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SARL

The Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL) is a prevalent form of commercial company in , defined as a business entity in which the liability of the associates is strictly limited to the amount of their contributions to the company's capital, thereby protecting their personal assets from business debts beyond those apports. Established as a legal structure since the early , it requires a minimum of two associates and a maximum of 100, encompassing both natural persons and legal entities, and can be adapted for various activities including commercial, industrial, artisanal, or liberal professions (with specific variants like SELARL for regulated liberal professions). This structure's flexibility and protective features make it particularly suitable for family-run es, startups, and small to medium-sized enterprises, representing approximately 26% of newly created societies as of 2024. Key characteristics of the SARL include its composition, which has no statutory minimum since 2003 and may consist of cash, in-kind assets, or professional expertise (apports en industrie), divided into social parts (parts sociales) that are not freely transferable without associate approval. is handled by one or more gérants (managers), who must be natural persons and are appointed by the associates; the gérant holds significant powers to bind the company but may face extended personal liability for faults in or breaches of legal obligations. Decisions are typically made collectively by associates through general meetings, with voting rights proportional to shares, ensuring democratic while maintaining operational efficiency. The SARL offers notable advantages such as simplified incorporation procedures via notarized statutes and registration with the registry, along with tax options including the default corporate (impôt sur les sociétés) at a standard rate of 25% (or reduced 15% for smaller profits) or, under certain conditions, (impôt sur le revenu) for transparency in smaller setups. In 2024, 73,013 SARL were created in , underscoring its enduring popularity amid evolving business landscapes, though it is distinct from unipersonal variants like the EURL for single associates. This form also extends to French-speaking jurisdictions like and , where similar principles apply, but French law provides the foundational model.

Overview and History

Definition and Purpose

The (SARL), or , is a form of commercial company under French law, established by one or more persons who bear losses only up to the amount of their contributions to the company's capital. This structure grants the company legal personality upon registration in the trade and companies register, distinct from its associates. Key characteristics of the SARL include a minimum of one associate (with the unipersonal variant known as EURL) and a maximum of 100; exceeding this limit requires reduction within , or the company faces mandatory or into another form. As a , it is presumed commercial in nature regardless of its specific activities, provided it does not involve prohibited sectors such as or savings operations. The 's name must include "société à responsabilité limitée" or "SARL," along with its amount. The primary purpose of the SARL is to facilitate business operations for small and medium-sized enterprises by combining with straightforward and lower administrative burdens compared to larger corporate forms like the Société Anonyme. It offers flexibility in profit distribution and decision-making, making it ideal for collaborative ventures among a limited group of owners. In contrast to sole proprietorships, where the owner's personal assets are fully exposed to business liabilities, the SARL establishes a strict separation between personal and company patrimony, thereby protecting associates' private wealth from creditors. This feature enhances financial security while enabling commercial activities typically beyond the scope of individual enterprises.

Historical Origins

The concept of the (SARL) first emerged in through the of May 23-29, 1863, which introduced a form of as a variant allowing for shares while capping associates' liability to their contributions, though it required at least seven associates and was limited to a maximum of 20 million francs. This early iteration differed from the modern SARL by resembling a restricted joint-stock structure rather than the flexible it later became. The contemporary SARL was formally established by the of March 7, 1925, which defined it as a entity where members' liability is limited to their capital contributions, without the need for government authorization and with provisions for 2 to 100 associates. Over the decades, the SARL evolved through targeted reforms to enhance accessibility and adaptability. The law of July 11, 1985, introduced the entreprise unipersonnelle à responsabilité (EURL), permitting a single associate to form and manage an SARL while maintaining protection for personal assets. In 2003, the economic initiative law abolished the previous minimum of 7,500 (approximately 50,000 francs at the time), allowing SARLs to be formed with as little as one in capital to lower barriers for small businesses. No major structural reforms have occurred since, and as of 2025, the SARL remains a popular form for businesses in . The SARL structure spread internationally, particularly in French-influenced regions. In , a similar société privée à responsabilité limitée (SPRL) was adopted in , modeled on the SARL to provide a option for smaller enterprises. In , the société à responsabilité limitée (Sàrl) was introduced in as part of revisions to the Code of Obligations, enabling for up to 20 associates with a minimum of 20,000 francs. Post-colonial francophone countries inherited the SARL through their retention of civil and commercial codes; for instance, the Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa () formalized a comparable form in its 1997 Uniform Act on Commercial Companies, facilitating investment across 17 member states. The broader concept underlying the SARL arose in 19th-century amid industrialization, as lawmakers sought to encourage capital investment by shielding investors' personal assets from full business debts, thereby mitigating risk and promoting . In and neighboring countries, this shift from unlimited partnerships to capped liability forms, starting with joint-stock laws in the 1860s, addressed the capital shortages of the era and spurred widespread adoption by the late 1800s.

