Opening a subsidiary in France is a process that our French agents can easily handle if you explore our online services. Below, our company formation agents in France explain how to set up a subsidiary in this country.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation (home country/foreign country) | French Commercial Law |
Best used for | – banking, – insurance, – automotive, – trading |
Minimum share capital | Yes |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | Around 3 weeks |
| Management (local/foreign) | Local |
| Local bank account | Yes |
| Independence from the parent company | Yes |
| Liability of the parent company | No, the subsidiary is fully liable |
| Corporate tax rate | 33% |
| Possibility of hiring local staff | Yes |
Is a subsidiary 100% foreign-owned in France, or do I need a local partner?
There is no need for a French local partner to set up a subsidiary in France, as this entity can be 100% foreign owned.
What are the key features of French subsidiaries?
- can develop other activities apart from the ones of the foreign company,
- subsidiaries are independent legal entities,
- can own and handle their assets,
- can hire local and foreign staff, etc.
We have also created a scheme showing the advantages of a subsidiary in France in 2026:
What is the optimal business structure for a subsidiary in France?
- Limited liability company, SARL in France,
- Simplified Joint Stock Company, SAS in France.
Where do I register a subsidiary in France in 2026?
At Guichet Unique, which is the French Business Portal.
NOTE: The subsidiary can be incorporated online or in person. In both cases, our international clients can be assisted by our French company formation agents.
Is there a minimum share capital for setting up a subsidiary in France?
EUR 1 for SARL or for SAS, the available entities for opening a subsidiary in France.
What are the key requirements to open a French subsidiary in 2026?
- check and reserve the business name for the subsidiary in question,
- ensure a business address in Paris or in any other important French city,
- prepare the Articles and Memorandum of Association,
- appoint the company directors,
- open a French corporate bank account,
- register for taxation in France and obtain the SIRET & SIREN numbers.
NOTE: All foreign documents used to form a subsidiary must be translated into French and then notarized before submission.
Here is a video presentation about subsidiaries in France:
What are the documents solicited to register a subsidiary in France in 2026?
The following documents are necessary for the registration of a subsidiary in France:
- information about the parent company issued by the Trade Register in its home country;
- the articles of association of the company to be registered in France;
- the rental agreement, which indicates the legal address of the French subsidiary;
- information about the parent company’s representative in France and the letter of their appointment.
IMPORTANT: These documents are filed with the Companies Registrar, which will issue the subsidiary’s certificate of incorporation.
Are annual financial statements of a subsidiary in France audited?
Yes, French subsidiaries are subject to audit requirements.
Can a subsidiary own real estate in France?
Yes, foreign companies can acquire various types of properties in France through subsidiaries.
Can the subsidiary be registered remotely?
Yes, a subsidiary company can be registered remotely. Our French agents can represent international clients with a power of attorney.
What is the time frame to set up a subsidiary in France in 2026?
About 3-6 weeks.
Foreign investors who want to open a companyin France, can also benefit from the services offered by our accountants. For more details about setting up a subsidiary in France in 2026, you may contact our company formation agents.