French Company CEO

Start and Grow Your Business in France – With a Trusted Legal Partner

From company formation to contracts, visas, and ongoing legal support – we make France simple.

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The Challenge of Doing Business in France

France is one of Europe’s most attractive business hubs — a gateway to the EU market and a land of opportunities for entrepreneurs.
But with more than 20 company structures (SARL, SAS, SCI, SNC, etc.), each with different tax, social, and governance rules, incorporation can quickly become complex and risky without proper guidance.

Tailored legal advice before you start

We help you choose the right company form (SAS, SARL, SCI, SNC, etc.) based on your project, tax strategy, and long-term goals, while also identifying any residency requirements so all steps are anticipated from the start. This ensures your structure is secure and adapted from the very beginning.

The expertise of a business lawyer

Unlike anonymous online platforms or improvised service providers, you benefit from the expertise and accountability of a qualified business lawyer. Your company is not just “registered” — it is legally sound, compliant, and built to last.

Your trusted legal partner in France

Once your company is incorporated, you won’t be left alone. Because we structured your company, we know it inside out. With our expertise in French business law, you can return to us whenever future legal or business questions arise.

Steps to Set Up Your Company

Company creation analysis

1. Consultation & Planning
We review your project, assess your objectives, and define the most suitable legal structure with its key characteristics: share capital, governance rules, tax regime, and social security implications.

Visa application for company incorporation in France

2. Visa Application (if required)
If your situation requires a visa or residence permit, we take charge of identifying the most appropriate option (Entrepreneur Visa, “Talent” Passport, etc.), preparing the file, and submitting the application on your behalf.

Company registration in Paris

3. Drafting the Articles of Association
We draft the Articles of Association and all supporting documents, ensuring full compliance with French corporate and tax regulations.

Article of Association drafting

4. Registration & Certificate
We arrange the share-capital deposit with a bank, file your company with the Trade Register, complete the publication formalities, and deliver your official certificate of incorporation (“Kbis”).

Let’s Discuss Your Project

Request a callback or briefly describe your project.
We will get back to you within 24 hours with an initial response.

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About us

Business lawyer specialized in company formation in France

The expertise of an international law firm, with the personal attention of a dedicated partner.

Oueys ELARAFA is a French business lawyer admitted to the Paris Bar.

He studied law at France’s most prestigious law school, the Sorbonne, and went on to practice business litigation with leading international law firms in Luxembourg and Paris. This experience gave him a clear understanding of how companies operate, the legal risks they face, and the disputes that can arise between business partners.

Today, he uses this background to guide entrepreneurs and international investors who want to set up and grow their business in France. His mission is to provide practical legal solutions and act as a trusted local partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Each structure has its own features: some protect the personal assets of the shareholders, others do not; some involve higher social contributions but provide better coverage, while others offer lower taxation with certain drawbacks. Certain company forms were designed for business activities, others for holding real estate. That’s why the right choice depends on your specific situation. We take the time to understand your project, advise on the most suitable structure, and give you a clear explanation of how your company will operate.

  • Most of the time depends on two steps:

    • Drafting the Articles of Association – usually around 3 days, depending on the complexity of your project.

    • Administrative registration – often 1 day, but in some jurisdictions it may take up to a week.

    You will be given a precise timeline during the consultation, so you know exactly what to expect.

  • No. You can incorporate a French company and be appointed as a director while living abroad. French company law does not impose a general residency requirement.

    No French partner is required; 100% foreign ownership is generally allowed (subject to regulated sectors).

    • EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: No visa is needed to live and work in France (administrative registrations may apply if staying over 3 months).

    • Non-EU/EEA nationals: A visa/residence permit is required if you intend to live and work in France to run the business locally. If you already live in France with a residence permit, we will need to verify if it allows you to run a business — for instance, a temporary “employee” permit does not. If you currently live abroad and plan to relocate, you will usually need to apply for an Entrepreneur Visa, then convert it into a residence permit once in France. Setting up a company can itself be a ground for obtaining a visa, but sometimes another residence category may be easier depending on your situation. We will guide you through the right option.

  • For most company types commonly used in business, the minimum share capital is now as low as €1. However, choosing the bare minimum is not always wise. The right amount of capital depends on your project and can influence the credibility and financial stability of your company. We advise on the appropriate level for your specific case.

  • Yes. You will need a professional bank account to deposit your share capital before the company is registered. We can assist you in finding the right banking solution and preparing the necessary documents.

  • Every company must file annual accounts and pay taxes. Most companies are subject to corporate tax (25% on profits - eligible SMEs may benefit from a reduced 15% rate on the first €42,500 of taxable profit), while others can be treated as “transparent” and taxed directly in the hands of the shareholders. Sometimes there is a choice to be made, which can be optimized depending on your situation. We help you make the right decision from the start.

  • Yes. As soon as your company is registered, it becomes a legal entity with full legal personality. This means it can enter into contracts, open a payroll, and hire employees immediately.

  • French corporate law is complex and constantly evolving. By law, only qualified lawyers are authorized to provide legal advice — just as only doctors are authorized to give medical advice.
    Online services usually default to the most common company type at the time and generate template Articles of Association with minimal details (name, share capital, shareholder ID). This often leads to governance rules that don’t fit when there are multiple partners, undercapitalized companies, or simply a structure that is not suited to the project. Worse, many entrepreneurs end up not fully understanding how their own company works.

    By working with us, you receive tailored advice, the right company structure for your goals, and a clear explanation of how your business will operate — ensuring that it is legally solid and built to last.

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Have a project in France?

Share a few details with us, and we’ll reply promptly with clear guidance on how to move forward.

Elarafa Avocat

Business Lawyer – Paris Bar

Start and Grow Your Business in France – With a Trusted Legal Partner

📧 cabinet@elarafa-avocat.fr

📞 +33 7 45 27 30 80

 

2 rue Marietta Martin - 75016 PARIS


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