Liability Structure

In a (SARL), the core principle of liability limits associates' responsibility to the amount of their capital contributions, ensuring that they bear losses only up to this extent without exposing their personal assets to creditors' claims. This structure, established under Article L.223-1 of the French Commercial Code, protects individual wealth while facilitating business operations by capping financial risk. Exceptions to this limited arise primarily in cases of abuse or fault, particularly for managers (gérants). Managers may incur personal civil for breaches of law, statutes, or mismanagement, such as or , as outlined in L.223-22 of the French Commercial Code, allowing the company, associates, or third parties to seek damages directly from them. Additionally, personal extends to managers for unpaid debts in instances of or serious, repeated non-compliance that impedes tax recovery, per L.267 of the of Tax Procedures. Similarly, managers face personal responsibility for non-payment of social security contributions in cases of grave or fraudulent misconduct, including concealment of revenues or falsified accounting. Further exceptions occur through the doctrine of , applicable when the SARL's legal personality is abused—such as through , asset confusion, or operating a fictitious —leading to personal liability for shareholders or managers beyond their contributions. This judicial mechanism, supported by like the Paris Court of Appeal's 2018 ruling, enforces accountability in or contexts under provisions including Articles L.621-2 and L.651-2 of the French Commercial Code. Compared to unlimited liability forms like the Société en Nom Collectif (SNC), where partners face joint and several personal liability for all debts, the SARL's framework shields personal assets, thereby promoting by reducing individual risk exposure. This is codified in Articles L.223-1 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, with analogous protections in jurisdictions like and that adopt similar SARL structures.

Membership Requirements

A (SARL) in can be formed by a minimum of one associate and a maximum of 100 associates, as stipulated in Article L. 223-3 of the . When consisting of a single associate, the entity operates as an (EURL), which follows the same legal framework as a multipersonal SARL but simplifies certain administrative aspects for sole ownership. This structure accommodates both individual entrepreneurs and groups, allowing flexibility for small to medium-sized businesses. Eligibility for becoming an associate in a SARL extends to both natural persons and legal entities, with no general nationality or residency restrictions under law. Natural persons include adults and unemancipated minors, who may participate through their legal representatives such as parents or appointed guardians, provided the contribution complies with civil capacity rules. Incapacitated adults can similarly join via guardians or curators. However, in regulated sectors such as , , or , additional requirements may apply, including limits on to ensure a majority or stake. Associates in a SARL generally hold equal proportional to their shareholdings in terms of , , and , unless the bylaws explicitly provide for differentiated , such as preferred shares with enhanced privileges. This default equality promotes balanced participation, though bylaws can tailor allocations to reflect specific contributions or agreements among founders. Changes in membership, including admission of new associates, withdrawal, or exclusion, are governed by the company's bylaws and tied directly to adjustments in capital shares (parts sociales). Admission of a new associate typically requires approval by a majority of existing associates representing at least half of the shares, often involving the transfer or issuance of new parts sociales, with unanimous consent needed if the bylaws so stipulate. Withdrawal is permissible if anticipated in the bylaws, allowing an associate to cede their shares subject to preemption rights of remaining members, or through voluntary resignation in variable capital SARLs under Article L. 223-9 of the Commercial Code. Exclusion may occur for just cause, such as serious misconduct, decided by a qualified majority vote or judicial intervention, ensuring the process aligns with share value reimbursement to maintain the company's capital integrity.

