This article provides a detailed look at the typical costs of establishing and maintaining a standard SARL (Société à responsabilité limitée) company in Saint Barthélemy as of 2025. You’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of both initial setup expenses and ongoing annual maintenance fees, based strictly on the most current official figures.
Cost Breakdown for Creating a SARL in Saint Barthélemy (2025)
The average total cost to officially register and set up a SARL in Saint Barthélemy is €500 (EUR). Below is a table summarizing the specific fees and requirements involved:
| Expense Item | Amount (EUR) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | €1 | $1.09 |
| Registry fees (Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce de Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe) | €41.5 | $45.24 |
| Publication of legal notice | €250 | $272.62 |
| Notary or legal service provider fees (average) | €200 | $218.09 |
| Other administrative fees | €7.5 | $8.18 |
| Total | €500 | $545 |
*USD conversions approximate, based on €1 = $1.09 (2025 FX rate)
The capital requirement is symbolic, as only one euro is required to fulfill this legal obligation. The majority of setup costs center on legal publication and professional support where needed. Most filings and payments are made in EUR.
Annual Maintenance Costs for a Standard Company
Ongoing costs are also a key part of company budgeting. For a standard SARL in Saint Barthélemy, annual company maintenance fees generally range from €300 to €1,200 (EUR) depending on the complexity of accounting, optional advisory support, and internal needs. The table below details core recurring expenses:
| Annual Expense Item | Amount (EUR) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Annual registry filing fee | €41.5 | $45.24 |
| Mandatory accounting services (minimum for a small SARL) | €250 | $272.62 |
| Tax filing fees (if using a professional) | €200 | $218.09 |
| Optional legal/accounting support (average) | €500 | $545.23 |
| Other administrative costs | €7.5 | $8.18 |
| Total (estimated annual range) | €300 – €1,200 | $327 – $1,308 |
*USD conversions approximate, based on €1 = $1.09 (2025 FX rate)
This recurring range is largely determined by the need for professional advisory or accounting services. Bare minimum compliance for a simple SARL is possible at the lower bound, but larger or more regulated businesses may incur higher annual support fees.
Typical Steps and Timing
From initial public notice to legal registration, the process generally takes a few weeks. Each expense in the setup table reflects a mandatory step required under Saint Barthélemy’s regulations, designed to ensure transparency and a compliant company launch.
Pro Tips for Managing Company Costs in Saint Barthélemy
- Explore combined service packages. Many legal service providers or accountants offer bundled annual fees for registry, filing, and advisory, which can reduce total costs compared to single-service engagements.
- Limit optional support in the first year. Evaluate your actual needs before committing to full-service accounting or legal retainers—many businesses only require minimal support at launch.
- Stay updated with local registry announcements. Administrative and legal requirements may be adjusted periodically; checking official updates can help avoid unexpected expenses or missed compliance deadlines.
- Document all expenses for audits and tax deductions. Keeping meticulous records of every setup and annual item supports both accurate accounting and potential deductions where permitted.
Official Resources
- service-public.fr (official government site)
- legifrance.gouv.fr (official legal code)
- infogreffe.fr (business registry)
Setting up and maintaining a company in Saint Barthélemy in 2025 remains relatively straightforward by international standards. Minimum capital requirements are negligible, while administrative, accounting, and advisory fees remain predictable for most standard businesses. As always, staying proactive with filings, documentation, and regular compliance checks is essential for ongoing peace of mind and cost control.