Question 1

Can I create a French company if I live abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreign individuals and companies can generally establish a French company without moving to France. We review your nationality, residence, role and business activity. Company formation does not itself grant a visa or a right to work in France.

Question 2

Can the process be handled remotely?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Documents and signatures can often be coordinated remotely. Banking checks, certified copies, translations or original documents may be required depending on your situation. We identify these requirements before the filing stage.

Question 3

Which structure is right for me: SAS, SASU, SARL or EURL?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your shareholders, management arrangements, funding plans and personal circumstances. A SAS or SASU offers flexible governance; a SARL or EURL operates within a more prescribed framework. We compare the options with you before drafting your articles.

Question 4

How long will incorporation take?

Accepted Answer

Registration can move quickly once the documents are complete and share capital has been deposited. The overall timing depends on collecting documents, identity and banking checks, signatures and registry processing. We agree a realistic working timeline after reviewing your file.

Question 5

What will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Company Formation starts at €1,800 excluding VAT. International Launch, including the agreed practical coordination, starts at €2,500 excluding VAT. Corporate and complex projects are quoted individually. We confirm a fixed fee and written scope before starting. Registration, legal publication, banking, registered office provider and translation costs are separate.

Question 6

Can you help with a bank account and share capital deposit?

Accepted Answer

We help you prepare the documents and coordinate with suitable institutions. Each bank or payment institution makes its own decision under its compliance and identity checks. Acceptance and processing times cannot be guaranteed.

Question 7

Do you provide a registered office address?

Accepted Answer

A French company needs a registered office in France. We help you identify and select an independent domiciliation provider and coordinate the setup. The address is supplied under a separate agreement with that provider, whose fees are separate from our legal fees.

Question 8

Can a foreign company be the shareholder?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a French company may have a foreign corporate shareholder. The documents required will depend on the ownership structure and country of incorporation. Extracts from company registers, beneficial ownership information, translations or certification may be needed.

Question 9

Does incorporation give me a French residence permit?

Accepted Answer

No. Company formation and immigration permission are separate. If you plan to live or work in France, we review whether separate immigration advice is needed. Visa and residence permit assistance is subject to a separate scope and quotation.

Question 10

Can you continue helping after registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Annual corporate care starts at €800 per year excluding VAT for a small company, with a scope agreed in advance. It covers annual accounts approval documents, filing based on your accountant’s figures, an obligations calendar and one annual legal review. External filing fees and additional corporate operations are not included. Lancier Avocats also advises on company changes, contracts, shareholder arrangements, investment and M&A under a separately agreed scope.

Question 11

What does working with a law firm involve?

Accepted Answer

You work directly with Guillaume Prom Thiounn, an attorney at the Paris Bar. We discuss your project, explain the legal options and prepare the agreed documents for your ownership and governance arrangements. The engagement is subject to professional secrecy, the rules of the legal profession and professional liability insurance.

Question 12

Can I work with you from any country?

Accepted Answer

We support clients worldwide with their projects in France. Our international background helps us understand business projects involving several jurisdictions. You work directly with your French business lawyer, in English or French, and we coordinate with your existing advisers where needed.

Question 13

Can I discuss the project before deciding to incorporate?

Accepted Answer

A scoping consultation is €300 excluding VAT and includes preparation, a meeting and a brief written recap. This fee is credited against a company formation engagement signed within 30 days. It is useful when you need advice before deciding; it is not a required extra step for every incorporation.

Question 14

Can AI or online software replace a French business lawyer?

Accepted Answer

AI and online tools can help organise information, explain general concepts and collect data. They do not by themselves create a lawyer-client relationship or make a French regulated professional responsible for advice on your particular facts. Your lawyer checks the information, identifies legal issues, explains the choices and prepares the agreed documents for your ownership, governance and plans.

Question 15

Why use a law firm rather than prepare the incorporation documents myself?

Accepted Answer

French incorporation involves forms, but the legal choices extend beyond filing them. A lawyer reviews the structure, management powers, shareholder decisions and share transfer rules, prepares the legal acts and explains their effect. The engagement also provides professional secrecy, professional responsibility and a named adviser for later corporate matters.

Before you begin.
Here’s what to know.

Let’s make France
part of your story.

Before you begin.Here’s what to know.