Formation Process

Incorporation Steps

The incorporation of a Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) in France involves a series of preliminary and formal steps to ensure legal establishment, primarily handled through the Guichet unique des formalités des entreprises (single formalities window) since 2023. These procedures apply to both SARL and its unipersonal variant, EURL, and must comply with the French Commercial Code. Preliminary steps begin with selecting and verifying the company name (dénomination sociale) to avoid conflicts. Founders must check availability using free tools from the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI) via the National Register of Enterprises (RNE) and the INSEE Sirene database, which scan for similar existing names, trademarks, and company names across France. While formal reservation is not mandatory, an optional in-depth similarity search can be requested from INPI for added assurance. Next, draft the bylaws (statuts), a foundational document outlining the company's purpose, registered office, share capital (minimum €1), partners' identities and contributions, management structure, and decision-making rules; these must be dated and signed by all associates. If contributions include in-kind assets like real estate, appoint a commissioner to appraise their value. Finally, open a dedicated bank account in the company's provisional name to deposit at least 20% of cash (numéraire) contributions, providing the bank with the draft statutes, partner identifications, and a deposit application; the initial deposit must be blocked until registration, with the remainder payable within five years. Once preliminaries are complete, formalities proceed with document preparation and submission. Required items include the signed statutes, bank certificate of capital deposit, proof of (e.g., or ), manager's documents and proof of , a declaration of non-conviction and non-filial incompatibility (fetched from the ), and, for regulated activities, any necessary authorizations. If or certain in-kind assets are contributed, notarization of the relevant acts is required to transfer ownership. Submit the complete electronically or in person via the Guichet unique, which forwards it to the competent Greffe du de for registration in the Registre du et des Sociétés (RCS). Concurrently, publish a notice of formation in a departmental Journal d'Annonces Légales (JAL), detailing the company name, capital, office, and purpose; this must occur before or with filing. The Greffe reviews the application, and upon approval, the SARL gains legal . The process typically takes 1-2 weeks from submission, though the initial receipt is valid for one month while registration is processed; delays may arise from incomplete documents or complex contributions. Costs include registration fees of €39.42 (as of 2025), a €23 fee for declaring beneficial owners, and publication expenses ranging from €180-220 depending on the and notice length (calculable via official simulators). fees, if applicable, add €500-1,500 based on asset value, but no such costs apply to standard cash or simple in-kind deposits. Bank fees for opening the account vary but are generally €50-100. Post-incorporation, the Greffe issues the Kbis extract—a certified proving the SARL's existence, number, and details—available online via Infogreffe within days of approval; this serves as official proof for banking, contracts, and operations. Associates should also register for social security and purposes through the Guichet unique if not already done during filing.

Capital Contributions

In a (SARL), capital contributions form the foundational financial or equivalent inputs provided by associates during incorporation, determining the as specified in the company's bylaws. These contributions must be fully subscribed at the time of formation, with associates bearing personal for any undeclared or undervalued amounts, potentially exposing them to claims from the company or other associates for the shortfall. The primary types of contributions include cash, which is the most common and straightforward method, involving direct monetary deposits; in-kind contributions, consisting of tangible or intangible assets such as equipment, , or ; and contributions, encompassing specialized knowledge, technical expertise, or services provided by an associate. Cash contributions require deposit into a blocked or with a , remaining unavailable for withdrawal until the company's registration with the Trade and Companies Register () is complete, after which the funds become accessible to the SARL. In-kind contributions are transferred through a formal contribution agreement outlined in the bylaws, while contributions are documented solely in the bylaws without altering the share capital's monetary value but granting the contributor shares with associated rights. Valuation is critical for non-cash contributions to ensure fairness among associates. For in-kind contributions exceeding €30,000 in value or comprising more than half of the total , an independent expert, such as a statutory or contribution , must appraise the assets; otherwise, associates may unanimously agree to forgo this if the thresholds are not met. Industry contributions may involve estimation of a fair equivalent value, often by estimating the cost the company would incur to acquire equivalent services or externally, though this does not integrate into the share capital itself and no expert valuation is mandatory. Since the enactment of Law No. 2003-721 on August 1, 2003, has abolished any statutory minimum requirement for SARLs, allowing formation with as little as €1, provided the bylaws clearly state the amount and divide it into equal shares (parts sociales). This flexibility aims to lower barriers for small businesses while maintaining the requirement that all contributions be verifiable and fully committed upon incorporation. Associates remain jointly liable for ensuring contributions match declarations, with penalties including fines or imprisonment for fraudulent misrepresentations.

