Top 6 Things To Consider When Registering A Company in France
Whether you manage a company or you're entirely new to the world of business, there are several steps to take with the government before you can legally begin trading for yourself. Luckily, there are professional French legal services available to walk you through every step of your journey.
Taking your business overseas takes some additional preparation and planning since regulations are different in France than in the UK. If you're unsure where to even begin, then you needn't panic! France Tax Law is here to help, with the top 6 things to consider when registering a company in France.
1. You Need To Check You're Eligible
Before you can even begin the process of registering your company in France, you need to be an EU citizen or have a residence permit. Without either of these, you won't be able to begin the registration process at all. You've also got to check you've got the recognised qualifications necessary for your professions before you register your business, such as accounting certificates or medical experience. Checking your eligibility needs to be your main priority!
2. You Must Choose A Structure
You can register your business as a sole trader, otherwise 'enterprise individuelle', or as a company, otherwise 'societe'. The choice you make will affect your tax regime, so pick wisely! If you only expect to work for yourself and complete solo jobs, registering as a sole trader will suit you. If you plan on hiring employees and expanding your business, you ought to register as a company from the get-go. Changing your structure will be complicated further down the line, so don't take this step lightly.
3. Your Name Must Be Unique
Another organisation mustn't use the name you're considering for your business, so you'll need to check for copyright. The French Patent and Trademark Office, the INPI, and the Commercial Court Registry are the places you'll need to check your company name! Should your choice already be in use, you'll have to select another. Without a unique name, you could find yourself caught up in a significant legal battle. You don't have the right to any taken name, even if it's yours in the UK, so keep this in mind if you're considering relocation.
4. Your Income Tax Won't Massively Change
Bad news if you're considering registering a company in France for lower tax rates! Income tax in France takes a similar amount as in the United Kingdom, so your relocation won't necessarily be financially beneficial there. Should you work alongside a French law expert to guide your new company registration, they can talk you through the taxes you can expect to pay with your business.
5. You May Be Assisted With Incentives
The local authorities within France offer grants and loans that can make registering a business very worthwhile. You can receive assistance from the council on finding suitable sites, rewarding tax incentives, grants for innovation and shared cost access to support services. These incentives aren't guaranteed, but they're worth researching while you're in the planning stages of your new business!
6. You Can Seek Professional Support
While registering a company in France can be relatively straightforward, you can receive great peace of mind from professional assistance. Some businesses are specifically dedicated to helping citizens of the UK start their venture in France. They'll streamline the registration process for a less stressful experience than you'd manage alone. Contact us at France Tax Law for legal advice on moving or creating your business abroad or general French legal services to guide your relocation.