We Offer Strategic Legal Services
Virtual office and Domiciliation in France
Set up your registered business address in France quickly and compliantly with our lawyers and paralegals. We manage the entire process — from selecting the right domiciliation provider to registering your address with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS) and securing your official proof of address (attestation de domiciliation).
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What is a Virtual Office or Domiciliation in France?
A domiciliation is the official registration of your company’s head office (siège social). It is mandatory for every French entity — whether newly formed or already active.
A virtual office allows companies, freelancers, and foreign entrepreneurs to establish a legal and postal presence in France without renting physical office space.
This setup is recognized by French authorities and ideal for:
- international founders without local premises,
- remote-based businesses, or
- startups seeking a prestigious Paris or Lyon address.
All domiciliation providers must hold prefectural approval, ensuring reliability and compliance with French commercial regulations.
Advantages:
Legally compliant address: mandatory for registration with the RCS and to receive official correspondence.
Prestigious business image: A French registered company inspires trust among banks, suppliers, and partners
Cost-effective: no need to rent or maintain a physical office space.
Administrative support: mail reception, scanning, and forwarding services available.
Flexible for foreign founders: enables registration even if the manager resides abroad.
A virtual office gives your company a professional identity and legal legitimacy in France — perfect for remote operations or early-stage businesses.
How to Set Up a Domiciliation or Virtual Office in France?
Our team manages every stage of the domiciliation setup with precision and speed.
Identifying Your Needs
We determine whether you require a simple registered address or a complete virtual office solution (including mail handling, phone reception, or meeting space access).
Selecting the Domiciliation Provider
We connect you with prefecture-approved domiciliation companies across France, selecting the most suitable address according to your activity and image.
Preparing the Domiciliation Agreement
Our lawyers review or draft the domiciliation contract to ensure legal compliance and protect your interests.
Registering the Address with the Registry
We handle the filing of your company’s registered office change or creation with the Commercial Court Registry, including all supporting documents.
Issuing the Attestation and Updating Official Records
Once validated, you receive your attestation de domiciliation and updated Kbis extract, confirming your company’s official address in France.
Why Choose FrenchCo.lawyer?
All services are provided by registered French lawyers and qualified paralegals who ensure that every step — from provider selection to registry filing — is fully compliant with French law. We handle everything remotely, in English or French, so you can confidently operate your French entity from anywhere in the world.
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What We Need From You to a Arrange Your Domiciliation ?
To complete your company’s domiciliation in France, we simply need:
Company Information
Legal name, registration number (if existing), and business purpose.
Registered Office Preference
Desired city or region for your virtual address, or any specific provider if already chosen.
Manager Identification
Copy of ID and proof of address of the company’s legal representative
Supporting Proofs
If your company already exists, a copy of its Kbis extract or equivalent incorporation document.
And Then?
Once we receive these items, our legal team will prepare and validate your domiciliation contract, file the address registration with the French Commercial Court, and deliver your official Kbis extract showing the new siège social — ready for use in contracts, invoices, and banking.
Virtual Office and Domiciliation– Simple Process, Clear Budget
Flat legal fee starting from €499 excl. taxes
Additional mandatory costs: domiciliation provider’s subscription fee (variable by city) + court registry filing fee
No hidden costs, no surprises.
Our commitment:
Transparent, lawyer-led service
No commissions or intermediary markups
- End-to-end compliance guaranteed
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Why Choose Us?
We Believe in Transparent, Lawyer-Led Domiciliation and Virtual Office Solutions
Fast and reliable setup: From address registration to mail forwarding, we ensure every step is completed quickly and securely.
Legally compliant service: All domiciliation agreements and filings meet current French legal and administrative standards.
Confidential and secure handling: Your correspondence and company data are managed with full confidentiality and legal protection.
High professional standards: Every domiciliation is supervised by licensed French lawyers, guaranteeing compliance and accountability.
Let us handle your company’s French address and compliance —
so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
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Understanding the Virtual Office and Domiciliation in France
Can a foreign company or entrepreneur establish a virtual office (domiciliation) in France?
Yes. Both foreign individuals and legal entities may freely establish a domiciliation (registered office) in France, whether or not they maintain a physical presence.
A registered address is mandatory to incorporate or operate a company in France, as it determines the company’s nationality, jurisdiction, and commercial registry.
1. Foreign entrepreneurs living abroad
A manager or founder who does not reside in France can still register a French business by using a domiciliation service provider (société de domiciliation).
These providers offer a legally recognized business address and are authorized by the prefecture to host companies.
No residence permit or local lease is required for this setup.
2. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens
Entrepreneurs from the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland may establish and manage domiciled companies in France without any administrative restriction.
If they later decide to live in France, they only need to register with their local mairie within three months of arrival—no residence permit is necessary.
3. Non-EU residents
Non-EU founders or managers may use a domiciliation service even if they do not live in France.
However, if they plan to relocate, they must hold a valid residence or talent permit (such as “entrepreneur/profession libérale” status) before engaging in physical operations in France.
4. Legal representatives and mandates
Foreign entities often appoint a representative domiciled in France (lawyer, notary, or partner company) to handle mail and formalities.
This is optional but simplifies correspondence with French authorities.