Governance and Management

Managerial Roles

In a (SARL), management is entrusted to one or more gérants, who must be natural persons and may be selected from among the associates or from third parties external to the company. These gérants are appointed either in the company's bylaws at incorporation or through a subsequent decision by the associates, in accordance with the procedures outlined in Article L. 223-29 of the French Commercial Code. There are no fixed term limits for gérants unless specified in the bylaws; absent such provisions, their appointment endures for the duration of the company, though they remain revocable at any time by the associates in accordance with the majority rules for ordinary decisions (three-quarters of the shares for SARL formed before August 4, 2005, and a simple majority of shares held by present or represented associates for those formed on or after that date), unless the bylaws require a higher majority. The gérants hold broad powers to represent and bind the SARL in all circumstances, including the conduct of daily operations and external relations, subject only to those powers expressly reserved to the associates' assemblies . Internally, the scope of these powers may be delimited by the bylaws, but any such limitations are unenforceable against third parties acting in . This authority encompasses acts exceeding the company's stated corporate purpose, provided the third party was unaware of the restriction, thereby ensuring the SARL's legal commitments remain robust. Gérants owe duties to the SARL, including the and in , and are personally —jointly or severally—for breaches of applicable laws or regulations, violations of the bylaws, or faults committed in the exercise of their functions. Such liability extends to damages suffered by the company or third parties, with courts apportioning responsibility among multiple gérants as appropriate, and associates may initiate legal action to enforce these obligations on behalf of the SARL. Intentional or serious faults can result in personal financial exposure beyond the company's framework, though clauses attempting to waive or limit this accountability are deemed void. In cases of multiple gérants, each typically exercises powers independently unless the bylaws stipulate joint action, and opposition by one gérant to another's decision does not bind third parties unless they had prior knowledge. For an Entreprise Unipersonnelle à Responsabilité Limitée (EURL), a single-member variant of the SARL, the sole associate frequently assumes the role of gérant, thereby combining ownership and management while adhering to the same statutory framework governing appointment, powers, and responsibilities.

