How do I obtain authorization to domicile a head office?

Whether you choose to domicile your business at home, in a business center or in commercial premises, formal authorization is required. In this article, we guide you step by step, with practical advice, concrete examples and a fluid presentation of available solutions, such as those offered by SeDomicilier.

What is a registered office authorization?

Aregistered office authorization is a document by which a third party - the owner, tenant or main occupant of a property - agrees in writing to the company's registered office being established at its address.

This authorization enables the company to justify the address of its registered office, an essential piece of information when registering with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS).

It is essential to understand the different domiciliation options before choosing the one that best suits your business.

It is important to distinguish this document from the "attestation de domiciliation", which is drawn up by the legal representative of the company (limited liability company or any other form) and formalizes the declaration of this postal address to the relevant authorities. These two documents complement each other, and are often required together when setting up a company.

📌 In practice, this authorization is required:

• When the company is domiciled at the director's personal home (if he or she does not own it),
• In the home of a third party,
• In a business center, coworking space or incubator.

The importance of a registered office authorization

Thedomiciliation authorization is more than just an accessory document: it meets a legal obligation to keep up to date, as laid down in the French Commercial Code. Every company must be able to justify the address of its registered office in a formal and durable manner.

Depending on the situation, this authorization is :

• Essential if the premises belong to a third party: the owner must provide written authorization;
• Highly recommended for shared or communal housing;
• Mandatory for companies domiciled in collective structures (such as business centers or shared spaces).

📌 Please note: implicit or verbal authorization has no legal value. Only a written, dated and signed document can secure the administrative process. If you are a sole trader or auto-entrepreneur, there are certain rules specific to specific to the domiciliation of micro-businesses apply.

Who needs authorization to register your company?

The person who has to draw up and sign the companydomiciliation authorization depends on the location chosen for the company's head office.

Here are the most common cases:

⚠️ In all cases, the person signing the authorization must have a real or contractual right to the premises concerned, and agree to the address being used as the official address of the company's head office. To simplify these formalities, some companies choose to domicile their company in a business center or via a domiciliation companyThis avoids certain legal and administrative constraints.

What must a company's registration authorization contain?

To be valid, a company'sdomiciliation authorization must contain certain information. As this document is required when registering a company, it must be clearly written, dated and signed by the person granting the authorization.

📌 Good to know: If the company is domiciled in a domiciliation company or business center, an approved domiciliation contract replaces this authorization and must meet specific standards set by the French Commercial Code. If the authorization is granted by a lessor, it is advisable to check the co-ownership regulations or the commercial lease to avoid any legal restrictions.

How do I obtain a direct debit authorization?

Obtaining an authorization to domicile a company's registered office is generally straightforward, provided the right steps are taken. The most important thing is to do this before registering your company, as this document is one of the compulsory supporting documents for your company's registration file.

Here are the main steps to follow:

1. Identify the domiciliary: homeowner, lessor or premises manager.
2. Write the authorization on plain paper: it must include all the compulsory information described above.
3. Enclose proof of use of the premises, such as an electricity bill, lease contract or property tax notice.
4. Keep a copy of the signed document in the company archives.
5. Send the original to the clerk's office of the commercial court with the creation or transfer file.

📌 In some cases, it is necessary to have the authorization signed by all the co-owners or colotis if the site is shared. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the application. To avoid errors in the formalities or administrative back-and-forth, many entrepreneurs choose to use an approved domiciliation company, which immediately provides an authorization that complies with the requirements of the registry office.

Focus on the different types of domiciliation

Before choosing your registered address, it's important to be aware of the different options available for establishing your company's headquarters. Each has its own advantages and constraints, and each requires a different level of formality to obtain a domiciliation authorization.

Each company can therefore opt for the solution best suited to its budget, activity and additional service requirements.

📌 Please note: for domiciliation to be legally valid, it must be documented by a formal authorization or contract, regardless of the premises used. The option you choose will also have an impact on the management of your mail, your professional image and your future administrative procedures.

What supporting documents do I need to submit to the clerk's office?

When setting up a new business or transferring a registered office, the domiciliation authorization alone is not enough. Additional supporting documents must also be submitted to the commercial court clerk's office, to prove that the premises are actually being used.

Here are the most frequently requested documents:

• Signed authorization for domiciliation (or domiciliation contract, as appropriate),
• Proof of occupancy: electricity bill, rent receipt, property tax notice or lease contract,
• A certificate of domiciliation drawn up by the legal representative, to complete the application,
• Sometimes a copy of the co-ownership regulations, if the address is in a block of flats.

📌 It's essential to pay attention to consistency between all documents (names, addresses, signatures) to avoid rejection of the file. With an approved domiciliation company, these supporting documents are supplied directly, which considerably simplifies formalities.

What is the purpose of the certificate of domiciliation?

Often confused with the authorization, the certificate of domiciliation is a separate document, but just as important. It is drawn up and signed by the company's legal representative, and serves to formalize the declaration of the registered office address to the relevant bodies, in particular the Registrar's Office. This certificate confirms that the company has chosen a valid address for its registered office, and has all the necessary rights to establish its headquarters there.

📌 It therefore complements the authorization provided by the owner or lessor, and is an essential part of the company's registration file.

Why choose SeDomicilier to domicile your head office?

Drawing up an authorization to domicile a company's registered office may seem straightforward, but it can sometimes lead to administrative errors, processing delays or rejection of files by the registry.

💡 To avoid these formalities complications, more and more entrepreneurs are opting for a licensed domiciliation company like SeDomicilier. By choosing this solution, you benefit from:

• A direct debit contract that complies immediately,
• Valid supporting documents upon subscription,
• Additional services (mail reception, business address, flexibility).

📌 A simple, secure way to domicile your business with peace of mind.

Conclusion

Thedomiciliation authorization for your company's registered office is an essential document for any structure wishing to register in full compliance. It must be carefully drawn up by a lessor, landlord or provided via a domiciliation contract, and guarantees the legal validity of the address chosen.

Taking the time to structure your documents properly avoids many of the administrative bottlenecks associated with setting up or modifying a company. And if you're looking for simplicity, SeDomicilier can support you with turnkey solutions that are fast and in line with the requirements of the Registrar's Office.

📌 A good choice of address is also a good start for your business.