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Major EU economy with strong startup ecosystem (French Tech)
Region
WESTERN EUROPE
Corporate Tax
25%
Setup Time
5 weeks
Currency
EUR
France, the EU's third-largest economy and only EU member with permanent UN Security Council status, offers access to a major market and global influence. The country's sophisticated company registration and regulatory environment support substantial business setup.
With a population of 67 million, France offers diverse living from Paris to Mediterranean coast to Alpine regions. French is the official language; English proficiency varies. The quality of life is high, with excellent cuisine, culture, and public services.
Healthcare is excellent through a hybrid public-private system. Safety is generally good, though urban areas face typical concerns. The cost of living varies significantly by region, with Paris notably expensive.
The cultural richness and lifestyle appeal attract international residents despite bureaucratic challenges.
Corporate tax rate stands at 25% following recent reductions. Personal income tax reaches 45% on higher incomes, plus social contributions. VAT applies at 20% standard rate. The overall fiscal burden is substantial.
The Euro provides currency stability. France's large domestic market, EU access, and global presence through overseas territories and francophone connections provide scale. The "French Tech" initiative supports startup ecosystem development.
Company registration through business formality centers (CFE) has been modernized. The SAS (simplified joint stock company) has become popular for its flexibility. The SARL (limited liability company) remains common. Foreign ownership faces no EU restrictions.
Company formation takes approximately 1-2 weeks. Minimum capital is EUR 1 for SAS and SARL. At least one executive is required. Annual compliance involves tax and social security obligations.
The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) registers digital asset service providers. Registration is mandatory for certain crypto activities. The framework provides regulatory clarity with established compliance pathways.
France has positioned itself as crypto-friendly within regulatory bounds, attracting several exchanges and platforms.
The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) regulates online gambling. The gambling license framework covers sports betting and poker, with online casinos remaining prohibited. The market is regulated but not fully open.
Licensed operators can access a substantial market but within defined activity limits.
Labor regulations are protective of employees, affecting operational flexibility. Bureaucracy, though improving, can be substantial. Social charges add significant cost beyond salary.
Banking access is excellent through major international banks. Professional services are sophisticated. France's position provides both EU market access and global reach.
France suits businesses seeking substantial European presence, luxury and consumer goods, and companies valuing prestige positioning for their business setup.
Local: SARL
Local: SA/SAS
Local: Succursale
| Corporate Tax Rate | 25% |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 45% |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 20% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 30% |
| Withholding Tax | 25% |
| Reduced Corporate Tax Available | Yes |
| Non-Resident Withholding Exempt | No |
| Tax Treaty Network | Yes |
| Banking Access | EXCELLENT |
| Financial Privacy | LOW |
| Currency Controls | NONE |
| Local Bank Account Required | Yes |
| Non-Resident Bank Account Allowed | No |
| Physical Presence for Banking | No |
| Banks Restrictive (High Risk) | No |
| AML Officer Required | No |
| MLRO Required | No |
| Compliance Officer Required | No |
| Data Protection Officer Required | Yes |
| Bookkeeping Frequency | Annual |
| Local Bookkeeping Required | Yes |
| Mandatory Audit | No |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | No |
| Local AML Director Required | No |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | No |
| Required Share Capital | $0 |
| Capital Maintained in Account | No |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | EU Travel Rule / FATF compliant |
| Business Plan Required | Detailed program of operations, technical systems, AML policies, governance structure required |
| Personnel Required | CEO, AML Officer, Compliance Officer with adequate qualifications and experience |
| Insurance Required | No |
| Insurance Details | Professional indemnity insurance recommended but not mandatory for basic CASP services |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | Yes |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 1 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | Yes |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | AMF public register of licensed DASPs/CASPs available at https://www.amf-france.org |
| Renewal Period | Annual compliance reporting; license valid indefinitely subject to compliance |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | No |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | No |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | No |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | Yes |
| Regulators | Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), ACPR for EMI/stablecoin issuers |
| Licensing Fee | $0 |
| Licensing Fee Details | No fixed licensing fee; registration costs approximately €3,000-5,000 including dossier preparation. MiCA CASP authorization fee TBD by AMF. |
| Permitted Business Models | Exchange, Custody, Trading Platform, Advisory, Portfolio Management, Transfer Services |
| Permitted Activities | Crypto exchange, custody services, trading platforms, advisory services, portfolio management, transfer and settlement services |
| Restricted Activities | Privacy coins may face restrictions; derivatives require additional licensing |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Inspection Required | No |
| Derivatives Allowed | No |
| RWA Tokenization Allowed | Yes |
| App Store Listing Allowed | Yes |
| Crypto Custody Allowed | Yes |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | No |
| Local AML Director Required | No |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | Yes |
| Required Share Capital | $0 |
| Capital Maintained in Account | No |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | N/A for gambling |
| Business Plan Required | Comprehensive technical documentation, anti-money laundering procedures, responsible gambling measures, financial guarantees required |
| Personnel Required | Qualified management team, AML officer, responsible gambling officer |
| Insurance Required | Yes |
| Insurance Details | Financial guarantees and player fund protection required |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | No |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 1 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | Yes |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | ANJ public register of licensed operators at https://anj.fr |
| Renewal Period | 5 years |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | No |
| Regulators | Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) |
| Licensing Fee | $0 |
| Licensing Fee Details | Variable fees based on operator type; application and annual supervision fees apply. Gross gaming revenue tax applies. |
| Permitted Business Models | B2C online gambling operators only |
| Permitted Activities | Online sports betting, online horse racing betting, online poker |
| Restricted Activities | Online casino games (slots, roulette, blackjack) are prohibited; land-based casinos regulated separately by Ministry of Interior |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | No |
| Physical Inspection Required | Yes |
| Player Fund Segregation | Yes |
| B2B/B2C Separate Requirements | Yes |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | Yes |
| Local AML Director Required | Yes |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | Yes |
| Required Share Capital | $125,000 |
| Capital Maintained in Account | Yes |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | FATF and EU compliant |
| Business Plan Required | Detailed 3-year business plan, program of operations, technical and financial resources documentation |
| Personnel Required | At least 2 effective managers (dirigeants effectifs) with appropriate qualifications, compliance officer, AML officer |
| Insurance Required | Yes |
| Insurance Details | Professional indemnity insurance required for payment institutions |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | No |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 2 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | Yes |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | ACPR REGAFI register at https://www.regafi.fr |
| Renewal Period | Annual reporting; license valid indefinitely subject to compliance |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | No |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | Yes |
| Regulators | Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR), Banque de France |
| Licensing Fee | $0 |
| Licensing Fee Details | No fixed application fee; significant costs for compliance infrastructure, legal fees, and ongoing supervision levy. EMI: €350,000 minimum capital; PI: €125,000 minimum capital (varies by service type) |
| Permitted Business Models | Payment Institution, Electronic Money Institution, Account Information Service Provider |
| Permitted Activities | Payment services (1-8), electronic money issuance, account information services, fund transfers, card issuance |
| Restricted Activities | Banking (credit institution license required), investment services (AMF authorization required) |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Inspection Required | Yes |