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Answers · Foreign founders

Can you form a French company without living in France?

Yes: a foreign national can start a business in France without living there. Settling in France or actually working there requires a residence permit (outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland).
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By Razvan Toma · Founder

Last updated 22 October 2026Sources cited in the text

TL;DR

Yes. According to service-public.gouv.fr, a foreign national can start a business in France without living there. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals follow the same steps as a French citizen. For nationals of other countries, settling in France or actually carrying out the business there requires a residence permit that allows it.

What changes when you do not live in France

TopicPoint to watch
Registered officeAn address in France is required: most often an approved domiciliation provider
BankAccount opening and identity check done remotely, depending on the bank
DocumentsPassport; other foreign documents translated if requested
Financial aidSome schemes (ARCE…) require you to live in France

See also does forming a company give you the right to live in France?

Written by Razvan Toma, founder of LegalRapide. How we check our figures · LinkedIn

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Related reading

Foreign foundersDo you need to come to France to set up your company?No, not necessarily: articles signed electronically, capital deposited remotely depending on the bank, application filed by an authorised agent.Read →Foreign foundersWhich foreign documents need to be translated?A valid passport is enough to prove identity. Other documents in a foreign language may need to be translated into French by a sworn translator.Read →Choosing a serviceWhat does an anti-rejection guarantee cover?At LegalRapide: correction and refiling free of charge if the greffe requests a correction because of an error attributable to LegalRapide.Read →

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