Ownership (SAS vs SARL in France)

For SAS: Consolidated Ownership. For SARL: Consolidated Ownership.

Limited Liability (SAS vs SARL in France)

For SAS: Positive. For SARL: Positive.

Publicly Participates In Capital Market (SAS vs SARL in France)

For SAS: Positive. For SARL: Negative.

Legal Representative Not Mandatory (SAS vs SARL in France)

For SAS: Positive. For SARL: Negative.

Local Directors Not Mandatory (SAS vs SARL in France)

For SAS: Positive. For SARL: Positive.

Local Secretaries Not Mandatory (SAS vs SARL in France)

For SAS: Positive. For SARL: Positive.

Capital Injection Not Required (SAS vs SARL in France)

For SAS: Negative. For SARL: Negative.

France SAS vs SARL

Legal Entity Comparison

Time of Update: 2026-03-31

SAS is a type of legal entity in France, officially known as "Société par Actions Simplifiée". It is a type of combined ownership company with limited liability. SAS can participate in the market publicly, with a minimum requirement of one shareholder and at least one director. Unlike other legal entities, SAS does not require the designation of a legal representative, the involvement of local residents as directors, or the need for a company secretary. However, the minimum registered capital for SAS starts from 1 euro, and if it needs to be established and operated, it is advisable to have at least 2000 euros. Another distinctive feature of SAS is the requirement for capital verification, which means providing proof of the company's funding source. Overall, SAS is a flexible and simple legal entity suitable for small businesses and startups.

France Legal Entity Comparison

Q: Minimum Registered Capital Requirement (SAS vs SARL in France)

For SAS: 1. In principle, the minimum amount for account opening is 1 euro, and for consultancy on operation, the minimum amount is 2000 euros.. For SARL: 1. Starting from 1 euro..

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France Legal Entity Comparison

Basic Information

SAS

SARL

Ownership:

Consolidated Ownership

Ownership:

Consolidated Ownership

Limited Liability:

Positive

Limited Liability:

Positive

Publicly Participates In Capital Market:

Positive

Publicly Participates In Capital Market:

Negative

Shareholder / Director / Secretary Requirements

SAS

SARL

Requirements For Shareholders:

At least one shareholder.

Requirements For Shareholders:

Due to the SARL company type, it requires shareholders to pay annual social security tax in France (up to 5000 euros/year), we recommend that clients provide two shareholders to register the SARL company in France to omit this requirement.

Requirements For Directors ::

At least one

Requirements For Directors ::

At least one

Legal Representative Not Mandatory:

Positive

Legal Representative Not Mandatory:

Negative

Local Directors Not Mandatory:

Positive

Local Directors Not Mandatory:

Positive

Local Secretaries Not Mandatory:

Positive

Local Secretaries Not Mandatory:

Positive

Registered Capital Requirement

SAS

SARL

Minimum Registered Capital Requirement:

1. In principle, the minimum amount for account opening is 1 euro, and for consultancy on operation, the minimum amount is 2000 euros.

Minimum Registered Capital Requirement:

1. Starting from 1 euro.

Capital Injection Not Required:

Negative

Capital Injection Not Required:

Negative

Capital Injection Requirement:

N/A

Capital Injection Requirement:

At least 50% of the registered capital must be paid in cash before company incorporation. If the cash deposit is less than 100% of the registered capital, an auditor is required for contribution in kind. Thus TKEG Expat recommend paying 100% of the registered capital in cash.