For entrepreneurs and digital nomads considering Réunion (RE) as a base for their next venture, the maze of company creation and ongoing maintenance costs can feel like yet another state-imposed hurdle. If you’re frustrated by opaque fees and unpredictable annual charges, you’re not alone. This guide offers a clear, data-driven breakdown of what it really costs to start and maintain a standard SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) in Réunion in 2025—so you can make informed, strategic decisions and optimize your fiscal footprint.
Company Formation Costs in Réunion: What to Expect in 2025
Setting up a SARL in Réunion involves several mandatory steps, each with its own fee. Here’s a transparent look at the average outlay, based on the latest data:
| Cost Item | Amount (EUR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1 | 1.10 |
| Filing/Registry fees (greffe du tribunal de commerce) | 70.39 | 77.43 |
| Publication of legal notice (annonce légale) | 121 | 133.18 |
| Notary or legal service provider fees (average) | 500 | 550.00 |
| Other administrative costs (stamps, copies, etc.) | 7 | 7.70 |
| Total Average | 700 | 770.41 |
Conversion rate used: 1 EUR = 1.10 USD (2025 average).
For most founders, the largest single outlay is the notary or legal service provider fee, averaging €500 ($550). The minimum capital requirement is a symbolic €1 ($1.10), but don’t overlook the cumulative effect of registry and publication fees.
Pro Tip: Streamline Your Company Formation
- Prepare all documents in advance to minimize notary time and costs.
- Use digital platforms for legal notice publication to access competitive rates. See official pricing.
- Double-check registry requirements on the Infogreffe portal to avoid repeat filings.
Annual Maintenance Costs: The Real Price of Compliance
Once your SARL is up and running, annual maintenance costs become the next fiscal reality. In 2025, expect to budget between €1,200 and €2,500 ($1,320–$2,750) per year, depending on your appetite for optional advisory services and administrative efficiency.
| Annual Cost Item | Amount (EUR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services | 1,200 | 1,320.00 |
| Annual registry filing fee | 46.68 | 51.35 |
| Optional legal/accounting advisory (recommended) | 500 | 550.00 |
| Other administrative costs (bank fees, insurance, etc.) | 253.32 | 278.65 |
| Total Range | 1,200–2,500 | 1,320–2,750 |
Accounting services are the backbone of compliance, with a minimum annual spend of €1,200 ($1,320). Optional advisory services can add €500 ($550), but may be worth the investment for complex structures or cross-border operations.
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Annual Overheads
- Negotiate fixed-fee packages with accountants to avoid surprise charges.
- Review your need for optional advisory services annually—don’t pay for what you don’t use.
- Automate administrative tasks (banking, insurance renewals) to minimize manual errors and late fees.
Case Study: A Lean SARL in Réunion
Consider an entrepreneur who sets up a SARL with only the essentials: minimum capital, basic legal notice, and no optional advisory. Their total creation cost is €700 ($770.41), and annual maintenance hovers at €1,200 ($1,320). By contrast, a founder who opts for premium advisory and comprehensive admin support could see annual costs rise to €2,500 ($2,750). The difference? Strategic choices and a willingness to challenge the default state-imposed options.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Company creation in Réunion (SARL) averages €700 ($770.41) in 2025, with transparent, itemized fees.
- Annual maintenance costs range from €1,200 to €2,500 ($1,320–$2,750), driven mainly by accounting and optional advisory services.
- Smart founders can minimize costs by preparing documents, negotiating service fees, and automating admin tasks.
For further details and official fee schedules, consult these resources: