France Business Registry: The New National Register of Companies (RNE)
Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
As of January 1, 2023, the France Business Registry, officially known as the National Register of Companies (RNE), has become the sole registration body for all businesses operating in France. This reform centralizes company information, streamlining business registration and enhancing transparency.
A Centralized France Business Registry
Established under the 2019 PACTE Law and implemented by the Ordinance of September 15, 2021, the (RNE) consolidates multiple business registers into a single, unified system.
What Businesses Are Included ?
The RNE covers all economic sectors, including:
- Commercial businesses
- Handicraft and artisan enterprises
- Liberal professions (e.g., consultants, lawyers, healthcare professionals)
- Agricultural businesses
Transition from Multiple Registers to the (RNE)
Business Activity | Previous Register | New Registry as of 2023 |
Commercial | National Trade and Businesses Register (NCR), Special Trade Officer Register (SFCR) | (RNE), NCR (additional), Special Register of Commercial Agents (additional) |
Handicraft | Business Directory (RM) | (RNE) |
Liberal Professions | No central register | (RNE) |
Agriculture | Register of Agricultural Assets (RAA) | (RNE) |
All data submitted through the one-stop business registration portal (Formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr) is now automatically recorded in the (RNE). Businesses can access their registration details for free via DATA INPI.
What Information Must Be Provided?
Two decrees issued on July 19, 2022, outline the required details for business registration, modifications, and annual filings.
Entity Type | Required Details |
Individuals | Full name, pseudonym, birth details, nationality, registration number (if applicable), address, contact information |
Sole Proprietorships | Business name, trade name (if any), main activity, business address, website domain (if applicable) |
Main Business Establishments | Business type, name, address, shared premises details (if any), main and secondary activities, start date, operational method |
Legal Entities | Company name, legal structure, share capital amount, registered office, main activity description, statutory duration, website domain |
Authorities with Access to it
Government bodies, including the Directorate-General for Public Finance, notaries, and regional economic authorities, have full access to RNE records.
Penalties for False Information in the France Business Registry
Providing false or misleading information can result in:
- A fine of €4,500
- Up to six months of imprisonment
France Business Registry: Registration Fees
Service | Fee (€) |
New Business Registration (Individual & Legal Entities) | 5.90 |
Modification (e.g., address change, business activity update) | 5.90 |
Annual Accounts Submission | 5.45 |
Document Filing for Legal Entities (e.g., amendments) | 5.90 |
The Future of Business Registration in France
The France Business Registry (RNE) represents a significant step toward a simpler, more transparent, and efficientbusiness environment. By centralizing all company data, this system ensures better accessibility, reduced bureaucracy, and improved business oversight.
Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding an enterprise, or managing legal updates, the France Business Registry simplifies every step of business registration and compliance.
