Europe · SARL / SAS
France Company Formation 2026
Filing $90 · Annual $0 · Corp tax 25% · Banking 9/10
The numbers
| Entity type | SARL / SAS |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (one-off) | $90 |
| Annual government fee | $0 |
| Registered agent / corp. secretary | Not required |
| Headline corporate tax | 25% |
| Effective tax notes | 15% on first €42,500 (SMEs), 25% above. CVAE phasing out by 2027. |
| VAT / GST / sales tax | 20% |
| Minimum paid-up capital | Nominal |
| Processing time | 7 business days |
| Remote formation | Yes |
| UBO public | No (private register) |
| Banking accessibility | 9/10 |
| Privacy score | 4/10 |
| Stripe | ✅ Available |
| PayPal Business | ✅ |
| Wise Business | ✅ |
Why people choose France
- No min capital
- EU member
Trade-offs to know
- Notary or lawyer recommended
- Complex social charges
- Higher operating cost
Who France is best for
- French market
- EU tech hubs
SAS more flexible than SARL; recommended for VC-backed.
Authoritative sources
France official business registry / authorityFees last verified against the source: 2026-05-15
Other commonly compared Europe jurisdictions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form a company in France?
The state/registry filing fee is approximately $90. Annual maintenance is approximately $0.
What is the corporate tax rate in France?
France's headline corporate income tax rate is 25%. 15% on first €42,500 (SMEs), 25% above. CVAE phasing out by 2027.
Can a non-resident form a company in France?
Yes, remote formation is generally possible in France.
Is Stripe available for France companies?
Yes, Stripe supports businesses incorporated in France.
What is the minimum paid-up capital?
Effectively none — companies can be formed with a nominal $1 of share capital.