Starting a business in France also means mastering a framework: a legal structure, generous public support and tools that let you launch a product in a few weeks.
3.1Micro-enterprise: testing without risk
The micro-enterprise (France's simplified sole-trader regime) is ideal for testing an activity: ultra-simplified accounting, contributions proportional to turnover. 2025 ceilings: €188,700 (sales) and €77,700 (services), with VAT exemption below certain thresholds. Above them, you switch to a company.
3.2SASU/SAS or EURL/SARL?
- SASU/SAS (simplified joint-stock company): the president is treated as an employee (general social security scheme, better protection but high contributions), flexible articles of association: the preferred form for start-ups raising funds.
- EURL/SARL (limited liability company): the majority manager is self-employed (lower contributions), a more rigid framework.
- SASU dividends: a 30% flat tax (PFU). The choice of structure determines taxation, social protection and the ability to bring in investors.
3.3Incubators and accelerators
Station F, founded in 2017 by Xavier Niel, is the world's largest start-up campus (34,000 m², 1,000+ start-ups). Abroad, Y Combinator and Techstars remain the references. Incubators (idea → product) and accelerators (growth → fundraising) offer mentoring, networks and sometimes seed capital.
3.4French public support
- Bourse French Tech (Bpifrance): up to €50,000 (€90,000 for deeptech) to get started.
- Research Tax Credit (CIR) at 30% and the Innovation Tax Credit: powerful levers for R&D.
- Young Innovative Company status (JEI): exemptions from social contributions for innovative SMEs less than 8 years old.
- i-Lab / i-Nov competitions (France 2030): up to €600,000 per deeptech project.
3.5No-code: launching in a few weeks
You no longer need to code for a first product: Bubble (web apps), Webflow (websites), Airtable (databases), Make and Zapier (automation) let you ship an MVP in 2 to 6 weeks, for a few dozen euros a month.
Key takeaway
Start light: a micro-enterprise or SASU, a no-code MVP, and seed support. Only create a heavy structure and raise funds when traction justifies it.
Sources
service-public.fr and BOFiP (legal structures, 2025 thresholds); Bpifrance, Bourse French Tech, CIR, JEI (bpifrance.fr); Station F (stationf.co).
Finished this module?
Your progress is saved on this device.