30 April 2026
Open a Joint Stock Company in France
Investors can choose to open a joint stock company in France. Our specialists in company formation in France can help you establish this type of corporation.
Foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a joint stock company in France in 2026 must comply with the applicable laws. This article provides information about this type of entity, mentioning that our agents can assist in all the company formation procedures in France.
| Short Facts | |
|---|---|
| Joint stock company entity in France | Société Anonyme (SA) and Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS) |
| Registration authority | French Trade Register |
| Legislation | French Company Act |
| Minimum share capital | EUR 37,000 |
| Requirements for a French JSC | – drafting the Articles of Association, – getting the SIREN number, – submitting the required documents, etc. |
| Legal notice | Required when opening a joint stock company in France |
| Minutes of constitutive meeting required | YES |
| Signature sample required for JSC creation in France | YES |
| Number of directors | At least 3 |
| Management | – board of directors, – supervisory board, – CEO/president, etc. |
| Registered office | Required for a JSC in France |
| Opening a bank account for a JSC in France | Mandatory |
| Corporate income tax rate in France | 25% |
| Timeframe to open a JSC in France | About 2-4 weeks |
| Working with our French agents | For in-depth assistance in forming a joint stock company in France. We can manage the legal and administrative procedure for such an entity. |
What are the steps in opening a joint stock company in France?
Here are the formalities and steps required for setting up a joint stock company in France:
- drafting the Articles of Association,
- opening a bank account and depositing the required capital,
- appointing the company managers,
- obtaining the SIREN number (the company’s ID),
- registering the beneficial owners,
- submitting the application & documents to the French Trade Register.
- publishing the formation notice in a legal notices journal (the registry then publishes it in the BODACC).
What are the capital requirements for JSC in France?
If you open a French joint stock company, a certain amount of capital is required. If you set up a company in France as a joint stock company, the minimum capital is EUR 37,000 for all SAs (the former EUR 225,000 minimum for listed SAs was abolished in 2009). This EUR 37,000 minimum applies to every SA. 50% of the required capital must be paid up at incorporation, and the balance within 5 years from registration. Failure to do so will result in the dissolution of the company.
How can you choose the company’s trade name?
When you want to open a joint stock company in France, it is good to consider the possibility of using a chosen trade name. In this sense, you can check with the National Institute of Industrial Property and find out if the chosen name is valid. It is known that registered names cannot be used by other entrepreneurs. Moreover, once the name is chosen, it can be reserved and used.
What are the rights of shareholders of a JSC in France?
The process of company formation in France includes the participation of shareholders, which is determined by the number of shares that they purchased in the company. This is represented by the subscription certificate. The shares subscribed by the shareholders must be paid at least fifty percent of the face value, and the balance must be paid in one or more payments. Rights, obligations, and liabilities of shareholders are provided for in the Company Act and the corporate by-laws.
Who manages a French joint stock company?
The board of directors in a joint stock company in France is the main body that is in charge of the management of the company. All business activities and decisions are made by them. Company incorporation in France requires at least three members on the board of directors, but not more than eighteen. The members are elected by the shareholders (directors need not be shareholders unless the articles so require) during a regular or special meeting called for that purpose.
Can a JSC be registered online in France?
Yes, the INPI one-stop shop (guichet unique) is mandatory and and allows the incorporation of companies online, on the official platform, including joint stock companies. This way, errors and complexities related to documents and procedures can be avoided. In addition, our specialists can represent you with a power of attorney throughout all the formalities.
Is a JSC a separate legal entity in France?
Although joint stock companies in France are composed of shareholders and directors, the corporation has a separate legal entity. This means that all transactions must be entered on behalf of the company. If you set up a company in France, its legal personality commences upon registration with the Commercial Registry.
For more information on how to open a joint stock company in France in 2026, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will give you all the information you need.