Everything about SARL: creation, capital, management, taxation, partners, advantages and disadvantages.
EUR 1 minimum. Capital is freely set by partners in the articles. 20% of cash contributions must be released at creation.
From 2 to 100 partners (individuals or legal entities). Single partner = EURL.
Corporate tax (IS) by default. Personal income tax (IR) option available for up to 5 years for family SARLs.
Majority manager: self-employed (TNS) with ~45% contributions. Minority manager: treated as employee.
Limited to each partner's contributions. Personal assets protected except for management misconduct.
Liability limited to contributions: personal assets protected
Well-regulated legal framework, reassuring for partners
Majority manager TNS: lower social charges than SAS president
Option for personal income tax (family SARL)
Facilitated share transfers (approval clause)
Suitable for SMEs and family businesses
Rigid framework: articles heavily regulated by law
Majority manager has inferior social protection (no unemployment insurance)
Share transfers subject to partner approval and 3% registration duty
Cannot be listed on stock exchange
Maximum 100 partners
Less attractive to investors than SAS
Articles define operating rules: name, corporate purpose, capital, headquarters, duration, share distribution, manager powers.
Deposit at least 20% of cash contributions in a blocked account at a bank, notary or Caisse des depots.
Publication in a legal gazette (JAL) of the registered office department. Cost: approximately EUR 150-250.
File the complete dossier on the Guichet Unique (INPI): signed articles, deposit certificate, JAL notice, M0 form, supporting documents.
The commercial court registry issues the Kbis extract, the company's identity card, within 3-7 business days.
| Criteria | SARL | SAS |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Manager (individual only) | President (individual or legal entity) |
| Social regime | Self-employed (majority manager) | Treated as employee |
| Articles flexibility | Regulated by law | Great statutory freedom |
| Share transfers | Approval required + 3% duty | Freely organized in articles |
| Stock exchange | Not possible | Possible (convert to SA) |
| Social charges | ~45% (TNS, lower) | ~65-80% (employee-like) |
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The minimum capital is EUR 1. It is freely set by partners. At least 20% of cash contributions must be released at incorporation, the balance within 5 years.
The majority manager holds over 50% of shares. They are self-employed (TNS). The minority manager is treated as an employee with better social protection but higher contributions.
Yes, family SARLs can opt for IR without time limit. Other SARLs can opt for IR for up to 5 years under certain conditions.
Approximately EUR 250-400: legal gazette publication (EUR 150-250), court registration (~EUR 40), plus professional fees if applicable.
Profits are distributed in proportion to shares held by each partner, unless the articles provide otherwise. Dividend distribution is decided at general meeting.
No. It helps compare options using the information supplied. Have your circumstances and documents checked by a qualified professional before a decision or official filing.