It comes as no surprise, to set up a société in France, we need to provide documents – we all know how the French love their paperwork!
You can delegate an Expert Comptable to set up your société, but they will still ask you to provide/sign the following. A good Expert Comptable makes this process as seamless as possible. I recommend Dougs for a smooth and affordable experience.
1. Core Company Documents
These documents legally establish the company itself.
- Statuts (Articles of Association): This is the foundational legal document for your company. It defines its name, purpose, registered office, share capital, and rules of operation. Prepared by Expert Comptable. Action Required: Must be dated and signed by all founders (associés or actionnaires). An original signed copy is required for the registration file.
- Attestation de Dépôt du Capital Social (Certificate of Deposit of Share Capital): This is a certificate from the bank proving that you have deposited the initial share capital funds into a blocked professional bank account opened in the company’s name. You will need to speak with the bank yourself. Action Required: Transmit the original certificate issued by the bank to your Expert Comptable.
- Attestation de Parution de l’Annonce Légale (Proof of Publication): You must publish a notice of your company’s formation in an authorized legal journal (journal d’annonces légales – JAL). The journal will provide this certificate as proof. Your Expert Comptable will do this for you. Action Required: Keep the certificate issued by the journal.
- Déclaration des Bénéficiaires Effectifs (Declaration of Beneficial Owners): This document lists all individuals who ultimately own or control more than 25% of the company. Prepared by Expert Comptable. Action Required: Must be completed, dated, and signed by the company’s legal representative.
2. Documents for Directors & Managers (Dirigeants)
Each dirigeant (the Président of an SAS or Gérant of an SARL) must provide personal documents.
- Valid Proof of Identity:
- For French/EU/EEA citizens: A copy of a valid national ID card or passport.
- For non-EU/EEA citizens: A copy of a valid passport and the relevant residence permit (titre de séjour) allowing you to manage a business in France. Action Required: Provide a clear copy.
- Déclaration sur l’Honneur de Non-Condamnation (Declaration of Non-Conviction): This is a sworn statement declaring that you have not been subject to any criminal convictions or civil/administrative sanctions that would legally prohibit you from managing a company. Prepared by Expert Comptable. Action Required: Must be dated and signed by each dirigeant.
- Attestation de Filiation (Proof of Parentage): This document lists the full names of your parents. It is often included directly within the déclaration de non-condamnation. It seems weird, I know, but we need to provide this information. Action Required: Sign the attestation.
3. Proof of Registered Office (Siège Social)
Your company needs an official address – provide one of the following to prove it:
- If you are renting a commercial space: A copy of the commercial lease (bail commercial).
- If you are using a domiciliation company: The domiciliation contract (contrat de domiciliation) signed with the provider.
- If you are locating the company at the director’s home:
- A recent proof of address (eg. utility bill) in the director’s name.
- An attestation d’hébergement (certificate of accommodation) signed by the director, confirming the company can use the address. (Check local co-ownership rules or lease agreements for any restrictions). Prepared by Expert Comptable.
Action Required: Provide a copy of the relevant lease, contract, or bill. Sign any required personal attestation.
Depending on your company’s specific activity (eg. regulated professions), you may need to provide additional licenses, diplomas, or authorisations.
That’s it! Congratulations!
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