SUARL: going it alone
The single-member limited liability company has one shareholder, whose liability is limited to their contribution. Capital is freely set by the articles. It suits an entrepreneur launching a services, consulting or trading business alone.
It can grow: when a second shareholder comes in, the company continues as a SARL through an amendment of the articles.
SARL: the SME form
The SARL has two to fifty shareholders, liable up to their contributions. Capital is freely set by the articles, management is entrusted to one or more managers, and the entry of a third party is subject to the shareholders' approval under the conditions of the Commercial Companies Code.
It is the most common form for an SME, a family business or a partnership between a few associates, including when some of them live abroad.
SA: investors and governance
The public limited company requires at least seven shareholders. It must have a board of directors, or a management board and a supervisory board, a statutory auditor and a minimum capital set by law.
Shares are transferred more freely than SARL shares, which makes fundraising and the entry of investors easier. The trade-off is more formal and more costly governance: meetings, minutes, statutory auditor's reports.
The deciding criteria
The number of shareholders today and in a few years, the prospect of a fundraise, the weight of governance costs, the credibility sought with banks and customers and, for a foreign group, the alternative of a branch.
The online diagnostic weighs these criteria through four questions and proposes a form; the chartered accountant confirms or adjusts it with you on the call.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum capital for a SARL or SUARL?
Capital is freely set by the articles. It should nevertheless match the project's real needs: capital that is too low weakens the company from its first expenses and undermines its credibility with banks.
And for an SA?
The SA is subject to a legal minimum capital, which is higher when it makes a public offering. We give you the applicable amount and the paying-up rules during the diagnostic.
Can the legal form be changed later?
Yes, through a conversion decided by the shareholders, with amended articles and RNE filings. It is still better to choose from the start a form that will carry the project for several years.
Can a foreign shareholder be the manager?
As a rule, yes. Depending on the manager's situation and the activity, additional formalities may apply; we review them case by case.
Does the legal form change how the company is taxed?
SUARL, SARL and SA are in principle subject to corporate income tax. The applicable regime depends mostly on the activity and the incentives sought, export or regional development, rather than on the form.
How can I be sure of the right choice?
Start with the online diagnostic: it proposes a form in two minutes. A chartered accountant from the firm calls you back within one business day to confirm it with you.