A company's registered office can be at its legal representative's home, in rented premises, or with a licensed domiciliation company. Only the legal representative can use their home, and only if they own or rent it as their main residence. If no clause in the lease or the co-ownership rules prohibits it, there is no time limit; if such a clause exists, it is still possible for up to 5 years, after informing the landlord or the building manager (art. L123-11-1 of the Commercial Code).
The three options
| Option | For whom | Supporting document |
|---|---|---|
| Legal representative's home | Founders who work from home | Proof of address; no time limit, or 5 years maximum if the lease or co-ownership rules prohibit it |
| Rented or purchased premises | Businesses that receive the public or hold stock | Commercial lease or title deed |
| Domiciliation company | A business address without premises, keeping your personal address private | Domiciliation agreement and the provider's Kbis extract |
Registered office at home: two situations
| Situation | Duration | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| No clause in the lease or co-ownership rules prohibits it | No limit | Proof of address |
| A clause or a law prohibits it | 5 years maximum from formation, and no longer than your occupancy | Inform the landlord or building manager in writing before filing; move the registered office before the period ends |
In both cases, no business activity may take place on site (receiving clients, stock) if the lease or co-ownership rules prohibit it: only the registered office address is concerned. 
Service-public
Registered office at home: precautions
- Notify the landlord or building manager by registered letter.
- Check your home insurance.
- Only the legal representative can register the company at their home, not a shareholder.
- Moving house means transferring the registered office (amendment of the articles of association and a legal notice).
Domiciliation with a provider
The domiciliation provider must be licensed by the préfecture. It receives your mail, often scans it, and provides the agreement to attach to your filing. LegalRapide works with a partner domiciliation provider.
Frequently asked questions
Can a shareholder register the company at their home?
No, only the legal representative can register the company at their personal address.
Will my personal address be public?
The director can ask for their personal address to be kept confidential (art. R123-54-1 of the Commercial Code).
Written by Razvan Toma, founder of LegalRapide. How we check our figures · LinkedIn