In 2023 the government undertook a 'simplification' of business registration procedures, by creating a unique on-line portal for all business formalities.

The portal replaced several other official websites, as well as paper-based procedures.

However, likely every other endeavour by the government to digitalise administrative processes (driving licences, residence permits), the website was beset with technical problems, as a result of which until the end of last year alternative, mainly paper-based procedures, were put in place.

Last month, the government announced that the rescue procedures it had put in place would end on 1st Jan, as they considered the technical issued had been resolved.

The website can be reached at Guichet Unique.

The procedures that can be undertaken on the website are:

• Creation (registration or declaration of commencement of activity)
• Changes (change of activity, address, name, number of partners, articles of association, etc.),
• Cessation of activity.

These procedures can be used by all business owners, as well as landlords of furnished accommodation, as they need to also obtain a business registration number (Siret).

To support users of the website a technical advice centre is available, which can be reached on 01 56 65 89 98, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on working days. There is also an on-line contact form to make a written enquiry.

The local Chambres (Chambre de métiers et de l’artisanat, Chambre de commerce et d’industrie, Chambre d’agriculture) also remain available for advice, although, in recent years, with the rationalisation of these local centres they are not always easily accessible.

We also have a guide to the registration process, which you can find at Business Registration in France.

The government has stated that a new version of the website will be launched in mid-2025!