Open a Plumbing,Heat and A/C Installation Business in France

Foreign investors who come to set up companies in France have various options when it comes to the industries they can operate in. They can choose between the highly regulated sectors, such as energy, or they can decide to open businesses in industries which require complying with less bureaucracy. One of the easiest ways of starting a company is to open a plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation business in France.

Below, our company formation specialists in France explain the requirements related to setting up a plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation business, which is also known as HVAC company. We can also help with the incorporation of such a company.

What to consider when opening an HVAC company in France

There are several aspects to consider when deciding to open a plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation business in France. Among these are:

• - the size of the business – this way you will be able to establish the type of structure you need to register;
• - whether you have the necessary expertise to offer all the services, part of the services or hire specialized personnel;
• - the market you will address – you can offer your services in a region, a city or even a small town;
• - if you will provide all the services or you will outsource some of them or enter into partnerships with other local companies;
• - how you will promote your business – there are numerous HVAC companies operating in France.

It is useful to complete a market research or feasibility report before starting the registration procedure of a plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation business in France. Once you have decided on a business structure, our company registration advisors in France can help you register it.

Registering the plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation business in France

There are no mandatory conditions or special requirements to comply with when setting up an HVAC company in France other than those imposed by the Company Law. Under it, you will need to complete a few steps, among which reserving a trading name (we suggest you choose a name that represents the services you will offer), prepare the incorporation documents, choose a legal address for the company (as any other French company, you will need a registered address in a French city), file the paperwork with the Trade Register and collect the Certificate of Registration.

Then, you will need to register the company with the tax authorities and obtain the tax identification number and the VAT number. The same authorities will register your company for social security contributions as an employer.

If you need help in drafting the documents needed to register a company with the French Trade Register for setting up a plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation business, our local consultants can assist you. We can also file the documents with the authorities on your behalf.

Services offered by HVAC companies in France

There are various services which can be offered by a plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation business in France. Among these are:

1. installation of plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems in residential properties in France;
2. installation of plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems in commercial properties;
3. installation of electrical and control apparel related to heating and air-conditioning systems;
4. connection of plumbing, heating and air-conditioning appliances to other systems on the property;
5. inspections and verifications of plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems on residential and commercial premises;
6. maintenance and repair of various types of appliances of the plumbing and HVAC system of homes.

French HVAC companies can also acquire licenses to determine efficiency classes of appliances used in plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems in residential and commercial properties.

An important fact to know if you plan on starting a plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation company in France is that you will need to comply with the environment protection and waste management regulations imposed in France and at EU level.

Why open an HVAC company in France?

The HVAC industry has evolved a lot in the last few years as the government has implemented various schemes for household consumers to improve energy efficiency. Starting with 2015, the government offered tax credits of up to 40% to householders replacing their old appliances with modern and energy-efficient apparels, which has led to an increase of the business numbers of plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation companies in France.

The HVAC industry in France:

• - represents close to 7% of the total economic sectors in France;
• - most of the goods sold to households in France with respect to HVAC appliances are represented by air conditioning systems;
• - France occupies the 3rd position among European countries in terms of use of heating equipment purchased;
• - France is also a leader in the use of energy from fossil fuel.

If you need help in opening a plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation business in France, please contact our local consultants.