What Is the France Company Register?
France does not have a single company register. It has several overlapping systems, each managed by a different government body. If you need to verify a French company, check its legal status, or pull financial data, you need to know which register to use and what it contains.
The main official register is the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS), which translates to the Trade and Companies Register. The RCS is administered by the clerks of the Commercial Courts (Greffes du Tribunal de Commerce) across France and overseen nationally by INPI (the National Institute of Industrial Property).
Every commercial company in France must register with the RCS. Upon registration, the company is assigned a unique identification number and issued an Extrait Kbis — the official document that proves a company legally exists in France. Think of the Kbis as the French equivalent of a UK Companies House certificate or a US Secretary of State filing.
France is one of 44 European countries covered in our Full Directory of Official Company Registries and Data Sources in Europe. If you need to verify companies across multiple EU jurisdictions, that guide covers every national register, what data is available, and how to access it.
Key Registers and Their Roles
| Register | Managed By | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| RCS | Commercial Court Clerks / INPI | Legal entity data, directors, articles of association, Kbis extracts, corporate filings |
| SIRENE | INSEE | SIREN and SIRET numbers, business activity codes (APE/NAF), establishment locations |
| RNE | INPI | National Register of Companies — unified registry replacing fragmented legacy systems since 2023 |
| RBE | Commercial Court Clerks | Beneficial ownership data (public access restricted since 2024–2025) |
Global Database and the France Company Register: Global Database connects directly to French government registries — including the RCS, SIRENE, and INPI — and consolidates data from all of these sources into a single searchable platform. This means compliance teams, sales teams, and analysts can access verified French company data without navigating multiple portals or dealing with French-language documents. Explore France company data →
How to Perform a France Company Number Search
Every registered French business is assigned at least two identification numbers: a SIREN and a SIRET. Understanding the difference between them is essential for anyone doing a France corporate search.
SIREN Number
The SIREN (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Entreprises) is a 9-digit number issued by INSEE when a company registers. It uniquely identifies the legal entity. A company keeps the same SIREN for its entire existence. It does not change if the company moves offices, changes directors, or restructures.
SIRET Number
The SIRET (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Établissements) is 14 digits: the 9-digit SIREN plus 5 additional digits called the NIC. The SIRET identifies each physical establishment of a company. A business with headquarters in Paris and a factory in Lyon will have one SIREN but two different SIRET numbers.
RCS Number
The RCS number combines the letters "RCS" with the city of the Commercial Court where the company is registered, followed by the SIREN. For example: RCS Paris 712 049 618. This format links the company to its specific registry file and is required on all official company documents, invoices, and correspondence.
VAT Number (TVA Intracommunautaire)
French companies conducting taxable activities are assigned an intra-community VAT number. It follows the format: FR + 2 check digits + 9-digit SIREN. For example: FR25 712049618. This number is mandatory for cross-border EU transactions.
| Number | Digits | Issued By | Identifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIREN | 9 | INSEE | The legal entity (company) |
| SIRET | 14 | INSEE | Each physical establishment of the company |
| RCS | Variable | Commercial Court | Registry file of the company |
| TVA | 13 | Tax Authorities | VAT registration for EU trade |
| APE/NAF | 4 + 1 letter | INSEE | Primary business activity code |
Search by any identifier on Global Database: Enter a SIREN, SIRET, company name, director name, or VAT number into Global Database to pull a full company profile — including financials, ownership, contacts, and filing history. No need to cross-reference multiple French portals. Search French companies →
France's Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS) Explained
The RCS is the backbone of the France company register system. It records every commercial company, branch, and individual trader that is required by law to register.
What Data Is Publicly Available?
Free Information (via Infogreffe, DataINPI, or Annuaire des Entreprises)
- Company name, legal form, and registered office address
- SIREN, SIRET, and APE/NAF activity codes
- Date of registration and Commercial Court of registration
- Names of directors and managers
- Statutory auditor details
- Key financial figures (turnover, employee count, net result — if accounts are filed and public)
- List of available company documents and filings
Paid Documents (via Infogreffe or Commercial Court)
| Document | Cost | Contains |
|---|---|---|
| Extrait Kbis | €3.37 | Certificate of registration — official proof of company existence |
| Articles of Association | €10.05 | Founding documents, governance rules, shareholder agreements |
| Shareholder Minutes / Auditor Reports | €10.05 | Corporate decision records, audit opinions |
| Bankruptcy Certificate | €4.73 | Confirmation of any insolvency proceedings |
| Full Pledges & Inscriptions Status | €85.35 | Comprehensive debt, lien, and security interest records |
Note: Legal representatives of companies can obtain their own Kbis free of charge via the MonIdenum portal (monidenum.fr).
