Foreigners can register a French company without residency, though non-EU/EEA citizens need valid legal residence status (typically a long-term visa/permit allowing business activity), a passport/residence card, a criminal record statement, and a French business address. France requires no local resident director — foreign nationals can fully own and manage a French company, though a local representative eases banking/admin. Formation steps: domiciliation (French business address), drafting Articles of Association (in French, signed by all founders), opening a business bank account and depositing share capital, appointing officers, publishing a formation notice in an authorized legal journal, then filing via the Guichet Unique (INPI) online portal. Most companies register within 2-4 weeks with complete documentation.
No residency or local director required — foreigners can fully own and manage a French company remotely.
Non-EU/EEA founders need valid legal residence status, passport/residence card, criminal record statement, and a French business address.
Core steps: domiciliation, Articles of Association (French, signed), bank account + capital deposit, officer appointment, legal notice publication, Guichet Unique (INPI) filing.
Typical registration timeline: 2-4 weeks with complete, accurate documentation.
Steps
Secure a French business address (domiciliation) — Via lease or domiciliation contract.
Draft Articles of Association — Must be in French, signed by all founders.
Open a business bank account and deposit share capital — Minimum €1, but banks typically expect a few thousand euros in practice.
Appoint officers — Designate the business manager/president.
Publish a formation notice — In an authorized legal journal; obtain the publication certificate.
File via Guichet Unique (INPI) — Upload documents and pay registration fees online.
Timelines
Typical registration timeline: 2-4 weeks
Required Documents
Articles of Association (French)
Proof of French business address
Passport/residence card
Criminal record statement (non-EU/EEA)
Common Mistakes
Assuming French residency is required to form or own a company — it is not; only a French business address and, for non-EU/EEA founders, valid legal residence status are required.
Underestimating practical bank expectations — while legal minimum capital is €1, banks typically expect a few thousand euros deposited.