Decision-Making Mechanisms

In a Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL), decision-making is primarily conducted through collective decisions of the associates during general assemblies, with voting rights generally proportional to shareholdings unless the bylaws specify otherwise. Ordinary decisions, which include approving annual accounts, appointing auditors, and routine operational approvals, are governed by simpler majority rules that vary based on the company's incorporation date. For SARLs formed before August 4, 2005, these decisions require a three-quarters majority of the shares, regardless of attendance, with no quorum mandated. In contrast, SARLs incorporated on or after that date follow relaxed rules: on first convocation, a quorum of at least half the shares is needed, with decisions passing by a simple majority (>50%) of the shares held by associates present or represented; on second convocation, the quorum drops to one-quarter of the shares, and a simple majority of expressed votes suffices. These thresholds ensure efficient governance for day-to-day matters while protecting minority interests. Extraordinary decisions, involving structural changes such as amending bylaws, increasing or reducing capital, or transforming the company, demand higher thresholds to safeguard the entity's integrity. Pre-2005 SARLs require a three-quarters of shares for these resolutions, again without a quorum. Post-2005 SARLs mandate a two-thirds of votes expressed by associates present or represented, with quorums of one-quarter of shares on first and one-fifth on second. is compulsory for specific actions, including changes to the company's or decisions exceeding the manager's , unless bylaws provide alternatives. These rules, rooted in Articles L.223-29 to L.223-31 of the French Commercial Code, balance flexibility with stability, allowing bylaws to impose stricter requirements but not looser ones for extraordinary matters. General assemblies are the formal venue for these decisions, with an ordinary annual assembly required to approve accounts and related items, typically within six months of the fiscal year-end. Proxies are permitted, enabling absent associates to delegate voting rights via written authorization. Following reforms under the Law No. 2024-537 of June 13, 2024 (Loi Attractivité), virtual participation via videoconference or telecommunication is now authorized for SARL assemblies if stipulated in the bylaws, facilitating remote while ensuring participant identification and real-time interaction. Decisions can also be made via written consultation, provided all associates respond within a reasonable timeframe. Certain restrictions apply to protect key roles and the company's existence. The dismissal of a manager (gérant) requires the applicable to decisions (three-quarters of the shares for SARL formed before , 2005, and a of shares held by present or represented associates for those formed on or after that date), decided in an , and cannot be conditioned on by bylaws to avoid entrenchment. dissolution, whether amicable or for other causes like expiry of term, requires the applicable to extraordinary decisions: three-quarters of the shares for SARL formed before , 2005, and two-thirds of the shares held by associates present or represented for those formed on or after that date (with applicable quorums), unless the bylaws specify otherwise. These mechanisms underscore the associate-driven nature of SARL governance, emphasizing collective consensus for pivotal changes.

Shareholders and Shares

Rights and Obligations

Associates in a (SARL) hold specific rights that ensure their participation in the company's operations and benefits. is generally proportional to the number of shares held by each associate, unless the statutes provide otherwise, allowing them to receive dividends based on their ownership stake after the approval of annual accounts. Associates also have the right to access key financial information, including the right for non-managing associates to obtain communication of the company's books and documents at any time, covering the last three fiscal years, to monitor the society's activities. Furthermore, each associate is entitled to vote in general assemblies, with the number of votes equal to the number of shares they possess, enabling them to influence decisions such as the approval of accounts and managerial appointments. In addition to these entitlements, associates bear defined obligations to maintain the integrity of the SARL. They must fully contribute the capital they have promised, with cash contributions requiring at least one-fifth payment upon subscription and the remainder within five years, ensuring the society's financial foundation is secure. If serving as a manager (gérant), an associate is subject to a non-competition obligation during their term, prohibiting them from engaging in activities that rival the SARL unless explicitly authorized by the associates' assembly, to prevent conflicts of interest. All associates owe a duty to respect the affectio societatis and refrain from disloyal acts harming the company, though non-managing associates generally have freedom for concurrent activities unless prohibited by statutes; breaches, particularly by gérants under Article L223-22, can lead to liability. Profit distribution in a SARL follows a structured to protect the company's . After deducting prior losses and allocating at least 5% of the net profit to the legal reserve until it reaches one-tenth of the , the general determines the distributable portion among associates, typically proportional to their shares. However, dividends must correspond to actually realized profits, and any undue distributions can be reclaimed from recipients within five years if they exceed available earnings. Minority associates benefit from protections against potential abuses by the . Associates holding at least one-tenth of the shares can appoint an to examine specific management issues under Article L223-37, while to demand the convocation of a under Article L223-27 requires either half the shares or at least one-tenth of the associates holding one-tenth of the shares, providing mechanisms to scrutinize decisions. Additionally, minority associates have the right to unfair or abusive decisions through judicial recourse, such as seeking nullity of resolutions that violate the statutes or , ensuring equitable treatment within the SARL.

