Those interested in operating a business overseas may find themselves drawn to France. With a rich cultural heritage and home to a variety of successful businesses, it can be a good place to set up shop.
However, if you want to start a business in France, you will need to familiarize yourself with the regulations and rules that apply. We will walk you through what you need to know about starting a business in France.
Business owners are drawn to France for a variety of reasons. The government supports business ownership with tax structures that can help new businesses. France also has one of the strongest economies in the world, including one of the largest in the European Union (EU). French businesses have millions of customers they can reach with their products and services, both in France and the wider EU. As a popular tourist destination, France also offers an opportunity to reach tourists and travelers.
Finally, many business owners appreciate working in France because the country has a well-educated population. This can drive growth for your organization and help you find the right employees. Keep in mind that as customers interact with your organization, their primary contact with your brand will be your employees. Having the right employees can help create a positive impression on potential customers.
Many people also appreciate that health insurance in France is paid for by many people through their Social Security, making it one less concern for business owners. This includes everyone from sole traders to limited business owners. If you want to offer supplementary coverage for employees at your French company, however, that is often looked upon favorably.
Looking for more reasons France might be a good place to start your business? Request a consultation directly with French Immigration Advisors on Relocate.
To build an organization in France, you need to start with a business plan. Know where you want to set up your organization, from Paris to Marseilles. You will also want to research how corporate tax works in France and find an accountant who can help you navigate the income tax requirements handed down from the French government and any tax credits.
The Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) can help prospective business owners understand the regulations associated with doing business in France and how to set up their business. It will help you find instructions for the registration process. Different companies will need to register in slightly different ways.
Those interested in starting their own business in France can choose from the main business structures, which will dictate their taxes and how the business is governed. Once you register your business, you will get your SIRET, which is a French business identification number.
You also have an option known as a micro-enterprise or auto-entrepreneur, which is designed for micro-entrepreneurs. In other words, it is for those who want to run a small business. You do not need a corporate business bank account for these startups, but you need a separate bank account for the business. You can complete the business registration online, which also simplifies the process.
As you consider what type of business structure you want, you should also consider strategies to help build your business.
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Those interested in starting a business in France have a few options available to help them get started. The selection you make will vary depending on the goals you have professionally and personally. For example, whether you want to live in France will influence the formation process.
If you want to move to France and then begin your business, you will need to first take care of the paperwork necessary to move to the country for an extended period and secure a residence permit. This means you will need to get a long-stay visa.
Keep in mind that if you live in another country in the EU, it will be easier to navigate the immigration regulations in France. Citizens of other EU countries do not face the same regulations as others in securing the proper permissions and documentation needed to move to France for an extended time. However, if you’re not from another EU country, the following may apply:
Professionals can also start a business in France without permanently moving there. Of course, many new business owners will find it helpful to visit the country regularly, particularly as the business first gets started. This can help them see how their operations progress and gain a feel for how well their new employees perform and how the organization serves their French audience.
To start a business in France from another country, you will need to go through the legal process of opening a business. This includes registering the business, selecting a business structure, and opening a French bank account. Registering the business will also allow you to secure the tax numbers and documentation required to run your business legally.
Also, you will need to select a site in France to set up your business. This will give you a local business address and a headquarters in France.
Business owners who run a successful business in another country may want to think about expanding. Setting up your business in France through this type of expansion also requires careful thought from you as the business owner.
Your first consideration will be whether you want the business in your new location to function largely as a business branch, minimizing the differences between your existing business and the new location, or if you prefer, you can set up the business as a separate entity.
Since you already run your company, you likely have all your documentation, contracts, employee manuals, and more written in English. To make the move to France, however, you must follow the laws that mandate the use of French when producing items like employee handbooks or contracts.
Similarly, you will need to demonstrate your market research and what makes you think your organization’s idea will be successful. You will also need a business address and to register your business with the local authorities.
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As you prepare to start a business in France, it’s important to have the right information. Dig-deeper into relevant topics about starting a business in France and browse licensed, bilingual French lawyers avocats who specialize in dealing with foreign nationals.
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