Legal area

Business law

Starting a company, statutes, commercial lease, VAT, trademarks.

Ask a free question →
In brief

French business law governs the life of companies: formation and legal form, the *micro-entrepreneur* status, VAT, the commercial lease, transfer of shares, trademark protection and GDPR obligations.

Starting and running a business involves structuring legal choices: legal form, tax regime, VAT thresholds and accounting obligations. The micro-entreprise status appeals for its simplicity but comes with thresholds to watch.

From signing a commercial lease (3-6-9) to registering a trademark with the INPI, via GDPR, each step has its rules. Our guides support the entrepreneur, from depositing capital to transferring shares.

All articles: business law

30 articles
Depositing Share Capital in France: Where and How

When setting up a company in France, establishing the share capital is a foundational step—both symbolic and h…

Read →
Decennial Insurance: Is it Mandatory for Building Works in France?

Are you undertaking construction or renovation work in France, whether for your main residence or a rental inv…

Read →
Transferring Company Shares in France: The Partner Approval Process

The transfer of company shares is a major milestone in the life of a business, whether it involves facilitatin…

Read →
Commercial Lease 3-6-9 in France: Duration and Termination

The commercial lease, commonly referred to as a "bail 3-6-9" (3-6-9 lease), is the cornerstone of the relation…

Read →
B2B Payment Terms in France: Rules, Penalties, and Recovery

In France, late payment is the primary cause of business insolvency, particularly affecting SMEs and micro-ent…

Read →
GDPR: How to Maintain Your Record of Processing Activities

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is no longer a novelty, but its day-to-day application remains a…

Read →
Trademark Classes at the INPI: How to Choose Them Wisely

The creation of a company or the launch of a new product is inevitably accompanied by a crucial step: protecti…

Read →
Spouse Working in the Business: Which Legal Status to Choose?

Working as a couple is a reality for thousands of shopkeepers, artisans, self-employed professionals, and busi…

Read →
VAT Franchise in France: Thresholds and Exceeding Limits

Starting a business or launching a freelance activity in France comes with a multitude of strategic tax choice…

Read →
Micro-Entreprise Turnover Limits: A Guide for Expats

The micro-entreprise (sole proprietorship under a simplified tax and social security regime) scheme attracts h…

Read →
Selling a Business in France: Key Steps for Expats

Selling a fonds de commerce (business assets/going concern) is a major milestone in an entrepreneur's life, wh…

Read →
Trade Name, Sign, Corporate Name: How to Protect Your Business

When starting a business in France, choosing your visual and verbal identity is a crucial step to attract cust…

Read →
URSSAF Audit: How to Prepare and Challenge a Ruling in France

For any business, self-employed worker, or company director in France, the announcement of a social security a…

Read →
Freelance Contracts in France: How to Secure Your Services

Becoming a freelance professional in France offers incomparable professional freedom, but this independence co…

Read →
How to Put Your French Company Dormant: Steps and Rules

Are you experiencing a temporary drop in business, wishing to focus on another project without liquidating you…

Read →
Judicial Liquidation in France: Process and Debts Explained

When a company faces insurmountable financial difficulties, judicial liquidation often appears as the final st…

Read →
Commercial Lease in France: Duration, Rent, and Renewal

The commercial lease is the true legal and economic lung for shopkeepers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in Franc…

Read →
Registering a Trademark with the INPI: Procedure and Costs

Registering a trademark with the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI) (National Institute of …

Read →
Unfair Competition in France: How to Prove It and Take Action

In the business world, competition is healthy and drives innovation, but it must be conducted in compliance wi…

Read →
Terminating a Commercial Contract in France: Notice and Indemnity

In the business world, ending a partnership is an event as common as it is delicate. Whether motivated by a st…

Read →
Hiring Your First Employee in France: A Complete Guide

Taking the step to hire your first employee is a pivotal moment for any entrepreneur. Whether it is to support…

Read →
GDPR for Small Businesses in France: The Essential Minimum

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is often perceived by directors of TPE (very small enterprises) …

Read →
Terms and Conditions (CGV) in France: Rules, Drafting & Legality

In the French entrepreneurial landscape, Terms and Conditions—known in France as Conditions Générales de Vente…

Read →
Unpaid Invoices in France: From Friendly Reminders to Court

As an entrepreneur, artisan, freelancer, or SME director in France, dealing with a client who does not pay the…

Read →
Invoicing in France: Mandatory Details and Penalties

In France, invoicing is not a simple administrative formality, but a strict legal obligation that binds commer…

Read →
Do I Need a Business Bank Account in France? Legal Guide

When starting a business in France, the question of opening a dedicated bank account systematically arises and…

Read →
Drafting French Corporate Statutes: Mandatory Clauses & Steps

Starting a business is an exciting human and economic adventure, but it relies above all on a rigorous legal f…

Read →
SASU vs EURL: Which Legal Status to Choose in France?

Are you dreaming of launching your own business in France, but a crucial question is blocking your momentum: s…

Read →
Guide to French Auto-Entrepreneur Taxes and Social Charges

The status of the auto-entrepreneur (officially referred to as micro-entrepreneur / micro-entrepreneur) attrac…

Read →
Becoming an Auto-Entrepreneur in France: Steps and Thresholds

The status of auto-entrepreneur (officially renamed micro-entrepreneur since 2016) attracts hundreds of thousa…

Read →

Frequently asked questions

What are the *micro-entreprise* thresholds?

The turnover thresholds differ by activity (sale of goods or provision of services). Exceeding them over two consecutive years switches you to another regime.

What is a *3-6-9* commercial lease?

It is a nine-year lease during which the tenant can end it at the end of each three-year period, subject to notice. It gives the business stability and a right to renewal.

How do I protect my company name?

Registering a trademark with the *INPI* protects your name or logo for the goods and services covered, for ten renewable years. A prior-search is strongly recommended.

A question about business law?

AvocatAI answers based on official French law, in your language — free of charge.

Try AvocatAI for free