| LLC | PLC | Simplified JSC | Branch Office | Rep Office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Name | SARL | SA | SAS | Branche | Bureau de Liaison |
| Company Setup Time | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days | 10 days | 10 days |
| Bank Account Opening | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days |
| Government Grants Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Government Contracts Bidding | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Limited Liability | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Client Required to Travel | No | No | No | No | No |
| Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry |
Corporate Structure Explained
France Limited Liability Company (SARL)
- A limited liability company is the preferred option for carrying out business activities in France.
- A limited liability company requires one director, one shareholder, both do not have to be a resident of France. A €1 is required for the formation of this business entity.
France Simplified Joint-Stock Company (SAS)
- A joint stock company requires one director, one shareholder. A minimum paid-up share capital of € 1. Corporate entities are accepted as directors. An unlimited number of shareholders can be added.
France Publicly-Limited Company (SA)
- The PLC must have at least €37,000 of share capital. It also requires seven shareholders and a minimum of three directors. Both do not have to be the residents of France. Annual financial statements must be audited by a certified auditor.
- It is not mandatory to list this business entity on a stock exchange.
Branch Office
- A Branch office can be owned 100% by the Foreign company. The parent company defines the scope of operations and business structure in accordance with French regulations. In France, the branch office will also have a corporate bank account and an independent management team. All branches have to pay 30% remittance tax and French corporation tax. If the branch fails to do so, the parent company will be liable to pay the same debts.
Representative Office
- The French representative office can not make direct sales in the country. According to French Corporate Law, the representative company can only promote the business of the Parent company and do market research.