# Regulated activity: what do you need before setting up the company?

Updated : 2026-10-24 · Source : https://legalrapide.fr/en/reponses/activite-reglementee-objet-social/

If the activity is regulated, its **access conditions** (diploma, experience, training, good character, sometimes minimum capital) must be met **before you start**, and the guichet unique asks for the **supporting documents at registration**. There is no exhaustive list: check your activity in the directory of regulated activities and professions before drafting the corporate purpose.

## Examples of regulated activities
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Commercial | Estate agent, tobacconist |
| Craft | Hairdresser, baker |
| Liberal profession | Architect, psychologist, high-mountain guide |

## Access and practice: two sets of conditions
- **Access conditions**, checked before you start: diploma, experience, prior training, age, good character, financial conditions.
- **Practice conditions**, checked while you operate: continuing training, registers, declarations, insurance. For example, a second-hand dealer keeps a police register.

## Several activities in the corporate purpose
A company can carry on a main activity and secondary activities. Put the **main activity first**: it is the one used to assign the APE code. Avoid listing a regulated activity "just in case": the guichet asks for the supporting documents for the activities declared, and a regulated activity without the required authorisation is one of the [reasons a filing is rejected](/en/reponses/dossier-rejete-greffe-frais/).

## Diploma obtained in another EU country
An EU or EEA national who wants to practise a regulated profession in France applies for **recognition of their qualifications** or for an authorisation to practise before starting.

## Sources
- [Service-public: checking whether the planned activity is regulated](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F35897)
- [INPI: directory of regulated activities and professions](https://www.inpi.fr/annuaire-activites-et-professions)