Once the status is chosen, the creation follows a generally similar pattern. Here are the main steps.
Drafting the articles of association
The articles of association describe how the company operates: legal form, corporate purpose, registered office, capital, decision-making rules, etc. It is a legal document that must be precise and compliant.
In theory, you can draft your articles yourself. But in practice, many entrepreneurs prefer to use regulated templates or solutions that generate the articles from a questionnaire to limit the risk of error.
Depositing the share capital
You must deposit the share capital into a blocked account (at a bank, a notary, or an authorized provider). In exchange, you receive a ‘certificate of deposit of funds,’ which is essential for the creation file.
This is often perceived as a slow and restrictive step: making appointments, traveling, delays in obtaining the certificate, etc. This is precisely where a 100% online solution like Qonto saves a lot of time.
Publishing a legal notice
You must publish a ‘legal notice of incorporation’ in an authorized newspaper. This officially informs third parties of the creation of your company. This step is now easily done online, and you then receive a certificate of publication to be attached to the creation file.
Filling out the M0 form
The M0 form lists the main information about the company: activity, managers, address, etc. It is part of the file to be submitted to the ‘Guichet unique’ (INPI), which now replaces the old Business Formality Centers (CFE).
Compiling and submitting the file via the Guichet Unique
The complete file includes:
Signed articles of association,
The capital deposit certificate,
The certificate of publication of the legal notice,
The M0 form,
Identity documents, proof of address for the headquarters, etc.
This file is submitted online via the Guichet unique (INPI), which then transmits it to the Commercial Court Registry (Greffe) for registration.
This is a step that can be done alone, but it is quite time-consuming and a potential source of rejection if an element is missing or incorrect. This is where Qonto’s support can make a real difference.
