Is your company based outside of France? Are you considering entering the French market? Does starting a business in France seem daunting? Don’t worry—we have a solution that will simplify the entire process and reduce the risks. Curious to learn more?
Setting up a business in France is a real headache
France, the second-largest economy in the European Union, offers an attractive market with 68 million inhabitants at the heart of a dense European logistics network. However, despite its appeal, starting a business in France remains a challenging endeavor:
- Cumbersome administrative procedures: registration with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS), legal publication, obtaining a SIRET/SIREN number, opening a professional bank account…
- Financial investment: notary fees, capital contribution, expert fees (lawyer, accountant), renting or purchasing premises…
- Fiscal and social compliance: local accounting requirements, tax declarations, corporate tax system, VAT…
- Complex payroll management: French payroll is intricate and subject to frequent changes. To avoid errors and penalties, professional support is almost mandatory for managing employee payroll in France.
But there is another way: the ESEF status
What is the "Enterprise Without Establishment in France" (ESEF) status?
The ESEF status allows a foreign company to legally employ staff in France without setting up a subsidiary or branch there.
Why does ESEF simplify everything?
- Reduced investment: Without the costs associated with setting up a company in France, your financial commitment to enter the French and European markets is significantly lowered.
- Fast and simple process: Just register with URSSAF and declare your employees based in France to benefit from local expertise—no heavy procedures involved.
- Lighter taxation: Only social contributions and a few taxes are applicable. This financial advantage allows you to explore a new market with limited expenses.
- Maximum flexibility: This status enables you to test the waters with no major risks, by hiring local employees who can carry out prospecting, market research, or temporary assignments to assess development opportunities.
- No long-term commitment: Since no legal entity is created in France, you can easily withdraw from the market at any time.
ESEF and Projinvest Services: The Winning Combination
With PROJINVEST SERVICES, you can:
- Fully delegate the administrative, social, tax, and payroll management.
- Focus on your growth (prospecting, expansion, customer acquisition).
- Test the market without financial burdens or risks.
- Benefit from tailored bilingual support and a network of partners (accountants, legal experts, insurance specialists).
Ready to get started? Contact PROJINVEST SERVICES to find out how ESEF and expert guidance can open the French market to you—without setting up a company.