Where to Search the France Company Register Online
Several official government portals give you access to French company register data. Here are the primary ones:
| Portal | URL | Best For | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infogreffe | infogreffe.fr | Full RCS data, ordering Kbis extracts, company tracking alerts | FR / EN |
| DataINPI | data.inpi.fr | Comprehensive corporate data: share capital, representatives, establishments | FR / EN |
| Annuaire des Entreprises | annuaire-entreprises.data.gouv.fr | Free government directory with EORI, VAT, registration proofs | FR |
| Sirene.fr | sirene.fr | INSEE's directory of 10M+ enterprises, daily updates, list building | FR / EN |
| Pappers | pappers.fr | Aggregated data with org charts linking companies by shared directors | FR |
You can search by company name, SIREN, SIRET, or director name. Infogreffe and DataINPI also support VAT number searches.
Types of French Companies on the Register
French corporate law offers several legal structures. Understanding what each abbreviation means on the register helps you interpret search results correctly.
| Form | Full Name | English Equivalent | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAS | Société par Actions Simplifiée | Simplified Joint-Stock Company | Most popular form. Flexible governance. Ideal for startups, tech firms, and investors. |
| SARL | Société à Responsabilité Limitée | Limited Liability Company | Traditional choice for SMEs and family businesses. Max 100 partners. Stricter rules. |
| SA | Société Anonyme | Public Limited Company | For large companies and IPOs. Min €37,000 capital. Board of directors required. |
| SASU | SAS Unipersonnelle | Single-Shareholder SAS | One-person version of SAS. Popular with solo founders. |
| EURL | Entreprise Unipersonnelle à Responsabilité Limitée | Single-Member LLC | One-person SARL. Easily converts to SARL when adding partners. |
| SNC | Société en Nom Collectif | General Partnership | Partners are jointly and severally liable. Rarely used. |
| EI | Entreprise Individuelle | Sole Proprietorship | Simplest structure. Includes micro-entrepreneurs (auto-entrepreneurs). |
The SAS is the most commonly chosen form for new companies in France. It offers flexible governance, no cap on shareholders, and the ability to issue preferred shares and financial instruments — features that make it attractive to investors.
The SARL is more structured. It caps partners at 100, limits share types to ordinary shares, and requires super-majority approval for share transfers. It's well-suited for businesses that prioritise stability and clear rules over flexibility.
How to Check France Company Registration Status
There are several ways to verify whether a French company is legitimately registered and currently active. Here is a step-by-step process:
Red flag: A company that cannot produce a current Kbis should raise serious concerns. The Kbis contains the company's legal name, registered office, share capital, identity of directors, and any insolvency proceedings. It is the single most important verification document in the French corporate system.
Automate verification with Global Database: Instead of manually navigating French government portals for each company, use Global Database's API to verify company status, pull financial data, and check ownership structures in real time. One API call returns what would take 4–5 separate searches across government portals. Get free API access →
Beneficial Ownership Data in France
France operates a mandatory Beneficial Ownership Register (Registre des Bénéficiaires Effectifs, or RBE). Companies must declare all natural persons who directly or indirectly hold more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or who exercise control through other means.
The RBE is maintained by the Commercial Court clerks and forms part of France's anti-money laundering framework.
Important — Access restrictions since 2024: Public access to beneficial ownership data in France has been restricted following broader EU regulatory changes triggered by a 2022 Court of Justice ruling. Access is now largely limited to competent authorities and parties with a demonstrated legitimate interest. This impacts compliance teams, journalists, and researchers who previously relied on open UBO registers.
