Yes, from 16. A non-emancipated minor can set up and run a SASU or an EURL, and only these two forms, with their parents' authorisation (or the guardian's) to carry out acts of administration alone. They cannot create a sole proprietorship, micro-entreprise included, or carry on an activity that requires trader status. 
Service-public
The three conditions
- Be at least 16.
- Have the authorisation of the parents, the guardian or the family council, as a written declaration signed by the parents and the minor, or as a notarial deed.
- Create a single-shareholder company: SASU or EURL.
What the minor can do alone, and what they cannot
| Alone, with the authorisation | Reserved to the parents, with the guardianship judge's approval |
|---|---|
| Acts of administration: opening the bank account, signing an insurance contract… | Acts of disposal: bank loan, buying or selling a business… |
Possible activities
Those that require no diploma or specific qualification: internet businesses, training, IT repair… Regulated activities keep their conditions, which rules many of them out for a minor. See regulated activity.
The emancipated minor
Emancipation, possible from age 16 by decision of the guardianship judge, opens up sole proprietorship and the other company forms. To be a trader (commerçant), an emancipated minor also needs a court authorisation to carry on trade.
Before you start
Prepare the written authorisation before depositing the capital and signing the articles: it is what allows the minor to open the account and sign alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can a minor set up a SAS with friends?
Not if they are not emancipated: only a single-shareholder company (SASU or EURL) is open to them. Once emancipated, they can be a shareholder in a SAS or a SARL.
Written by Razvan Toma, founder of LegalRapide. How we check our figures · LinkedIn