Set up your business in France with confidence

From company formation to tax optimization, our bilingual CPAs guide you through every legal, accounting, tax and social formality so you can focus on building your business.

CF International

45+ years of accounting expertise

since 1980

27,000+ clients served

in France and internationally

Bilingual French CPAs

experienced in cross-border matters

29 offices
in France

 for genuine proximity

Why call on CF International ?

CF International is the English-speaking division of CF Compagnie Fiduciaire, member of the Ecovis network. We provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary support to international entrepreneurs settling in France :

Setting up in France, made clear and easy

Starting a business in France involves legal, accounting, tax and social formalities that can be hard to navigate from abroad. CF International assists you at every step, from defining the right strategy and structure to optimizing your taxation.

Your setup is compliant, efficient, and built to last.

Our key services

Strategic support

Feasibility study · Business plan · Tax & social regime selection · Manager income optimization

Accounting support

Financial statements · Accounting outsourcing

Tax support

Periodic filings · Annual statements · Personal taxation optimization

Payroll & HR support

Payroll processing · Social declarations

Legal support

Partner agreements · Articles of association · Trademark registration · Contract drafting · IP management

Une relation de confiance (8)

Client reviews

★★★★★

Incorporating a French SAS from San Francisco felt impossible until I found CF International. They handled the articles of association, the right tax regime and my registration end to end, and explained every step in plain English. Six months in, my company is running and I never had to decode a French form alone.

Founder, SaaS company · relocated from San Francisco to Paris
Daniel K.
★★★★★

As an independent consultant moving to France, my biggest fear was the social and tax paperwork. My bilingual CPA at CF International set up my structure, optimized my status and now manages my filings and payroll. I finally understand what I’m paying and why and that peace of mind is worth everything.

Independent Strategy Consultant · Boston → Lyon
Sarah M.
★★★★★

We opened the French subsidiary of our US business with CF International as our single point of contact. Accounting, tax, legal, payroll — one team coordinated all of it. Their 360-degree approach saved us from juggling three different firms across two countries.

Managing Director, European operations · New York–based group, Paris office
Robert T.

What sets us apart

Backed by Groupe CF — 47 partners, 1,200+ employees and 29 offices across France — CF International draws on integrated expertise spanning accounting, audit, advisory, payroll & HR, wealth management, law and corporate finance. One team, one point of contact, complete answers. 

A 360-degree approach to tailor-made solutions.

Book a free consultation with our bilingual CPA

Tell us about your project. Our bilingual French CPA will walk you through your options at no cost.

Antoine-lhostis-french-cpa

Antoine L'HOSTIS

French Chartered Accountant
Group CF Compagnie Fiduciaire & CF International

Frequently asked questions

Can a US citizen open a company in France?

Yes. There is no nationality requirement to create a French company. As a non-resident, you can set up an SAS, SARL or branch. CF International handles the full registration and advises on the structure that best fits your project.

Which company structure should I choose?

It depends on your goals, the number of partners and your tax situation. The SAS offers flexibility and is popular with founders; the SARL suits smaller, family-run setups. We run a feasibility study and recommend the right fit before you commit.

Will I be taxed twice, in the US and in France?

The US–France tax treaty is designed to prevent double taxation. Our bilingual CPAs coordinate your French obligations with your US situation and optimize your personal taxation accordingly. This is general guidance — we review your specific case during your consultation.

Do I need to live in France to run my company?

No. Many of our clients manage their French company from abroad. CF International acts as your local point of contact and handles your day-to-day accounting, filings and payroll on your behalf.

How long does it take to set up?

A standard incorporation typically takes a few weeks once your documents are ready. We manage the timeline end to end and keep you updated at every step.

Do you work in English?

Yes — entirely. Your dedicated CPA is bilingual, and all support, documents and filings are explained in English.

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CSOEC

Compagnie Fiduciaire is registered with the French Institute of Chartered Accountants (Ordre des experts-comptables)