Kbis and essential business documents: where to find them quickly
Running a business means mastering a set of official documents. Kbis, SIRENE registration notice, articles of association, URSSAF certificates… Here is where to find each of them quickly and for free.
The Kbis: your company's 'identity card'
The Kbis extract is the official document proving the legal existence of a company registered with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). It states the company name, registered office address, directors, business purpose, and SIREN number.
Where to find it: visit the Infogreffe website (infogreffe.fr) or the Business formalities one-stop shop (formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr). A Kbis extract is available within minutes, free of charge for the company director.
The SIRENE registration notice for sole traders
Sole traders are not registered with the RCS and therefore do not have a Kbis. The equivalent document is the SIRENE directory registration notice, downloadable for free on the INSEE website (entreprises.insee.fr).
It shows your SIRET number, your activity (APE code), your address, and your registration date.
Your company's articles of association
The articles of association are the founding document of your company. If you can no longer find your original copy, you can request a certified copy from the commercial court registry of your department, or download an uncertified version from Pappers.fr or Societe.com.
URSSAF and tax certificates
To prove that you are up to date with your social and tax obligations (often required in public tenders), you can download:
- The URSSAF vigilance certificate from your autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr account
- The tax certificate from your professional account on impots.gouv.fr
Documents related to domiciliation and registered office
If you need proof of domiciliation or a hosting certificate, your domiciliation centre or landlord can provide one. If you are domiciled at your personal address, a recent electricity bill serves as proof.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a free Kbis extract?
Directors can download their Kbis extract for free on Infogreffe (infogreffe.fr) or on the Business formalities one-stop shop.
Do sole traders have a Kbis?
No. Sole traders are not registered with the RCS and instead use the SIRENE directory registration notice, downloadable for free on the INSEE website.
How do I get a URSSAF vigilance certificate?
Log in to your autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr account (or net-entreprises.fr for companies) and download your certificate from the dedicated section.
Related articles
How does accounting work for a sole trader and what are your obligations?
Discover the accounting obligations for sole traders: income record keeping, turnover declarations and invoicing rules.
What are the first administrative steps to take after creating your company?
Business bank account, insurance, URSSAF, online visibility… Here are all the priority steps to take right after creating your company.