Best New Business Formation Lawyers in France

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Orier Avocats
Paris, France

Founded in 2018
10 people in their team
English
Business New Business Formation Accounting & Auditing +8 more
Orier Avocats stands as a distinguished legal institution in France, renowned for its profound expertise and commitment to excellence. Specializing in a wide array of legal services, the firm has garnered a reputation for delivering tailored solutions that meet the intricate needs of individual and...

Founded in 1992
English
SCP MERENDA BLAIN-MERENDA GILLET is a distinguished law firm based in Niort, France, with a secondary office in Saint-Maixent-l'École. Established in 1992, the firm comprises four seasoned partners: Maîtres Jérôme MERENDA, Dominique BLAIN-MERENDA, Muriel GILLET-JOUBERT, and Eugénie MERENDA....
Esther LE GUELLEC
Rennes, France

Founded in 2020
English
Esther LE GUELLEC is a distinguished law firm in France, renowned for its expertise in business law and taxation. Specializing in providing comprehensive legal services, the firm assists clients ranging from small enterprises to large corporations with legal guidance tailored to their specific...
d'Hellencourt Avocats
Amiens, France

Founded in 1964
English
Established in 1964 by Philippe d'Hellencourt, d'Hellencourt Avocats has built a distinguished reputation over more than five decades, handling over 60,000 cases. The firm offers comprehensive legal services across various domains, including civil law, commercial law, consumer law, corporate law,...
Vogel&Vogel
Paris, France

Founded in 1990
English
Vogel & Vogel, established in 1990 by Louis and Joseph Vogel, is a prominent French law firm specializing in competition, distribution, and consumer law. With offices in Paris and Brussels, the firm has grown to employ 28 lawyers, including 12 partners. Their expertise spans various sectors such as...
TOSCA AVOCATS
Paris, France

Founded in 2019
English
TOSCA AVOCATS, located at 9 rue Denis Poisson in Paris, offers a comprehensive range of legal services encompassing commercial law, intellectual property, criminal business law, and family law. The firm's expertise includes contract negotiation, commercial litigation, shareholder disputes, and...
Fiducial Legal By Lamy
Lyon, France

Founded in 1965
200 people in their team
French
English
LET'S MAKE YOUR PROJECTS A REALITYFiducial Legal By Lamy, a law firm specializing in Business Law , brings together above all women and men with complementary expertise, full partners of the company, committed within their teams, diligent in implementing their knowledge. at the service of the...
Scotto Partners
Paris, France

Founded in 2010
English
Scotto Partners is an independent French law firm specializing in corporate, tax, and employment law, with a particular focus on advising executives, managers, and family shareholders during pivotal business events. The firm's corporate department offers comprehensive support in mergers and...
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Paris, France

Founded in 1909
English
Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a distinguished global law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal expertise and strategic prowess. With its presence in France, the firm offers exceptional legal services across a broad spectrum of practice areas, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity,...
Almain Avocats
Paris, France

Founded in 2015
English
Almain Avocats is an independent business law firm based in Paris, offering comprehensive legal services across various domains, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, employment law, commercial contracts, competition law, litigation, intellectual property, information technology, data...
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About New Business Formation Law in France

France offers a dynamic environment for business formation with a well-organized legal framework aimed at fostering entrepreneurship. New business formation in France involves selecting an appropriate business structure, registering with the relevant authorities, and ensuring compliance with all regulations. The most common forms of businesses in France include the Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL), Société Anonyme (SA), and auto-entrepreneur status for self-employed individuals. Each business form has its own legal requirements and implications, making it important to thoroughly understand which aligns best with your business objectives.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Seeking legal advice can be crucial for several reasons when forming a new business in France. A lawyer can assist in selecting the most suitable business structure, ensuring compliance with local regulations, drafting necessary legal documents, and handling negotiations and contracts. Furthermore, legal advice is beneficial in understanding tax obligations and intellectual property rights that will affect the business. A lawyer can also provide guidance on laws relating to employment, financing, and potential liabilities, helping avoid costly mistakes and ensuring a smoother business formation process.

Local Laws Overview

When forming a business in France, it's essential to familiarize yourself with a few key aspects of local laws. These include the registration process with the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE), adhering to tax regulations established by the French Tax Administration, and understanding the requirements set by the French Commercial Code. Furthermore, compliance with labor laws and social security contributions is mandatory, particularly if you have employees. Finally, protecting intellectual property and adhering to consumer protection laws can also influence the formation and operation of new businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of business structures in France?

The most common types of business structures are the SARL (Limited Liability Company), SA (Public Limited Company), SAS (Simplified Joint Stock Company), and auto-entrepreneur for small businesses or freelancers.

How long does it take to register a company in France?

Registration of a company in France typically takes one to two weeks, depending on the complexity and accuracy of the filled applications and documentation submitted.

Are there any specific requirements for foreign nationals starting a business in France?

Yes, foreign nationals must acquire the appropriate visa and residency permits, and in some cases, register with additional authorities, such as the French Trade Register.

What are the startup costs associated with forming a business in France?

Startup costs can include registration fees, notary fees, service fees for legal assistance, plus any initial capital requirements depending on the structure of the business.

Do I need to have a business bank account in France?

Yes, all businesses must have a dedicated business bank account in France to segregate business finances from personal finances, facilitating easier tax calculations and compliance.

What taxes must a new business in France consider?

Businesses in France are subject to various taxes, including corporate taxes, VAT, local business taxes, and social security contributions.

How can I protect my business name and logo in France?

You protect your business name and logo by registering them as trademarks with the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI).

Do I need to hire employees immediately after starting my business?

No, hiring employees is not necessary at the start. Many entrepreneurs begin alone or with partners, scaling up according to business needs.

What is the role of a notary in forming a business in France?

A notary in France may be required to authenticate company statutes or deeds and assist in legal compliance, particularly for complex business structures.

Are there special incentives for startups in France?

Yes, France offers various incentives for startups, including grants, tax reductions, and support programs like the French Tech Initiative to foster innovation and growth.

Additional Resources

Here are some resources that can provide further guidance on new business formation in France:

  • Chambres de Commerce et d'Industrie (CCI): Provides information and support to entrepreneurs.
  • Agence France Entrepreneur (AFE): Offers tools and resources for business development.
  • Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI): For trademark and intellectual property information.
  • French Tax Administration: For comprehensive tax-related queries.
  • Legal Counsels and Business Lawyers: Professional services specialized in business law.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for new business formation in France, consider the following steps:

  • Identify your specific needs and objectives to determine the right type of legal assistance.
  • Research and reach out to qualified lawyers with expertise in French business law, particularly those experienced with your industry or business type.
  • Arrange consultations to discuss your situation, seek insights and evaluate the cost of services.
  • Choose a legal expert who understands your business goals and can offer tailored advice and services.
  • Begin working with your legal advisor to ensure compliance, address legal concerns, and successfully navigate the business formation process.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in France through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including New Business Formation, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in France - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.