Share Transfers

In a Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL), shares, known as parts sociales, are registered and non-negotiable, meaning they cannot be traded on a or transferred freely like publicly listed securities. Transfers of SARL shares to third parties require prior approval from the other associates, a principle enshrined in Article L.223-14 of the French Commercial Code. Prior to the 2004 reform by Ordonnance n°2004-274, this approval demanded among associates for new entrants; since the reform, a representing at least half of the suffices. Transfers between existing associates, spouses, or ascendants/descendants are generally free unless the bylaws specify otherwise, and a is commonly stipulated via pre-emption clauses to allow existing associates priority purchase. The formalities for share transfers include a written agreement documenting the , which must be registered with the company and noted in its share registry to become effective against the SARL. If the transfer alters the , adjustments may be required, and the transaction must comply with notification procedures under Article L.223-14, including a three-month period for associates to exercise buyback rights if approval is refused. In cases of , the transfer of SARL shares follows French civil law rules but still necessitates approval for the heir to become a full member, unless exempted by bylaws or specific transfers to close family. Restrictions on transfers often include an agrément in the bylaws, which mandates approval to preserve control and prevent unwanted entrants, effectively blocking transfers that could disrupt the company's stability or dynamics.

Capital and Structural Changes

Increases and Reductions

Capital increases in a SARL can be achieved through several methods, each governed by specific procedures under the French Commercial Code. The primary approach involves cash infusions (apports en numéraire), where new shares are subscribed and paid in cash, requiring a decision by the associates' assembly under the majority rules for statutory modifications, typically three-quarters of the shares unless the statutes specify otherwise. These shares must be at least one-quarter paid up at subscription, with the remainder liberated within five years from the date the increase becomes definitive, and funds are deposited with a mandated before withdrawal. Formalities include holding an , depositing the capital increase with a professional , publishing the decision in a legal announcements journal, and filing the updated statutes with the commercial registry. Another method is the incorporation of reserves or profits into the , which strengthens the company's without new external funds and is decided by associates holding at least half of the shares, a from the standard statutory modification . This process involves an decision, adjustment of share values proportionally to maintain equality among associates, and the same and registry filing requirements as cash increases, without needing new deposits since no fresh contributions are made. Debt conversion, often through compensating associate claims (such as advances) against the company, is treated similarly to an in-kind contribution and follows the statutory modification , with the claim's value integrated into the after verification. For increases involving in-kind contributions (apports en nature), such as assets or , an expert (commissaire aux apports) must be appointed unanimously by the associates or by if fails, to value the assets and ensure fair share allocation. The managers and subscribers bear joint for five years toward third parties if the valuation deviates from the 's assessment or if no is appointed. Share adjustments in all increases must be proportional to existing holdings to preserve associate equality, unless otherwise agreed. Capital reductions in a SARL are either mandatory or voluntary, always requiring assembly approval under statutory modification majorities and ensuring no infringement on associate equality. Mandatory reductions arise from losses when the company's net worth falls below half its capital, as reflected in accounting documents; in such cases, the manager must convene an within four months of approving the accounts to decide on continuation, and if pursued, the capital must be regularized—often via reduction—within a period set by decree, typically up to two years depending on recent thresholds like 1% of the balance sheet total. Voluntary reductions, not motivated by losses, aim to distribute dividends or repay contributions and follow the same decision process but trigger enhanced creditor protections. For voluntary reductions, the assembly decision is deposited with the commercial registry, starting a one-month opposition period during which prior creditors may challenge the reduction via assignment if it risks their claims. The court may reject the opposition, order repayment, or accept sufficient guarantees offered by the company; operations cannot proceed until this period expires without unresolved oppositions, after which publication and registry updates occur. If auditors exist, they receive the reduction project in advance and report on its causes and conditions to the assembly. Self-purchase of shares is prohibited except for immediate cancellation following a non-loss-motivated reduction, as authorized by the assembly. These procedures for increases and reductions are primarily outlined in Articles L.223-27 to L.223-31 of the French Commercial Code, with related provisions in L.223-34 and L.223-42 extending the framework for creditor safeguards and loss-triggered actions.

