Chartered Accountant in Nantes — Hayot Expertise | Startups, Digital, Agri-food
The digital partner of agencies, startups and industries in Nantes — French CPA, corporate tax, business setup & payroll.
Looking for our main English-speaking practice in Paris? See our dedicated hub for international businesses, foreign-headquartered groups and French subsidiaries.
English-speaking accountant in ParisWhy choose Hayot Expertise for Nantes?
Nantes is one of the most dynamic cities in the Great West. We support agencies on the Island of Nantes, digital startups and industry players. Our agile approach allows Nantes entrepreneurs to manage their business with reliable, real-time financial indicators.
- Dedicated team, response guaranteed within 24 working hours
- Digital interface, paperless, 24/7 access
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
- Firm registered with the Order of Chartered Accountants
Our expertise tailored to your business
Digital & Creative Factory
We support media agencies and startups in their HR management (payroll), their investor reporting and the optimization of their innovation tax credit (ITC).
Agri-food & Logistics
We manage the accounting specificities of players in the agro and transport sector: margin management, productive investments and local taxation.
Our services in Nantes
A comprehensive offering designed for entrepreneurs, executives and investors.
Accounting & financial statements
Bookkeeping, tax returns, monthly dashboards.
Tax optimisation
Corporate tax, income tax, VAT, R&D credits.
Payroll & HR
Payslips, employment contracts, HR management.
Business structuring
Entity choice, incorporation, fundraising, shareholder agreements.
Wealth & real estate
Real estate companies, wealth planning, inheritance.
International & expats
Expats, transfer pricing, foreign accounts, double taxation.
The economic ecosystem of Nantes
Nantes, France's 6th largest city with over 320,000 inhabitants, has become a must-have innovation hub in France. The Nantes tech ecosystem ranks 2nd nationally behind Paris, with over 3,500 digital companies, 30,000 professionals and 150 startups supported annually by La Cantine and French Tech Nantes. The Île de Nantes, a former industrial zone converted into a creative hub, is now the beating heart of innovation with Halle 6, a true startup temple. The agri-food sector remains a historical pillar — Nantes hosts the headquarters of groups like Terrena and the Valorial competitiveness cluster. The university city welcomes over 65,000 students, feeding an exceptional talent pool. The Nantes real estate market shows median prices around €3,600 to €4,000/m², in sustained growth. The Nantes-Saint-Nazaire port and airport maintain the métropole's logistics role.
Areas served
How to work with us
Free audit
We analyse your situation in 10 minutes, with no commitment.
Tailored proposal
Clear and transparent quote, tailored to your activity and budget.
Ongoing support
Your dedicated accountant responds within 24h, available year-round.
Practical Guide — Doing Business in Nantes
Everything you need to know about doing business in Nantes
Business creation and Nantes tech ecosystem
Nantes has a top-tier entrepreneurial ecosystem. La Cantine, French Tech Nantes incubator, supports 150 startups per year with programs like 'La Base' dedicated to young tech companies. Nantes Métropole Entreprises offers a single window for establishment. Creators can access Bpifrance aid, the French Tech Ticket and Pays de la Loire regional programs for digital innovation.
Local taxation and CFE in Nantes
The Business Property Contribution (CFE) in Nantes is competitive compared to equivalent-sized métropoles. Business zones like Euronantes or Île de Nantes offer attractive rental bases. Startups eligible for JEI status may be exempt from CFE and property tax for 7 years, but only where the local authority has voted the exemption: this must be checked municipality by municipality before it goes into a forecast. Domiciliation in a Nantes coworking space optimizes this expense.
CII and CIR for Nantes startups
Nantes tech companies can benefit from the Innovation Tax Credit (CII) for prototypes and the Research Tax Credit (CIR) for R&D work. The two schemes carry neither the same rate nor the same base: the CIR is worth 30% of eligible R&D spend up to €100M (5% beyond), while the CII, reserved for SMEs, is worth 20% of innovation spend within an annual expenditure cap of €400,000 (a maximum credit of €80,000). We secure your files and maximize your tax credits with the administration.
Nantes business networks
Nantes hosts a dense network: La Cantine x French Tech Nantes, Club des Dirigeants de Nantes, Nantes Saint-Nazaire CCI and the Valorial cluster for agri-food. Events like Startups & Innovation Day and RDV de l'Éco are essential networking and partnership opportunities.
Frequently asked questions — Chartered accountant in Nantes
Answers to questions entrepreneurs in Nantes ask most
What status should I choose for a startup in Nantes?
SAS is the preferred status for startups: governance flexibility, ease of investor entry and JEI eligibility. SASU suits a solo founder. We help you choose the optimal structure for your fundraising and Nantes project.
How much does a chartered accountant cost in Nantes?
Fees vary based on your activity. For a micro-enterprise, expect €50-100/month. For a startup with 3-5 employees, €250-500/month. Our firm offers transparent flat rates tailored to Nantes businesses.
How can I get CII for my tech company in Nantes?
The Innovation Tax Credit covers prototype and new product design expenses. We help you qualify your projects, build the technical file and secure your declaration. The CII is reserved for SMEs and represents 20% of eligible expenses, within an annual expenditure cap of €400,000, i.e. a maximum credit of €80,000 per year. The scheme runs until 31 December 2027.
Can I manage my accounting remotely from Nantes?
Absolutely. Our firm operates in 100% digital mode with Pennylane, Qonto and dematerialization of accounting documents. Whether you're on Île de Nantes, Euronantes or in the provinces, we manage your accounting via video conference with the same efficiency.
What aid is available for agri-food businesses in Nantes?
The Valorial competitiveness cluster supports agri-food companies in Pays de la Loire. Regional aid, CIR for food R&D and France Relance programs are accessible. We help you identify and build your grant applications.
Does Hayot Expertise support English-speaking entrepreneurs in Nantes?
Yes. Nantes attracts a growing international community, especially in tech. Our firm offers bilingual French-English support for expats, foreign investors and entrepreneurs wishing to settle in Nantes.
What are the advantages of JEI status in Nantes?
The main advantage is a social one: Young Innovative Company status fully exempts the employer social-security contributions (sickness, maternity, invalidity, death, old-age) and family-allowance contributions due on staff assigned to R&D (researchers, engineers, technicians, R&D project managers), capped at €8,401.58 of gross monthly pay per employee and €240,300 per establishment per calendar year, until the last day of the 7th calendar year following the year of incorporation. On top of that come a CFE and property-tax exemption for 7 years, where the local authority has voted it, and a 30% income tax reduction for investors subscribing to the capital. The exemption from tax on profits, however, has been abolished: it survives only for companies created up to 31 December 2023. Nantes tech startups under 8 years old that devote at least 20% of their deductible expenses to R&D are eligible. We support you in building the application file.
Useful resources for your business
Let's meet
Whether by video (100% remote) or at the office, we are available to audit your accounting.