How long does it take to create a SAS with a lawyer in 2026?

Quick summary of timelines (real-world cases in 2026)

With a lawyer, forming a SAS generally takes 10 to 15 business days (2 to 3 calendar weeks), excluding special cases. This covers drafting the articles of association, depositing the capital, publishing the legal notice, and then registering through the INPI one-stop portal and obtaining the Kbis extract. Administrative processing times still vary depending on the completeness of the application and how quickly those involved respond.

• Drafting the articles: 1 to 3 days (longer for complex clauses/shareholders’ agreements)
• Capital deposit: 1 to 5 days (bank or notary)
• Legal notice: publication certificate within 24 to 48 hours
• INPI filing (one-stop portal): same day if the application is ready
• Kbis: 48 hours to 10 days after a complete filing

Formalities are completed through the INPI one-stop portal, established by Decree no. 2022-1633. The substantive rules governing a SAS remain set out in the Code de commerce (for example, the freedom to determine provisions in the articles under Articles L.227-1 et seq., available on Legifrance).

Detailed timeline: day 0 to day +15

1) Scoping and information gathering (day 0–day 1)

Scoping meeting, choice of company name, registered office, corporate purpose, management body, capital distribution and sensitive clauses (approval, pre-emption, exclusion, collective decisions). The lawyer identifies any constraints (regulated activity, contributions in kind, registered-office arrangements).

Tip: check for potential name conflicts straight away through a trademark search with INPI to avoid a last-minute change.

2) Drafting the articles (day 1–day 3)

Based on the initial scoping, the lawyer drafts tailored articles (variations in voting rights, powers of the president, governance and preference shares where appropriate). In practice: 1 to 3 days depending on complexity and the number of revisions. Compliance with Articles L.227-1 et seq. of the Code de commerce (SAS) is essential to avoid rejection at filing (Legifrance).

To avoid locking in clauses that are incompatible with a future funding round, see our guide to SAS articles tailored to a startup.

3) Signing the articles (day 2–day 3)

Handwritten or electronic signatures. A recognized electronic signature saves 24 to 48 hours by eliminating postal delivery, provided it complies with the eIDAS framework and French good practice.

4) Depositing the share capital (day 2–day 6)

Funds are deposited with a bank (a blocked account for a company in formation) or a notary. Usual time: 1 to 5 days depending on the institution (faster with a neobank). At least 50% of cash contributions must be paid in on incorporation; the balance may be paid within 5 years (see Service Public Pro). A certificate of deposit is issued and attached to the application.

5) Publishing the legal notice (day 3–day 5)

Publication in an authorized outlet and receipt of the certificate within 24–48 hours, required for the registration filing (Service Public Pro). The fee is fixed and national; check the rate in force in the year of incorporation.

6) Filing through the INPI one-stop portal (day 4–day 6)

Online entry and submission of documents: signed articles, certificate of deposit, publication certificate, proof of registered office, the director’s identity document, beneficial ownership declaration (RBE), etc. Official platform: INPI one-stop portal. The role, scope and governance of the one-stop portal are set out in Decree no. 2022-1633.

7) Registration and Kbis extract (day 6–day 15)

After a complete filing, obtaining the Kbis extract generally takes between 48 hours and 10 days, depending on the activity, documents and workload of the court registries (through the INPI one-stop portal). The registration certificate (and SIREN number) trigger the opening of the permanent bank account.

8) Post-registration (day 10–day 20)

Tax/VAT elections, registration with social security bodies, mandatory registers, insurance and intellectual property (trademarks, software). As the beneficial ownership register is managed by INPI, keep it up to date whenever changes occur (INPI). An overview of related formalities is available in our legal steps for creating your startup.

Can you create a SAS “in 72 hours”? What is realistic

An ultra-fast timeline (72 hours) is realistic only if every condition is met: simple articles, shareholders available to sign, a responsive neobank for the deposit, immediate legal notice publication and an INPI application with no outstanding issues. Even with a lawyer, this remains the exception: multiple participants and administrative checks can extend the timeline. Where the activity requires specific authorization/registration (e.g. investment services), preliminary waiting periods also apply, sometimes involving authorities such as the AMF.

Factors that speed things up or slow them down

Practical ways to save 3 to 5 days

• Agree on governance and the shareholders’ agreement (if needed) in advance, to avoid rewrites. On this point, see our guidance on the cost of a shareholders’ agreement.
• Use a qualified electronic signature for all signatories.
• Choose an institution (or notary) offering an express capital deposit.
• Prepare the legal notice very early (approve the wording as soon as the articles are nearly final).
• Check that the articles comply with the rules (SAS: L.227-1 et seq.) and that the documents are complete using the checklist below (to reduce back-and-forth on the one-stop portal).

What causes delays (sometimes 1 to 3 weeks)

• Unacceptable registered-office arrangements (missing lease or certificate, unauthorized commercial domiciliation provider).
• An incomplete beneficial ownership declaration or one inconsistent with the articles (RBE managed by INPI).
• Significant contributions in kind requiring a contribution auditor (time for the audit and report).
• An activity subject to prior authorization/registration (processing times specific to the relevant authority; e.g. certain financial activities, see the AMF where applicable).
• Articles contrary to the Code de commerce or missing mandatory particulars, leading to requests for additional information (refer to Legifrance for the legal framework).

With or without a lawyer: comparing timelines

• With a lawyer (standard application): 10 to 15 business days. The lawyer ensures the articles are legally sound, anticipates document requirements and reduces the risk of rejection/requests for additional information on the one-stop portal.
• Without a lawyer: 2 to 6 weeks in practice, most often because of back-and-forth over the articles, legal notice or beneficial ownership declaration.

To set your budget and fee arrangement, compare the options in our analysis of fixed fees versus hourly billing.

“Ready to file” checklist (SAS)

• Signed articles (clean PDF versions consistent with the legal notice).
• Certificate of deposit (at least 50% of cash contributions paid in on incorporation – Service Public Pro).
• Certificate of publication of the legal notice.
• Proof of registered office (lease, domiciliation agreement, or title deed plus proof of occupancy).
• The president’s identity document and declaration of no criminal convictions.
• Beneficial ownership declaration (RBE – INPI).
• Contact details, precise corporate purpose and capital distribution (list of subscribers if needed).

Quick FAQ

How long does it take to obtain the Kbis extract after filing with INPI?

Most often 48 hours to 10 days after a complete application, through the one-stop portal. Processing times depend on workload and any additional information requested.

Can a lawyer create a SAS in 72 hours?

Yes, but it is rare. You need a very simple application, available signatories, an express capital deposit and no queries from the authorities.

How long does publication of the legal notice take?

Within 24 to 48 hours, you receive the publication certificate, which is essential for the registration filing (Service Public Pro).

Do contributions in kind extend the timeline?

Yes, if they require a contribution auditor (time for analysis and a report). Address this during the initial scoping.

When should the beneficial ownership declaration be filed?

On registration, through the RBE managed by INPI, then update it whenever changes occur.

For an overview of related steps (GDPR, contracts, trademarks) after registration, see our legal steps for creating your startup in France.