Transformations and Dissolutions

A (SARL) may undergo transformation into other corporate forms, such as a (SA) or (SAS), to adapt to evolving business needs, such as growth or changes in governance flexibility. The transformation process involves amending the bylaws to reflect the new legal form, while preserving the company's identity and assets. This requires a collective decision by the associates, preparation of specific reports, and formal notifications to ensure transparency and protect stakeholders. The of a SARL into an necessitates a unanimous vote by all associates convened in an (AGE). During this meeting, the associates adopt new bylaws tailored to the SAS structure, which offers greater flexibility in and . A commissioner for transformation must be appointed to prepare a report on the company's situation and asset valuation, unless the associates unanimously waive this requirement; the report must be deposited at the commercial court registry at least eight days before the AGE. Following the decision, a legal notice must be published in a journal of legal announcements, allowing creditors to oppose the transformation within 30 days if it prejudices their rights, after which the updated bylaws and decision are filed with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) via the single formalities window. For transformation into an SA, the decision is taken by the majority required for statutory modifications, typically three-quarters of the represented at the , as per Article L223-43 of the Commercial Code. However, if the transformation is accompanied by a capital increase bringing the total above €750,000, it may be approved by associates holding at least half the parts. A from a statutory or transformation commissioner is mandatory, assessing the company's financial position and ensuring compliance with SA capital requirements (minimum €37,000). The procedure is simplified for SARLs with fewer than 50 associates, waiving certain formalities if the resulting SA maintains a comparable structure. Creditors must be notified via publication of the transformation decision, with a 30-day opposition period if their interests are affected, followed by filing to effect the change. Dissolution of a SARL marks the end of its existence and initiates the winding-up process, triggered by various causes to protect associates and creditors. Voluntary dissolution occurs when associates decide to cease operations amicably, requiring a vote at an by a of the parts plus one, unless statutes specify otherwise. may be ordered by the commercial court upon request by an , , or for just cause, such as severe losses reducing net assets below half the capital (without timely reconstitution) or irreconcilable disputes paralyzing management. Automatic dissolution applies if the number of associates exceeds 100 for over one year without reduction or transformation into another form, as stipulated in L223-3 of the Commercial Code. Upon dissolution, a liquidator is appointed by the associates during the AGE (often the current manager) to oversee the liquidation, with powers equivalent to those of a manager but limited to asset realization and . The liquidation process begins with an of assets and liabilities, followed by the of non-essential assets (prohibited to the liquidator or close relatives), payment of all debts in order of priority, and distribution of any surplus to associates proportional to their contributions. This phase must conclude within three years from the dissolution date, extendable by court approval if justified; failure to complete may lead to judicial intervention. The liquidator maintains records and submits annual reports if the process extends beyond one year. Post-liquidation, the associates convene a final to approve the liquidator's accounts and discharge them from . Upon approval, a closure notice is published in a legal announcements , and the liquidator files the final documents with the within one month, resulting in the company's striking from the register and cessation of legal personality. Any remaining undistributed assets revert to the state if unclaimed after three years.

