Once you have chosen the legal structureWhat Legal Structure Should You Choose for a Subsidiary in France? that best suits your French entity, the next step is to formalize the existence of your business in France. This registration process may seem administrative and complex, but it is an essential step for your subsidiary to start its operations. Fortunately, Hexagone Advisory is here to guide you through each stage and ensure everything complies with French legal requirements.
Key Steps to Register a Business in France
Obtaining the Kbis: The Birth Certificate of Your Business
The Kbis is the key document that certifies the legal existence of your subsidiary in France. It is often described as the “identity card” of the company because it contains all the essential information about your business, such as:
- The company name
- The registered office address
- The business activity
- The names of the executives
However, before obtaining the Kbis, several steps need to be completed.
Filing the Company’s Articles of Association
Filing the articles of association is the first step in creating your subsidiary. These articles define the operating rules of the business, such as the powers of executives, the distribution of shares among shareholders or partners, and the decision-making process. This document must be carefully drafted as it sets the legal framework for the company.
Once the articles are ready, they are submitted to the Commercial Court registry, which reviews them before proceeding with the company’s registration.
Registration with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS)
After filing the articles of association, your business must be registered with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). This register centralizes all information about businesses in France, and registration is mandatory for your subsidiary to operate legally.
Registration with the RCS is done by submitting an application to the competent Commercial Court registry. This process generates your Kbis, which will be updated as needed (e.g., changes in executives or registered office).
Once this step is completed, you will receive your Kbis, which formalizes the legal existence of your subsidiary in France.
SIRET Number and VAT Number: Identifying Your Business
SIRET Number
The SIRET number is your company’s unique identifier with French administrations. It consists of 14 digits, part of which identifies your business (the SIREN number) and another part identifies your specific establishment.
This number is essential for all administrative and tax procedures in France. You will need it to hire employees, draft contracts, or even issue invoices to your clients. This number is also used for all declarations with French organizations.
Intra-Community VAT Number
If your subsidiary conducts commercial transactions with other European Union countries, obtaining an intra-community VAT number is essential. This number facilitates trade within the EU and ensures your transactions comply with VAT legislation.
The intra-community VAT number is issued by the tax authorities after your company is registered. You will need it to invoice your European clients and declare VAT on cross-border operations.
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A Simplified Administrative Process with Hexagone Advisory
This administrative process may seem complex, especially for a foreign company unfamiliar with French procedures. Between filing the articles of association, registering with the RCS, obtaining the Kbis, and managing SIRET and VAT numbers, there are many details to monitor and deadlines to meet.
This is where Hexagone Advisory comes in. With our partners (lawyers, legal advisors), we handle all these formalities for you, ensuring that each step is completed according to the highest standards. Thanks to our expertise, you can focus on growing your business in France while we take care of the administrative and legal processes. You’ll benefit from quick and hassle-free compliance, with the assurance that all the necessary documents for operating your subsidiary are obtained promptly.
With Hexagone Advisory’s support, the registration process for your subsidiary becomes simple and seamless, allowing you to fully concentrate on your growth objectives in France.
