FAQ

Business Solutions is a service of Solutions&co, the economic development agency for the French region Pays de la Loire (Atlantic France). We support international companies (regardless of their size) aiming to expand their operations in France and invest in the country.​
We provide them with a team of experts dedicated to easing their installation and making their business successful : find premises, get legal information relating to France, recruitment support and connections with local partners.

We provide free support to international companies. Business Solutions Atlantic France is indeed a non profit organization, financed by Regional Council of Pays de la Loire.

All information you share with us about your project remains strictly confidential.

The region has many financial supports to accelerate the growth of your business. Depending on your project, this support could be a loan, an incentive, a repayable advance or a grant.
We support you in the financial engineering of your project based on your business plan, your needs (CAPEX, innovation, real estate, etc.), in the introduction of your project to financial partners (banks, accountants, initiative platforms, etc.) and by organizing meetings with potential funders (Regional Council, State, BPI France, Banque des Territoires, etc.).
To discover these fundings, you can consult the financial supports offered by the Pays de la Loire Region here (in French): https://www.paysdelaloire.fr/les-aides

Several industrial buildings, logistics, land, or business offices and premises are available in the Pays de la Loire region. You will find some of the available sites on our dedicated website https://www.business-solutions-atlantic-france.com/real-estate/
We can also help you find according to your specific needs (area, road/rail/airport access, to rent or purchase, etc.) and organize site visits for you.

Starting a business in France is relatively straightforward, thanks to the government’s efforts to attract entrepreneurs. According to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report, France ranks 32nd out of 190 countries for ease of starting a business. The process typically involves several steps, including choosing a business structure, registering the company, opening a bank account, and obtaining the necessary permits. We can assist you at each stage and connect you with local experts to ensure full compliance with all regulations.

The time required to start a business in France has been significantly reduced in recent years. If all documents are prepared, the process usually takes between one and two months, though the duration may vary depending on the complexity of the business.

Setting up a subsidiary involves several key steps. First, obtaining a legal address, whether an office or a P.O. Box, is essential for creating the legal entity. Opening a bank account is mandatory to deposit the required capital, a process that typically takes two to five weeks. Finally, building a team can be streamlined through regional digital platforms and recruitment networks to ensure a smooth establishment. 

Creating a subsidiary is the best option for international companies seeking a permanent presence in France. While it operates as an extension of the parent company, it is a legally independent entity, allowing greater autonomy and asset separation.

Starting a business in France involves several key steps:

– Choosing a business structure: select an appropriate legal structure, such as SARL or SAS, based on factors like liability and tax implications.

– Registering your business: submit the necessary documents to the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) to obtain a SIRET number, which uniquely identifies your business.

– Banking and insurance: open a French business bank account and secure any mandatory insurance policies relevant to your industry.

– Compliance: ensure adherence to French regulations, including tax obligations and labour laws. Consulting with a local accountant or legal advisor is highly recommended.

The financial requirements to start a business in France vary depending on the type of business and its legal structure. The cost of creating a simplified joint-stock company (SAS), the most commonly chosen and flexible legal form for a French subsidiary, is generally around €2,000. Administrative and accounting assistance starts at a minimum of €3,000, with fees varying based on the complexity of the set up. Additionally, there is a one-time fee covering business start-up services for the first year.

Starting a business in France requires navigating administrative procedures, including detailed paperwork for registration and compliance. While labour laws are well-structured to protect employee rights, they also require a solid understanding of legal obligations. Although English is widely used in business, French remains valuable for official matters and local interactions. Additionally, businesses must carefully plan for France’s comprehensive tax system, which includes corporate tax, VAT, and social security contributions.

A great starting point is Business Solutions Atlantic France, which helps foreign businesses connect with local partners. We facilitate partnerships through industry clusters, incubators, and networks across the Atlantic France region. We also join forces with Chambers of Commerce and business networks to foster collaborations. Our tailored support helps match you with the right local businesses and suppliers.

Yes! France is a strong place to start a business, as it offers access to the EU market and government incentives like tax credits and the French Tech Visa. Cities like Nantes have dynamic startup ecosystems with incubators, innovation hubs, and a highly skilled workforce supporting growth in key industries. Additionally, France’s excellent infrastructure ensures smooth business operations and expansion.

Absolutely! Atlantic France is an ideal location for industries such as hydrogen, marine renewable energies, AgTech, advanced manufacturing, mobility, e-health, agrifood & foodtech, and aeronautics. Cities like Nantes, Angers, Saint-Nazaire, Laval, Le Mans, and La Roche-sur-Yon boast innovation hubs and strong transport links. The region also offers a high quality of life and lower costs, making it highly attractive for entrepreneurs. 

The Pays de la Loire region has leaders of French industry, large groups, regional scale-up, family-owned and medium-sized companies, SMEs, start-ups such as Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Velco, Doctolib, Sodebo, Airbus, Weenat, XSun , Charal, D-ICE Engineering, Valneva, Webasto, Lengow, Tronico.

The region has the particularity of being made up of a various business economy: aeronautics, agrifood, shipbuilding, mobility, electronics, renewable energy, AGtech, etc.