# I am German: can I set up a SAS in France, and how does it differ from a GmbH?

Updated : 2026-10-24 · Source : https://legalrapide.fr/en/reponses/citoyen-allemand-creer-sas-france/

Yes. A German citizen can set up and run a company in France **without a residence permit**, whether they live in France or in Germany. The form closest to a GmbH is the SAS (or SASU with a single shareholder): liability limited to contributions, but **capital set freely from €1**, against €25,000 for a GmbH (§ 5 GmbHG), and articles of association signed privately, without a notary.

## French SAS and German GmbH
| Point | SAS / SASU | GmbH |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | €1 | €25,000 |
| Articles of association | Drafted freely, electronic signature possible | Notarial deed |
| Director | President, treated as an employee for social security if paid | Geschäftsführer |
| Legal formation fees | €291.96 incl. VAT (SAS), €223.56 incl. VAT (SASU), current rates | Notary and register, depending on the case |

## What changes if you live in Germany
- A registered office address in France is mandatory (an approved domiciliation provider if needed).
- A German identity card or passport is enough to prove your identity, generally without translation.
- If you work in both countries, the applicable social security system depends on the share of your activity carried out where you live (25% of your time or income).

## With LegalRapide
LegalRapide accepts founders who are nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, whether they live in France or abroad.

## Sources
- [Service-public: can a foreigner set up a business in France?](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F22494)
- [GmbHG, § 5: minimum capital of a GmbH](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__5.html)
- [Your Europe: social security cover when working in several EU countries](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/unemployment-and-benefits/country-coverage/index_fr.htm)