France

Choosing a SARL when a SAS would be more appropriate

Fix: If you plan to raise venture capital, issue stock options (BSPCE), or want maximum flexibility in shareholder agreements, the SAS is almost always the right choice. The SARL is simpler and can be better for small family businesses, but its rigid governance rules and share transfer restrictions make it unsuitable for most investor-backed startups. Choose the SAS unless you have a specific reason not to.

Underestimating social charges on salaries

Fix: French employer social contributions (charges patronales) add approximately 40–50% on top of the gross salary. A gross salary of €60,000 costs the company approximately €84,000–€90,000 in total. Budget for this from day one and factor it into your hiring plans. The social charges fund comprehensive benefits (healthcare, retirement, unemployment insurance) but are a significant cost for early-stage companies.

Not claiming the R&D tax credit (CIR) when eligible

Fix: The Crédit Impôt Recherche (CIR) is one of Europe's most generous R&D incentives — 30% of qualifying R&D expenditure up to €100 million. Many founders, particularly non-French ones, are unaware of the CIR or assume their activities do not qualify. R&D in software development, data science, engineering, and life sciences often qualifies. Engage a CIR specialist from your first year to document qualifying expenditure and maximise the credit. The CIR can make France genuinely cost-competitive despite higher social charges.

Filing documents in English instead of French

Fix: All official filings, statuts, annual accounts, and correspondence with French authorities must be in French. Contracts with French counterparties are also typically in French. Budget for translation costs and consider hiring a bilingual accountant and legal advisor. While business can be conducted in English in the startup ecosystem, the legal and regulatory interface is firmly in French.