Jurisdictional Variations

In France

In , the (SARL) is primarily governed by Book II, Title III of the French Commercial Code, which outlines its formation, organization, , and in Articles L223-1 to L223-43. This framework establishes the SARL as a flexible entity suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises, requiring a minimum of two associates and a maximum of 100, with no statutory minimum capital, and shares held by associates who enjoy up to their contributions. Key provisions cover the drafting of , registration with the trade registry, and operational rules, emphasizing simplicity and protection for associates. Significant reforms were introduced by the PACTE Law (Law No. 2019-486 of May 22, 2019), which eased company transformations by allowing decisions on structural changes, such as converting a SARL to another form like a (SAS), to be made by a two-thirds majority rather than in certain cases, thereby facilitating adaptability without full . The law also streamlined administrative procedures for SARL creation and modifications, reducing paperwork and promoting . SARLs are subject to corporate (impôt sur les sociétés, IS) at a standard rate of 25%, with a reduced rate of 15% applying to the first €42,500 of profits for qualifying small and medium-sized enterprises with turnover not exceeding €10 million and at least 75% held by individuals. Small SARLs may opt for (impôt sur le revenu, ) treatment at the associates' level if they meet criteria such as annual turnover below €10 million for services or €32.9 million for other activities, with the option renewable for up to five years (irrevocable thereafter). Additionally, SARLs must collect and remit (TVA) at the standard 20% rate on taxable supplies, subject to registration thresholds based on turnover, and pay social charges on remuneration and profits allocated to associates. Managers (gérants) of SARLs are affiliated to specific social security regimes depending on their status and the company's activity: majority gérants or those in non-commercial SARLs are treated as travailleurs non salariés (TNS), contributing to the general self-employed scheme managed by the Sécurité Sociale des Indépendants (SSI, formerly RSI); minority gérants are assimilated to employees under the general regime. Contributions are calculated on remuneration and professional income, covering , maternity (0-6.7%), (up to 17.75% on income up to €47,100), and disability-death (1.3%), with rates varying by income bracket and collected by . A unique variant is the family SARL (SARL de famille), limited to associates who are family members (spouses, ascendants, descendants, or siblings), which allows an indefinite option for taxation to benefit from progressive personal rates and potential deductions, provided all associates waive dividends and the company engages in non-commercial activities. This structure offers tax advantages like exemption from on profits distributed as remuneration, fostering intergenerational business transmission. Since January 1, 2023, SARLs must comply with digital filing mandates, including the obligatory online submission of annual accounts via the single formalities portal (Guichet unique) managed by the (INPI), replacing paper filings to enhance efficiency and transparency. This applies to all creation, modification, and cessation formalities, with accounts due within one month of approval (extendable to two months electronically).

In Other Countries

In Belgium, the Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL), known as SPRL in French, was reformed under the Companies and Associations Code (CAC) effective May 1, 2019, and renamed Société à responsabilité limitée (SRL) or Besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid (BV). This update abolished the previous minimum capital requirement of €18,550, introducing instead a flexible equity system with no statutory minimum, though at least €1 is typically contributed to establish the company. Governance has become more adaptable, allowing for customized articles of association that permit multiple voting rights, conditional shares, and simplified decision-making without a board of directors in many cases. Unlike the French model, there is no limit on the number of associates, enabling unlimited shareholders. In , the SARL is governed by the law of 10 August 1915 (as amended, including 2016 and 2020 updates), requiring a minimum of two associates (up to 40) and no minimum capital since 2017. It provides similar to the model, with flexible management by one or more gérants and suitability for SMEs. In , the SARL equivalent is the () or (), governed by the . A key distinction is the minimum of CHF 20,000, which must be fully paid up at incorporation, either in cash or , contrasting with more lenient initial contributions in other jurisdictions. Associates are permitted without a statutory maximum, and the structure emphasizes for members. Publication requirements are more rigorous, mandating entries in the for all significant changes, such as capital adjustments or managerial appointments, with annual required for public disclosure depending on company size, ensuring greater transparency than in the originating framework. Quebec's equivalent to the SARL is the , structured as a business corporation under the Business Corporations Act (QBCA), which replaced the former Companies Act on February 14, 2011. This reform eliminated minimum capital requirements, allowing incorporation with nominal shares, and permits unlimited associates, diverging from the French SARL's cap of 100. The QBCA modernized governance by introducing flexible share classes, simplified director duties aligned with standards, and English-language usage of "" (LLC) alongside French terminology for broader accessibility. No shares and unlimited authorized capital further enhance adaptability for small to medium enterprises. In African nations influenced by French , SARL structures are prevalent, often modeled on the French prototype but adapted through regional frameworks like the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (), which unifies commercial law across 17 member states including , , and . The OHADA Revised Uniform Act on Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups, effective May 5, 2014, with subsequent reforms, sets no statutory minimum paid-in capital for SARLs, though some member states apply local thresholds (e.g., 1,000,000 CFA in certain jurisdictions as of 2025). Local variations exist; for instance, some countries like the Democratic Republic of require 1 million Congolese francs under OHADA alignment, while others maintain lower thresholds. These adaptations prioritize , allowing single-member SARLs and simplified registration via the Regional Operational Center, though enforcement varies by jurisdiction.

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