The company’s domiciliation corresponds to its administrative address (head office) and must be declared at the company formalities center. Registration with the RCS or the business register (RM) requires a domiciliation. The use of the premises declared as registered office must be able to be justified. Without domiciliation, registration is refused. The address of the business premises must appear on the commercial documents (quotes, invoices, etc.).
What are the types of business domiciliation?
There are several forms of business domiciliation.
For example, “ registered office domiciliation ” allows business creators to dissociate their personal address from their professional address and thus exercise their activity with complete peace of mind.
The ” post office box ” simply provides a post office box so that correspondence related to professional activity is dissociated from personal correspondence. This company mailbox will be used by tax and legal authorities and will appear on all official administrative documents of the company.
The ” commercial domiciliation ” is suitable for companies wishing to extend their activity to a given sector and need a commercial address to create a local branch.
There are also tax reasons which push companies to distinguish subsidiaries or commercial branches by using ” tax domiciliation “.
Is it possible to domicile my business at home?
The domiciliation of the company can be done in the personal living room of the creator and does not systematically require to have a commercial place.
As an individual entrepreneur (trader, craftsman, self-employed person, etc.) you can domicile your activity at your personal home address, whether you are the owner or the tenant (unless your lease stipulates otherwise). In the case of a company, it will be necessary to sign a certificate of domiciliation (the individual entrepreneur is exempt).
If the idea of working at home evokes comfort and flexibility, also know that this can lead to some disappointments, in particular the lack of partitioning between the personal and professional spheres (weariness and management of free time for example).
Please note, the place of domicile and the place of practice are two different things: We invite you to read this article, which clarifies these two concepts.
The domiciliation of the company in a commercial premises
You can of course domicile your business in a commercial premises (bought or rented), provided that this premises is dedicated exclusively to a commercial activity.
This solution is perfect for commercial activities: the room allows you to store and receive goods as well as to welcome the public.
Having a place exclusively dedicated to work is advantageous: You are free from all distractions, the personal and professional spheres are distinct and, you will never have any conflict with regard to the property regulations (or lease) of your accommodation.
If the use of a commercial premises is a widespread solution, it is also regulated: We have selected an article for you on the legal aspects of commercial domiciliation.
Use a domiciliation company
The entrepreneur (company or individual entrepreneur) has the possibility of using the services of a specialized domiciliation company, approved by the prefect of the department (or the prefect of police in Paris) and registered with the RCS.
Perfect for service companies, domiciling your business through a domiciliation company (also called a “business center”) is an advantageous solution: The prices remain moderate and you benefit from several services to make your life easier.
By displaying the address of dynamic (or even prestigious) neighborhoods where business centers are often based, you ensure yourself an advantageous business card: This helps to instill confidence in your prospects and customers.
In addition to a professional domiciliation address, you will be able to benefit from meeting rooms, the reception of your mail or a telephone hotline.
Home business via a business incubator or coworking
Ideal for young companies, the nursery or coworking space offer shared services and equipment such as the provision of computers, printers, meeting rooms and sometimes even storage spaces.
The main advantage of these two solutions lies elsewhere, however: Coworking as a business incubator offers a social dynamic, a network of professionals with complementary skills and carrier of synergies.
Renting a coworking office is perfect for contractors, freelancers, or even employees on the go.