Global Database reconstructs ownership structures and group hierarchies using corporate filings, historical data, and cross-border disclosures where legally permissible. This provides compliance teams with actionable ownership intelligence even where direct UBO register access is restricted. For a full breakdown of UBO access rules across Europe, see our European Company Registries Directory.
France Business Registry: What Financial Data Is Available?
French companies must prepare annual accounts in accordance with the Commercial Code and French accounting standards. The filing requirements and public visibility depend on company size.
| Company Size | Filing Requirement | Public Access |
|---|---|---|
| Large / Medium | Full audited accounts: balance sheet, income statement, notes, management reports, auditor reports | Fully public via RCS / Infogreffe |
| Small | Simplified annual accounts | Public, with simplified disclosures |
| Micro | Basic accounts; may opt for confidentiality on certain figures | Limited visibility; some data may be withheld |
Filing obligations in France are strictly enforced. Non-compliance can result in penalties and administrative sanctions.
Access French company financials on Global Database: Pull balance sheets, income statements, turnover, profit margins, and credit scores for French companies — all translated and standardised into English. Global Database also offers business credit reports with payment history data, credit limits, and risk indicators. View French company financials →
France Business Creation Trends
France hit a record 1.11 million new businesses created in 2024 — a 6% increase over 2023. This was driven by a surge in micro-entrepreneur registrations (+7%) and company formations (+5%). The average age of a new business creator in France is 35, with 39% under 30 and 43% women.
New Businesses Created in France by Year
Source: INSEE Business Demography Information System (SIDE). All business types including micro-entrepreneurs.
The sectors with the highest growth in new company registrations were transportation and storage (+25%), administrative and support services (+16%), and trade (+6%). The construction and real estate sectors saw declines.
Challenges with Searching the France Company Register
While France has made significant strides in digitising corporate data, several practical challenges remain for anyone doing regular France corporate searches.
Language Barrier
Infogreffe is available in French and English, but most official documents (Kbis, articles of association, financial statements) are in French only. This creates friction for international users doing cross-border due diligence.
Fragmented Systems
Data is spread across multiple portals: Infogreffe for RCS data, DataINPI for the national register, Sirene.fr for establishment data, and separate systems for insolvency and pledges. There is no single portal that gives you everything in one search. This fragmentation is not unique to France — it is a systemic issue across Europe, as we documented in our guide to all 44 European company registries.
Paid Access for Key Documents
Unlike the UK's Companies House (where most company data is free), many French registry documents carry fees. Kbis extracts, articles of association, and detailed financial statements all require payment — costs that add up quickly for bulk verification workflows.
Beneficial Ownership Restrictions
The restriction on public access to UBO data since 2024–2025 makes it harder for compliance teams, journalists, and researchers to verify ultimate beneficial ownership without going through formal access channels.
No Bulk Download or API from Government Portals
Most government portals are designed for one-off searches. If you need to verify hundreds or thousands of French companies, run ongoing monitoring, or integrate data into your CRM or compliance system, the official portals do not support this at scale.
Government Portals vs. Global Database
- Free basic company search
- Official, authoritative source
- Kbis and filing documents available
- Multiple portals to navigate
- Mostly French-language documents
- Per-document fees add up
- No API or bulk access
- No ownership graph visualisation
- No cross-border data linking
- 7.5M+ French companies searchable
- Government-sourced, updated daily
- Single platform — all data in one place
- English-language interface and data
- Full API for bulk access and integration
- Ownership graphs and group structures
- Business credit reports and payment history
- Cross-border: 200+ countries, 600M+ companies
- Monitoring alerts within 24 hours of registry changes
How to Access France Company Data at Scale
The official government portals work for one-off searches. But if you need to verify French companies in bulk, monitor corporate changes in real time, or integrate France registry data into your compliance or sales workflows, you need a platform built for scale.
Global Database connects directly to French government registries and consolidates data from the RCS, SIRENE, and other official sources into a single, searchable platform. This means you can:
- Search over 7.5 million French companies by name, SIREN, SIRET, or director
- Pull financial statements, credit reports, and payment history data
- View corporate ownership structures and group hierarchies
- Access verified contact information for directors and key decision-makers
- Integrate French company data into your CRM, ERP, or compliance tools via API
- Monitor companies for changes and receive alerts within 24 hours of registry updates
- Run KYB verification and AML screening on French entities
- Auto-fill forms and enrich existing records using Global Database's data enrichment API
All data is sourced from official government registries and updated daily. Every email address is validated every 90 days. This is the infrastructure that companies like Uber, AWS, SAP, WeWork, LSEG, and Mastercard rely on for their compliance and business development workflows across 200+ countries.
