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Start a Business in France, EU Market Access, Global Prestige & Innovation Powerhouse

French company formation gives you a company in the EU’s second-largest economy, with full access to the EU single market. France backs startups with the CIR research credit and Bpifrance funding, has deep talent pools, and suits technology, luxury, manufacturing and consulting businesses selling to European customers.

25%

CIT (New 15%)

24%

Beckham Law!

25-42%

R&D Credit

Start a Business in France

+12 today

Founders onboarded

Incorporated in 7 days

Average turnaround time

30%

CIR R&D Credit

€1

Min Capital SAS

€2.8T

GDP (#2 in EU)

30+

Unicorns

DNV

Digital Nomad Visa

Our France Services

Our France Services

SAS/SARL formation, CIR claims, JEI status, FEMA advisory, French Tech Visa,
EU market access from a single point of contact.

FEMA & RBI Compliance

Dual-side management: RCS formation AND Indian FEMA compliance. Form ODI filing, APR by 31 December, FLA to RBI by 15 July, FTC under Section 90. France's 25% CIT is creditable under FTC. CIR 30% can substantially reduce effective rate. India-France DTAA provides clean 10% uniform on all categories. France is a significant investor in India, with deep bilateral economic ties. Source: RBI.

Most Popular

Tax Advisory — CIR 30% + JEI + Patent Box

Navigate France's powerful innovation incentives: 25% CIT (15% SME on first EUR 42.5K). CIR: 30% R&D credit up to EUR 100M — refundable for SMEs. CII (Innovation Credit): 20% for SME product development (cap EUR 400K). Patent Box 10% on qualifying IP. JEI (Jeune Entreprise Innovante): social charge exemptions for innovative companies <8 years; the CIT exemption now applies only to JEIs created up to 31 December 2023 (BOFiP). Employer social charges ~40-45% = budget-critical. India-France DTAA: 10% uniform. VAT 20%/10%/5.5%. Source: DGFiP, MESRI.

Most Popular

SAS & SARL Formation

SAS (70%+ of new companies): maximum governance flexibility, BSPCE stock options (unique to SAS), single shareholder OK (SASU), Président replaces Gérant. SARL: simpler rigid structure for family businesses. Both: EUR 1 minimum capital, 100% foreign ownership, INPI Guichet Unique online portal (since 2023). We handle statuts (articles), capital deposit, annonce légale (legal notice), RCS registration via Greffe, SIREN/SIRET, DGFiP tax registration. Timeline: 1-2 weeks. Source: INPI, Greffe.

French Tech Visa & Immigration

Passeport Talent — multi-year (up to 4 years) residence permit. French Tech Visa: startup founder track requires endorsement from approved La French Tech partner (incubator/accelerator). Employee track: for skilled workers joining innovative companies. Entrepreneur track: EUR 300K+ investment. EU Blue Card available. La French Tech ecosystem: Station F in Paris, 30+ unicorns, strong government support through Bpifrance. Source: French Tech, OFII.

Banking

Corporate accounts at BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, LCL (France's Big Four). Fintechs: Qonto (France's #1 business neobank), Shine, Blank. Capital deposit account required BEFORE RCS registration the bank issues a certificate confirming deposit. Banking is smoother than Germany/Japan for foreign founders, especially through fintechs.

EU Market Access

France provides direct access to the 450M-consumer EU single market. EU's 2nd largest economy after Germany. France is Europe's #1 destination for foreign manufacturing investment (EY Attractiveness Survey). Strong sectors: aerospace (Airbus), luxury goods, nuclear energy, automotive (Renault, Stellantis), pharma. Bpifrance provides grants and loans for foreign-invested companies. Source: Business France.

Why Partner With Comply Globally?

Our 4 Brand Promises

These are not marketing claims. They are measurable operational standards
tracked and verified across 1,080+ client engagements worldwide.

Speed of Action

We reply within 4 hours. SAS formation usually takes 1-2 weeks via INPI Guichet Unique.

Fastest: 5 business days

Accuracy & Competence

Every French structure assessed for CIR eligibility, JEI status, and Patent Box applicability before formation.

Filing dates tracked for you · 4.7★ on Trustpilot

Ease of Doing Business

One contact for RCS + DGFiP + CIR + URSSAF + Indian FEMA. No juggling French expert-comptable and Indian CA.

Single Point of Management · 47+ countries

Cost Competitiveness

Transparent pricing. SAS formation from ₹55,000* (government fees extra). CIR claim support from ₹75,000*.

