Business Creation: Company Registration Formalities
Verified by Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister’s Office)
When starting a business, several essential steps must be completed. One of the key steps is company registration, which involves officially declaring the company’s activities to the relevant authorities.
The required documents for registration vary depending on the type of company. The main categories include:
- Commercial companies: Limited Liability Company (SARL), Single-Member Limited Liability Company (EURL), Simplified Joint-Stock Company (SAS), Single-Member Simplified Joint-Stock Company (SASU), Public Limited Company (SA).
- Civil companies: Professional Civil Company (SCP), Civil Partnership for Business (SCM), Liberal Practice Company (SEL), Real Estate Civil Company (SCI).
When Should the Registration Application Be Submitted?
The application for company registration must be filed once all incorporation formalities are completed, including:
- Regulated activities compliance: Obtaining necessary licenses, permits, or certifications.
- Declaration of beneficial owners: Identifying individuals holding more than 25% of shares or control over company management.
- Company address registration: Establishing the official business address and notifying the postal service.
- Appointment of the company director: Shareholders must officially designate a company director.
- Adoption of the company’s articles of association: The articles outline the company’s operations. If non-monetary contributions (such as equipment or real estate) are involved, a contribution auditor must assess their value.
- Publication of company formation: A notice must be published in an authorized legal announcement medium before registration.
- Deposit of share capital: Once gathered, the company’s share capital must be deposited in a bank account and can be accessed post-registration.
- Acquisition of mandatory registers: Businesses must obtain required accounting and employee-related registers.
A company can begin operations before official registration, but all documents must indicate “Company in the process of formation.” Additionally, a separate annex must be included in the articles of association listing any contracts or transactions made before registration.
How to Submit a Registration Application?
The application must be submitted via the official Business Formalities Portal.
Once registered, the company is automatically added to:
- The National Business Directory (RNE).
- The Trade and Companies Register (RCS).
Important Information
If the company engages in commercial agency activities, it must also be registered with the Special Register of Commercial Agents (RSAC).
Required Documents
The required documents depend on the company type (EURL, SARL, SAS, SASU, SA with a board of directors, or SA with an executive board and supervisory council).
What Happens After Submission?
Upon submission via the Business Formalities Portal, the company receives an Acknowledgment of Business Creation File Submission (RDDCE), marked as “Pending Registration.”
This acknowledgment allows the company to complete necessary procedures with public and private entities, such as subscribing to required insurance policies.
The acknowledgment is valid for up to one month, until official registration confirmation is received.
Once registered, the business receives an official registration certificate, including its identification numbers (SIREN, APE code, etc.).
If the application is incomplete, the portal will issue a notification specifying missing documents. These must be provided within 15 business days from the date of notification.
