see how Multiplier’s EOR solutions can simplify your expansion into France and help you grow with ease.

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