In short: anyone—French or foreign—can legally establish a French business address through a certified domiciliation provider, even while operating remotely.
What are the requirements for a domiciliation company?
To operate legally, domiciliation providers must:
- Obtain prefectural authorization confirming their premises comply with French commercial law.
- Sign a written domiciliation contract (contrat de domiciliation) with each client for a renewable period of at least three months.
- Provide private mail storage and ensure confidentiality.
- Allow French authorities (tax, URSSAF, police) to verify the existence of their clients.
Failure to comply exposes both provider and client to fines or removal from the commercial register.
What are the benefits of choosing a virtual office solution?
A virtual office provides the same legal security as a physical office, plus several practical advantages:
- Immediate registration: perfect for quick setup or foreign companies without French premises.
- Prestigious address: improves credibility with partners, banks, and clients.
- Mail management: providers handle reception, scanning, and forwarding of official correspondence.
- Flexibility: ideal for remote or hybrid teams.
- Administrative compliance: ensures the company meets its RCS and tax obligations.
Summary: domiciliation combines legal compliance with flexibility and professional presentation—without the cost of renting physical premises.
What are the potential risks if domiciliation rules are not followed?
- Non-renewal or expired contract: the company risks being struck off the RCS.
- Non-approved provider: registration may be rejected, and fines imposed.
- Violation of lease or co-ownership terms: domiciliation at a manager’s home without consent may lead to eviction or lease termination.
- Non-response to official correspondence: legal notices sent to the registered address remain binding even if the company fails to retrieve them.
In short: ensuring compliance with domiciliation law protects your company’s continuity and credibility.
- Non-renewal or expired contract: the company risks being struck off the RCS.
What taxes or fees apply to domiciliation?
Domiciliation itself does not create a new tax obligation, but the company remains liable for:
- CFE (Cotisation Foncière des Entreprises): annual local business tax based on the address.
- TVA (VAT): depending on the company’s business activity.
Most domiciliation providers charge a monthly or annual fee ranging from €30 to €200, depending on location, prestige, and services (mail forwarding, phone reception, etc.).
Legal filing and publication fees apply if the domiciliation is part of an incorporation or address change.
What exactly is “domiciliation” under French law?
Under Article L.123-11-3 of the Commercial Code, every company must declare a registered office (siège social).
Domiciliation refers to the contractual assignment of an address used for legal, administrative, and tax purposes.
This address is where:
- legal documents and official notices are served,
- accounting and corporate records are held,
- and the company’s nationality and competent commercial court are determined.
Without a registered office, the RCS (Registre du commerce et des sociétés) will refuse to register the company.
What are the main options for setting a registered office in France?
There are four lawful options for setting a siège social:
- Private or rented premises – when the company owns or rents an office or shop; proof of ownership or lease is required.
- Manager’s home address – domiciliation is permitted at the manager’s personal residence, permanently or temporarily (usually up to five years), subject to lease or co-ownership rules.
- Domiciliation company – a professional service provider with prefectural approval offering a virtual office or mail address.
- Parent company’s premises – for subsidiaries, the registered office can be at the parent company’s address, provided it has the right of use.
In short: domiciliation offers flexibility—home, business premises, or professional address—all equally valid under French law.
What documents are needed to register a domiciliation address?
When filing the company’s creation or address change with the RCS, the following must be provided:
- Domiciliation contract signed by the provider and company.
- Proof of authorization of the provider (prefectural approval number).
- Proof of identity and address of the company’s manager or representative.
- Supporting documents for incorporation (bylaws, registry forms, publication notice).
Once accepted, the Registry issues the updated Kbis extract reflecting the official address.
How long does domiciliation last, and can it be renewed?
A domiciliation contract has a minimum term of three months, renewable automatically unless terminated.
Most providers offer annual or multi-year packages, including mail handling services.
When the contract ends, the company must update its registered address with the Commercial Court Registry within one month, or risk being struck off from the RCS.
Can the registered address be moved later?
Yes. Companies are free to transfer their registered office to another address, city, or region within France or abroad.
The procedure involves:
- Drafting a shareholder or manager’s decision approving the transfer;
- Publishing a legal notice of change in an approved gazette;
- Filing the updated documents with the new registry of commerce;
- Obtaining a new Kbis extract reflecting the new siège social.
The process usually takes a few days once filings are complete.
Establish Your Virtual Office in France
Let our French lawyers & paralegals manage your company’s legal address and mail handling.
More About Incorporating a French Company
Can foreign companies use the domiciliation service?
Yes. Both French and foreign companies can legally use a virtual office address for their registered headquarters in France.
What documents will I need?
You’ll need proof of identity, company registration documents (if applicable), and a signed domiciliation agreement.
Is the service legally recognized in France?
Absolutely. Domiciliation providers must hold an official prefectural authorization under French Commercial Code requirements.
How long does setup take?
How long does setup take?
Can I manage everything remotely?
Yes. The entire process — signing, verification, and setup — can be completed 100% online.
What are the typical costs?
- Monthly fees depend on the selected address and mail-handling options, starting from around €30–€50.
What about compliance and mail security?
We comply with French legal standards for document retention and ensure all correspondence is confidentially handled.
Can I change or terminate the address later?
Yes, you may relocate or end your domiciliation anytime, with prior written notice per your contract terms.
