Starting a business is a bit like deciding to take a road trip without a GPS: if you don’t know where you’re stepping, you might end up going in circles for hours. Luckily, today we have tools like the Single Window of INPI and Legalstart to make your life easier. But which one to choose? Spoiler: it depends on your profile, your needs, and your love for French administration (we all know it’s a great love story, right?).
Buckle up, we’re going to compare these two platforms and help you make the right choice. Because, let’s be honest, you have better things to do than spend hours figuring out how the commercial register works.
What is the Single Window of INPI?
Since January 1, 2023, the State has set up a single portal to centralize all steps for business creation, modification, and cessation. Gone are the multiple contacts: everything now goes through the Single Window of INPI.
How does it work?
The idea is simple: rather than sending your documents to the Chamber of Commerce, to the Court Registry, or to URSSAF, you do everything through this platform. It’s supposed to save time… except that, in practice, the site experienced quite a few bugs at launch. (If you heard entrepreneurs complaining in 2023, it was probably because of that.)
So, what is Legalstart?
Legalstart is a private platform offering online legal support. It allows you to create your business, write your statutes, and even manage your accounting or protect your brand. The advantage? It’s much more intuitive than INPI, and you have real customer support if you’re struggling with a form. Basically, if you want to simplify your life, Legalstart can be a more “zen” option.
Single Window vs Legalstart: who wins the battle?
| Criteria | Single Window (INPI) | Legalstart |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Interface can be complicated, especially at first | Fluid and intuitive interface |
| Support | No direct human support | Advisors available |
| Cost | Free | Paid based on services |
| Processing Times | Variable, sometimes long | Optimized, with quick handling |
| Ideal for | Those who like to manage everything themselves and save money | Those who want support and avoid mistakes |
So, who should choose what?
Opt for the Single Window of INPI if:
- You are an adventurer: you are not afraid to dive into administrative paperwork and face a few computer bugs.
- You want to save money: it’s the free option, so naturally, it’s enticing. But beware, you’re alone against the system.
- You do not need legal support: if you already know which statutes to choose and everything is clear for you, why pay for extra service?
Prefer Legalstart if:
- You want everything to run smoothly: no stress, they guide you step by step.
- You don’t want to drown in formalities: you fill out an online form and boom, everything is managed.
- You want personalized follow-up: you have questions? An advisor can answer you, and that changes everything when you’re lost.
Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Prepare Your Steps Well)
Whether you choose INPI or Legalstart, there are a few classic traps to avoid:
- Not checking the availability of your business name: imagine launching “Super Start-up” and discovering that the name is already taken. What a bummer!
- Choosing the wrong legal status: sole proprietor, SASU, EURL… If you choose poorly, you might end up paying too much in taxes or complicating your life unnecessarily.
- Forgetting to open a professional bank account: mandatory for certain structures, and super handy for properly separating your personal and business finances.
A good tip? Prepare a file with all the information before you start your steps. It will save you from going back ten times over the same forms (and losing your patience).
Verdict: INPI or Legalstart?
If you are resourceful and want to save money, go through INPI. But if you want a smooth experience and to avoid hassle, Legalstart is clearly a good investment.
Either way, the most important thing is not to delay your steps. The faster you launch your business, the more you can focus on what matters: your business (and incidentally, avoid administrative migraines).
If this article helped you, share it with someone struggling to start their business. And if you want a helping hand, check out the guides we’ve prepared for you!
Céline, a passionate blogger about news and travel, I decode the trends that make the world buzz. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the planet or analyzing the hottest topics in the news, I share my discoveries here with a curious and authentic perspective. Join me to travel through words and ideas!
