Expanding your business abroad is a decision that can unlock new markets and bigger profits for your company. Opening a company in France is the best country for Australian investors, entrepreneurs and startups as it’s the easiest and most prestigious country if you want to trade in the EU and gain access the European market.

To make sure that decision to open up in France goes as smoothly as possible, it should be carried out properly, by experts that fully understand the ins and outs of the French administrative systems.

Incorporating companies in France is what we do every day. Our company formation experts have spent over a decade helping entrepreneurs start their businesses in France, so you’re in good hands. We work side by side with the French incorporation system every day so you can rest assured that any advice you receive is up-to-date and the paperwork is easy to understand. (For testimonials from our clients and the full list of services we provide for clients all over the world, you can click on our home page, but be sure to navigate back here as we have formulated this package especially for Australian citizens who want to set up in France.)

Anyone can set up a business in France. You do NOT need to be a resident or be an EU citizen to become a French business owner. If you live and work outside the EU, you can still open a company in France by simply registering a business address in France. That could mean opening a virtual office or finding actual premises for your business. You certainly don’t have to buy a house or change your citizenship.

What are the requirements for an SAS company?

The best type of company for Australian investors and businesses is the Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS), which is a limited liability company.

Any Australian resident can open a Limited Liability Company in France remotely.

Here are a few facts about the SAS company in France:

• The minimum share capital was recently reduced to €1 but we recommend a minimum amount of around 4,000 euros. Please bear in mind that this is "working capital" and this can be taken out of the account for use at any time.
• At least one director (called a President) and one shareholder is required. They can be the same person.
• The president can be a legal entity, not necessarily a physical person
• An auditor could be required if the annual turnover exceeds 8,000,000 euros and/or if you have more than 50 employees, but this is unlikely the case at the start of the SAS

How can we help you?

We take care of everything from A to Z and sort out all the relevant paperwork for you. As soon as you confirm your order, our lawyers will call you to discuss your project, activity and structure of your company.

All documents are sent electronically and you don’t have to travel to open the company.

The share capital deposit is done on a specific escrow account by our lawyer in an account which is guaranteed by the French government.

We can register your company and arrange to pay your fees (legal publicity, court fees, company house fees etc). We can also take care of accountancy, tax and VAT registration for your new company.

We provide you with a registered address in central Paris on the fashionable Left Bank of the city which will be the official address of your company. All your mail will be scanned and sent to you automatically via our mail forwarding service. The whole process takes a maximum of three weeks.

So if you're an Australian who is interested in opening a company in Europe, you can find out more information by downloading our free guide below or taking a look at our article Why Australians are choosing France to access EU markets. And you are also welcome to call us on 0033 (0) 1 53 57 49 10 or email us through our contact page where our bilingual experts will be happy to help you.