30-40% lower than Big 4

WHAT AN INDIAN FOUNDER GETS IN FRANCE: (1) SAS or SARL — 100% foreign ownership, capital from EUR 1, one shareholder allowed (SASU); (2) 25% CIT — 15% on the first EUR 42,500 of profit for SMEs with turnover up to EUR 10M held 75%+ by individuals, directly or indirectly; (3) CIR 30% — research tax credit on R&D spend up to EUR 100M, 5% above; (4) One online filing — every company formality goes through the INPI guichet unique; (5) India-France DTAA — 10% on dividends, interest and royalties; (6) EU single market — one French company sells across all 27 member states. Check the 75% test early if an Indian company will hold the shares. Sources:
Deepak Nirwan
DGFiP, INPI.

Tax Framework

Why France Is Europe's R&D Tax Capital

France offers 25% CIT combined with a 30% R&D credit (CIR, up to EUR 100M)

According to DGFiP and MESRI, France levies 25% CIT flat rate (15% on first EUR 42,500 for qualifying SMEs). The CIR provides a 30% tax credit on qualifying R&D expenditure up to EUR 100 million per year (5% above), refundable for SMEs. The CII adds 20% for SME innovation expenses (cap EUR 400K). Patent Box reduces qualifying IP income to 10%. JEI status provides employer social charge exemptions for R&D staff; the CIT exemption (100% for the first profitable year, 50% for the next) is reserved to JEIs created up to 31 December 2023. The PFU (prélèvement forfaitaire unique) taxes dividends at a flat 31.4% from 1 January 2026 (12.8% income tax + 18.6% social levies; Service-Public.fr). Employer social charges add 40-45% on gross salaries. India-France DTAA: uniform 10% on dividends, interest, and royalties. VAT 20% standard / 10% intermediate / 5.5% reduced.
Sources: DGFiP · MESRI · India-France DTAA · Updated April 2026

France vs UK vs Germany vs Ireland — R&D Comparison

Factor🇫🇷France🇬🇧UK🇩🇪Germany🇮🇪Ireland
CIT Rate
25%19–25%~29–33%12.5%
R&D Credit
CIR 30% (€100M!)RDEC 20%25%35%
IP Box
Patent Box 10%Patent Box 10%25% creditKDB 10%
Startup Incentive
JEI (CIT + social)EIS / SEISLimited3–5yr relief
Employer Social
~40–45% (!)~15% NIC~20%~11% PRSI
DTAA Div (India)
10%10%10%10%
Startup Visa
French Tech Visa (4yr)Innovator FounderSection 21STEP
Min Capital
EUR 1 (SAS)GBP 1EUR 25,000EUR 1
Language
French (legal)EnglishGermanEnglish

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French compliance involves DGFiP (CIT + VAT), RCS (annual accounts),
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    France Business Setup Expert Answers

    How do I register a company in France?

    You register a company through the INPI “Guichet Unique” portal by submitting incorporation documents (statuts), capital deposit proof, legal notice publication, and then obtaining your RCS registration, SIREN/SIRET, and tax registration.

    What types of companies can foreigners open in France?

    Foreigners can fully own companies such as SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) or SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée). SAS is the most popular due to flexibility and suitability for startups and international businesses.

    How long does it take to start a business in France?

    Company formation usually takes 1–2 weeks, depending on bank account opening, document preparation, and registration with the French commercial registry (RCS).

    What is the corporate tax rate in France?

    France has a standard corporate tax rate of 25%, with a reduced 15% rate on the first €42,500 for eligible SMEs under specific conditions.

    What is the CIR (Research Tax Credit) in France?

    The CIR (Crédit d’Impôt Recherche) provides a 30% tax credit on eligible R&D expenses up to €100 million, making France one of the most attractive countries in Europe for innovation-focused companies.

    What is JEI status in France?

    JEI (Jeune Entreprise Innovante) is a special status for innovative startups that provides tax exemptions, reduced social charges, and other financial benefits for qualifying early-stage companies.

    Do I need to live in France to run a company there?

    No, you don’t need to be a resident. However, if you want to actively manage operations or apply for visas like the French Tech Visa, residency or relocation may be required.

    Why is France attractive for global businesses?

    France offers EU single market access, strong R&D incentives, startup visa programs, skilled talent, and government funding through Bpifrance, making it a major hub for innovation, luxury, tech, and manufacturing companies.

    Start Your Business in France & Unlock Full
    EU Market Access

    From SAS/SARL incorporation to CIR R&D credits, JEI status, banking, visas, and FEMA compliance
    launch your France company in 1–2 weeks with expert cross-border support.