# Set up on your own, with a platform, an accountant or a lawyer?

Updated : 2026-10-22 · Source : https://legalrapide.fr/en/comparatifs/seul-plateforme-comptable-avocat/

You can set up your company on your own through the guichet unique (the official online one-stop shop), with an online platform, with an expert-comptable (chartered accountant) or with a lawyer. The choice depends on how complex your articles of association are and how much time you want to spend: the legal fees are the same in every case.

| Option | Service cost | Your time | Suits you if |
|---|---|---|---|
| On your own through the guichet unique | €0 | Several hours, risk of having to correct the filing | Simple articles and you know the procedure |
| Online platform | €0 to €300 excl. VAT | 10 to 30 minutes | Simple company, one or a few shareholders |
| Expert-comptable | Often included in a subscription | Varies | You want bookkeeping from day one |
| Lawyer | On quotation, usually higher | Appointment | Several shareholders, investors, shareholders' agreement, contributions in kind |

Legal fees are the same in every case: €223.56 incl. VAT for a SASU at current rates.

## What a platform actually does
It generates the documents from your answers and completes the formality under a mandate. It does not give personalised legal advice: for that, you need a lawyer. See [do I need a lawyer?](/en/reponses/besoin-avocat/)

## Sources
- [Service-public: cost of company formation formalities](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F37688)
- [Service-public: company registration formalities](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F35934)