# Can a non-resident own and run a French company?

Mis à jour : 2026-10-22 · Source : https://legalrapide.fr/en/non-resident-french-company/

Yes. According to the French administration, a foreign national can create a business in France **without residing in France**. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals follow the same steps as French citizens. Nationals of other countries need a residence permit only if they want to settle in France or actually carry out the activity there.

## What non-residents need
| Topic | What to plan for |
|---|---|
| Registered office | A French address: usually an approved domiciliation company |
| Bank account | A bank that accepts remote identity checks for non-residents |
| Identity | A valid passport |
| Other foreign documents | French translation may be requested |
| State aid | Some schemes (e.g. ARCE) require living in France |

## EU vs non-EU
- **EU/EEA/Swiss nationals**: no permit needed to create, own or run the company, whether or not they live in France.
- **Other nationals**: can be shareholder and president while living abroad; moving to France to run the business requires a long-stay visa or residence card (for example the "passeport talent").

## Sources
- [Service-public (FR): can a foreign national create a business in France?](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F22494)
- [Service-public (FR): how can a foreign national run a company in France?](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F36405)