Are you considering entering the French market but hesitant to go through the complex process of setting up a company in France ? Rest assured, there are solutions to enter the French market, hire employees, and operate in the country without creating a company in France. Discover how Projinvest Services can assist you through the ESEF status (Enterprise Without Establishment in France).
Why avoid the immediate creation of a company in France ?
Creating a company in France seems like the logical step to establish yourself in the French and European markets. However, the process of setting up a company in France is complex and can represent a significant cost. Before embarking on this, it is better to explore a less restrictive solution to validate your business project before making a stronger commitment in the country.
Note that France, with its 68 million inhabitants, is the second-largest economic power in Europe, generating over 17% of the EU’s GDP. Geographically, France is at the heart of Europe, located at the crossroads of trade between Northern and Southern Europe. It shares numerous borders (Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain…) and has developed extensive road, rail, air, and sea connections. France clearly represents the best opportunity to establish a presence in Europe!
The ESEF status : The ideal solution to enter the French market without creating a company in France
The Enterprise Without Establishment in France (ESEF) status allows a foreign company to hire employees in France without having to create a local entity. This status is highly advantageous as it allows you to:
- Test the French market by hiring staff or representatives on French soil.
- Evaluate the viability of your project in the French market with minimal investment (no need for offices in France, few administrative steps, little or no taxation (except for employee social charges)).
In conclusion, the ESEF is the ideal alternative for foreign companies looking to expand into France while minimizing legal, financial, and fiscal constraints.
What are the advantages of testing the French market without creating a company in France ?
- Real administrative simplicity : Using the ESEF status allows you to avoid the lengthy and costly steps involved in registering a company in France. You only need to declare your employees and pay contributions to URSSAF (the body responsible for collecting employee and employer contributions to finance Social Security).
- Great flexibility : The ESEF status allows you to hire staff in France, manage your commercial activities, and generate income in France without having a permanent establishment on site. This reduces your risk by limiting your commitment in France and gives you real flexibility to respond to market needs. This status gives you the opportunity to assess the demand for your products or services by hiring local experts, understanding the French business culture, and developing your network.
- Significant cost reduction : Creating a company often requires a substantial financial investment (notary fees, registration formalities, corporate taxes…). These costs won’t concern you if your legal structure is only based abroad.
How does Projinvest Services help you test the French market ?
We provide foreign companies wishing to start operations in France without creating a company with many support services, directly or through partners, including:
- Administrative, legal, social, and tax management: We handle the necessary formalities for hiring staff without creating a company in France. We manage your employees’ tax and social declarations, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
- The ESEF status will allow you to prospect for customers, conduct market research, and collect general information about the market to initiate your commercial approach.
Projinvest Services supports you at every step to simplify your establishment, reduce risks, and maximize your chances of success.
If you’re looking to test the French market without creating a company in France, feel free to contact us for personalized support tailored to your needs.
