What is an Extrait de Kbis in France? How Do I Get One?

In France, the KBIS extract is an accurate, up-to-date “identity card” for a business registered in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS).

What is a KBIS or a K-Bis in France?

A KBIS extract contains key details recorded in the French company register, such as the company’s legal name, registration number, registered office, registration date, main business activity, and information about its directors or management bodies.

It also provides details about the company’s legal status and any remarks from the registrar, including insolvency or legal proceedings if applicable.

This makes a KBIS useful for verifying a French company’s existence, identifying responsible parties, and checking its current registration status.

The data comes from the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés, a public register that allows third parties to access information about registered businesses.

Who Needs an Extrait de KBIS?

The KBIS extract verifies a company’s legal existence and offers official details about its registration and current status.

Organisations such as banks, suppliers, customers, lenders, or public authorities may request a recent KBIS prior to forming a business relationship. This might be necessary when opening a professional bank account, applying for specific financial services, signing a contract, or establishing a new supplier connection.

For instance, a supplier may seek to confirm that a business is correctly registered before supplying goods on credit. Similarly, a lender might review this information to verify the company’s identity and legal standing before approving a loan or financial deal.

Thus, the KBIS is especially valuable when a French company interacts with an organisation unfamiliar with the company.

How Long is a KBIS Valid?

A KBIS does not have a simple expiry date like a passport or driving licence. Instead, the organisation requesting it will usually specify how recent the document needs to be.

In practice, a KBIS less than 3 months old is commonly requested because the information in the company register can change. A recent extract provides greater confidence that the company’s registered address, management and other details are still current. If important business information has changed, you may need a new KBIS rather than an older copy.

KBIS, SIREN and SIRET: What’s the Difference?

Do not confuse the KBIS with the SIREN and SIRET numbers, which also identify French businesses.

The SIREN is a unique nine-digit number that identifies the business as a whole, whereas the SIRET is a 14-digit number that specifies a particular establishment or location. A business with multiple establishments can have one SIREN but multiple SIRET numbers.

Put simply, the SIREN and SIRET are identification numbers, while the Kbis is an official registration document. You may encounter all three when setting up a business, opening a bank account or dealing with French suppliers and professional organisations.

You can also use your SIRET information to check basic business details, although this is not the same as providing an official Kbis extract.

How to Get a KBIS in France?

You can obtain a KBIS extract online through the French business registration services. The document is produced from the information held in the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés.

If a supplier, lender, bank, or other organisation has asked you to provide an extrait Kbis, check how recent they require the document to be before ordering or downloading one.

For up-to-date information about obtaining an extrait KBIS, the French government’s business information service, Infogreffe, provides guidance on the process and the different documents available.

Setting Up a Business in France

For anyone moving to France and starting a business, the Kbis is just one piece of French administration you will encounter. Once your business is registered, you may also need a French business bank account, insurance and appropriate financial arrangements for receiving and making payments.

For example, before you can trade, you will probably need a RIB with your IBAN. Our guide explains what a RIB is and how to get one from a French bank.

Additional Services for Expats

At My-French-House.com, we may also be able to help with other aspects of establishing your life or business in France; for example, with finding healthcare insurance, or even saving money on international currency transfers.

Finally, take a look at ALLO FRENCH, our business directory for artisans, service providers, associations and small businesses for English-speaking expats in France.