Access verified, government-sourced data on over 7.5 million French companies. Search by name, SIREN, SIRET, or director. Pull financials, ownership structures, and contacts — all from one platform.
Start Free →Frequently Asked Questions
The main France company register is the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS), also known as the Trade and Companies Register. It is managed by the clerks of the Commercial Courts and overseen by INPI. In addition, the SIRENE directory (managed by INSEE) tracks all French businesses and their establishments using SIREN and SIRET numbers. Since 2023, the RNE (Registre National des Entreprises) serves as a unified national register.
The Extrait Kbis is the official "identity card" of a French company. Issued by the Commercial Court, it is the only legal proof that a company is registered and exists under French law. It contains the company name, SIREN, legal form, share capital, registered office, names of directors, and any insolvency proceedings. Banks, suppliers, and business partners routinely request a Kbis to verify a company before entering into contracts.
Use the Annuaire des Entreprises (annuaire-entreprises.data.gouv.fr) or DataINPI (data.inpi.fr). Both offer free company searches and basic registration data including SIREN, SIRET, legal form, directors, and registration dates. For detailed documents like the Kbis or articles of association, you will need to pay via Infogreffe. For scaled access to French company data in English, including financials and ownership, Global Database offers a free tier.
SIREN (9 digits) identifies the company as a legal entity — one SIREN per company for its entire life. SIRET (14 digits) identifies each physical establishment of that company — the SIREN plus a 5-digit NIC code. A company headquartered in Paris with a branch in Marseille has one SIREN but two SIRETs. Both are issued by INSEE and recorded in the SIRENE directory.
Yes, for most companies. Large and medium French companies must file full audited accounts (balance sheet, income statement, notes, auditor reports) that are publicly accessible via the RCS. Small companies file simplified accounts. Micro-companies can opt for partial confidentiality on certain financial data. You can check filing history on Infogreffe or access standardised financial data in English through Global Database.
Access to the French Beneficial Ownership Register (RBE) has been restricted since 2024–2025, following the 2022 CJEU ruling that invalidated unrestricted public access to UBO registers across the EU. Access is now primarily available to competent authorities and parties who can demonstrate a legitimate interest. Global Database reconstructs ownership structures using corporate filings and cross-border disclosures where legally permissible.
The SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) is the most commonly registered company form in France. It offers flexible governance, no cap on shareholders, the ability to issue preferred shares, and simpler management structures compared to the SA. The SARL remains popular for smaller and family-run businesses. As of 2024, France had over 14 million registered entities including proprietorships, corporations, and organisations.
Official registry data is updated as companies file changes with the Commercial Court. INSEE's SIRENE directory is updated daily. Third-party platforms like Global Database pull updates from government sources daily, ensuring near real-time accuracy. Global Database also validates email addresses every 90 days and monitors companies for changes, sending alerts within 24 hours of registry updates.
Follow these steps: (1) Search for the company on data.inpi.fr or infogreffe.fr using their name or SIREN. (2) Confirm the company is active and not in liquidation. (3) Request a current Extrait Kbis to verify legal existence and directors. (4) Check their financial filing history for completeness. (5) Order a bankruptcy certificate to check for insolvency. For automated, bulk verification, use Global Database's KYB API which covers all five steps in a single query across 200+ countries.
The official French government portals (Infogreffe, DataINPI, Sirene.fr) offer limited or no API access for external users. INSEE provides a SIRENE open data API, but it covers only basic establishment data. For comprehensive API access to French company profiles, financials, ownership, contacts, and credit data — integrated with 200+ other countries — Global Database offers a full REST API with auto-fill forms, data enrichment, and CRM integration capabilities.
Global Database sources data directly from 400+ government registries worldwide — including France's RCS, SIRENE, and INPI. Access 600M+ company profiles across 200+ countries. Verify, enrich, and monitor from one platform.
Explore France Data →