France's flexible startup form vs pan-European reach.
| EU Inc. | French SAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | €0 | €1 |
| Registration | 48 hours | 3-5 days |
| Notary | No | Sometimes (share transfers) |
| Cross-border | 27 EU states | France only |
| Employee equity | EU-ESO | BSPCE (France only) |
The French SAS is already one of Europe's most flexible company forms — €1 minimum capital, no notary required for formation, and significant contractual freedom for shareholders.
EU Inc. goes further: zero capital, digital share transfers without notary, and harmonised EU-ESO versus France's BSPCE scheme (which is restricted to French companies).
For founders with French operations but pan-European ambitions, EU Inc. could become more attractive — once it exists.
Pan-European operations, harmonised equity across countries, digital share transfers
France-focused operations, BSPCE familiarity, existing French investor relationships
The most important comparison for founders raising capital.
Europe's most common company form, head to head.
Holding structures and tax efficiency.
Digital pioneers: two approaches.
Post-Brexit divergence and the EU question.
Old pan-European form meets new.