Creation EURL: The complete guide for SME managers and CEOs in France
Creation EURL: discover the procedures, costs, deadlines and advantages of the EURL for SME managers, with concrete examples and legal advice to secure your project.
Introduction
The creation of an EURL (Single-Person Company with Limited Responsibility) is among the strategic choices of SME managers wishing to secure their business while benefiting from a structure adapted to their development. This guide aims to guide you step by step in understanding and mastering each stage of creating an EURL, by integrating concrete examples, practical cases and a perspective on legal and operational issues.
What is a EURL? Definition and characteristics
Presentation of the EURL
The EURL refers to a SARL made up of a single partner. You benefit from liability limited to the amount of your contributions, management flexibility and a protective legal framework.
Educational framework
Note: The EURL is ideal for testing a business model, gradually welcoming new partners or considering a transfer.
Distinction between EURL and other social forms
• EURL vs SASU: The EURL imposes strict governance and taxation on profits, while the SASU offers greater management flexibility and statutory freedom.
• EURL vs auto-entrepreneur: The EURL makes it possible to separate personal and professional assets, providing the partner with real protection in the event of difficulties.
Concrete examples
An isolated manager wishing to remain alone in the capital will often choose the EURL for his security, while a SASU will be preferred to easily organize the entry of investors, in particular through the sale of shares.
Why choose EURL? Benefits for SME managers
Wealth security and protection of the sole shareholder
Liability is limited to contributions, which protects your personal assets in the event of collective proceedings.
EURL taxation: IR or IS?
By default, EURL profits are subject to income tax (IR). However, it is possible to opt for corporate tax (IS), in particular to promote the retention of profits.
Legal framework
An EURL manager who has opted for IS will be able to modulate his remuneration and optimize the distribution of dividends, devoting more resources to the development of his company.
Management flexibility and development prospects
You can easily change the EURL into a SARL in case of opening to new partners. It is also possible to carry out transmission or transformation operations.
More practical cases
• Creation of a holding company via a EURL to hold its shares.
• Structuring a liberal or commercial activity while limiting personal risks.
How to create an EURL company? The steps step by step
Drafting the statutes of the EURL
The statute must include the essential information: company name, seat, seat, activity, capital, governance rules, dissolution procedures.
Example of a governance clause
H3: Share capital contribution
You can incorporate the company with a freely fixed capital (no minimum). Contributions can be in cash, in kind or in industry.
Practical FAQ
An entrepreneur with a limited budget can start his EURL with €1, but it is advisable to show consistent capital with respect to banking and commercial partners.
Publication of a legal announcement
Mandatory in an authorized journal of the head office department. It should mention the main characteristics of the EURL and the date of establishment.
Submission of the file to the Registry
In particular, the file includes:
• Signed and dated statutes
• Certificate of deposit of funds
• Proof of head office
• Form M0
• Certificate of publication of the legal announcement
How much does it cost to create a EURL? Detailed analysis
Legal and administrative fees
• Drafting of statutes (tailor-made by lawyer or free model)
• Publication of the legal announcement (around €150 to €200)
• Registry deposit (80 to 100€)
• Lawyer fees (variable: 500 to 1,500€ for personalized support)
• Possible chartered accountant fees
Educational framework
Using a free EURL statute template may be sufficient for a simple activity but poses risks for the management of powers, taxation and the protection of the manager. The support of a lawyer remains recommended to anticipate any risks, adapt the clauses to the specificities of your project and guarantee regulatory compliance.
Is creating an online EURL a solution?
There are platforms offering the creation of fully digitized EURL: pre-written status, automatic declaration, register monitoring. However, it should be noted that a 100% online solution has limitations for complex arrangements or regulated activities.
Deadline for creating a EURL
Duration of legal and administrative procedures
• Drafting the statutes: 1 to 5 days depending on the complexity
• Publication of the legal announcement: 1 to 2 days
• Submission of the file to the registry office: 3 to 7 days for registration
• Online creation: generally faster but very dependent on the responsiveness of banking partners to deposit capital
Concrete case
A prepared and accompanied manager can obtain the registration of his EURL in one week. Conversely, in the event of difficulties with the proof of the head office or the contribution in kind, the deadline can be extended to 3 or 4 weeks.
EURL status model: points of vigilance
Key points to include
• Procedures for the appointment and dismissal of the manager
• Definition of the social purpose
• Organization of social capital
• Operating and decision-making rules
• Right to information for the sole partner
Where can I find a free EURL statute Word template?
Many sites offer models (BNI, Info, lawyers). This model should be customized and ensured that it complies with regulations and adapted to the reality of the activity.
EURL or SASU? Comparative table
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about creating a EURL
How to create an EURL company?
You must draft articles of association, make a capital contribution, publish a legal announcement, and then file your file with the Registry. Depending on the situation, creation can be digital or accompanied by specific advice.
What is the cost of a EURL?
The cost varies according to the level of professional support and the complexity of the project: plan between €500 and €1500 with the support of a lawyer (fees included).
How long does it take to create a EURL?
The average period is between 7 and 21 days depending on the speed of the deposit of capital, the drafting of the articles of association and the processing by the registry office.
What is the advantage of being in EURL?
Wealth security, choice of taxation, operational flexibility. The EURL is often preferred for its balance between protection and scalability.
Can you create your EURL online?
Yes, for simple projects that do not include regulated activities. For more complex arrangements, it is preferable to seek legal assistance.
Is the creation of EURL suitable for all sectors?
The majority of commercial, industrial and craft activities can be carried out in EURL. Some regulated sectors require specific adaptations.
Are there free EURL status templates?
Yes, available on Infograft, lawyer sites and specialized platforms. It is strongly recommended to adapt them to your project.
EURL or SASU: which form to choose?
The EURL favors protection and stability, the SASU the flexibility and fluidity to welcome investors.
Points of attention and specialized support
The creation of a EURL is part of a formalized framework. Each situation is unique, and the support of a corporate lawyer makes it possible to anticipate difficulties, to secure statutory choices and to optimize the legal structure of your project. Personalized advice remains essential to integrate legislative and doctrinal changes, manage asset issues and plan the transfer of your business.
Article written by Guillaume Leclerc, lawyer in Paris.
