Whatever its legal form, every company must have a registered office. This address shouldn't be overlooked, as it will reflect the company's image.
The registered address will appear on all of the company's administrative documents and will also be a key factor in legal formalities if there are any statutory changes. The company's nationality will also be determined by this address, which will define the applicable law.
That's why it's essential to take this issue seriously and think about the different solutions available for your company.
So, how do you make the best choice for your registered office?
Companies have the choice between three types of business addresses to establish their registered office:
- At the personal address of the legal representative
- In a premises via a lease agreement.
- From a domiciliation company.
In theory, nothing can prevent a company's legal representative from choosing to have their business domiciled at their personal address. One exception: if a contractual prohibition states this in the lease. If the person concerned still wishes to have their company domiciled there, a registered letter must be sent to the landlord to inform the owner of this intention.
As for the other two solutions, it's worth comparing them to get a concrete idea of what they have to offer. By opting for domiciliation in a commercial property, the legal representative can choose the geographical area and the premises themselves.
This total independence is a great advantage, but it comes at a cost. Renting or buying premises involves significant costs, especially if you want to set up shop in a prime location. This budget allocation can have an impact, especially when starting out.
Business domiciliation can be a great alternative to a commercial lease.
The idea? To get a registered address in a prestigious area without the hefty price tag.
In return for a monthly or annual subscription, the legal representative can have a business address with tailor-made services, such as a telephone switchboard, personalised mail management, access to meeting rooms, or accounting assistance.
It's a great way to save money while enjoying great visibility and daily management of time-consuming tasks.
Like companies, self-employed entrepreneurs can choose how to establish their registered office. For reasons of cost and simplicity, these entrepreneurs often opt for their personal address.
However, this so-called common sense can lead to confidentiality issues. Indeed, throughout his activity, the self-employed person will be confronted with a lack of separation between private and professional life, which can be problematic in the event of disputes with a client.
That's why other alternatives have been considered for this type of legal structure: business domiciliation and coworking spaces. As mentioned, commercial domiciliation can provide a self-employed person with a registered office address in just a few clicks.
Very interesting in terms of price with monthly subscriptions starting from €6.49 per month, the saving will be just as advantageous concerning the CFE (Corporate Property Contribution)
This tax, which applies to companies, is calculated based on the location of the business.
And it turns out that in Paris, the CFE (Business Property Contribution) is one of the least expensive in France! By choosing a prestigious address through business domiciliation, entrepreneurs have everything to gain.
So, where can you work if you don't have a real office? Coworking spaces exist in all major cities, allowing self-employed individuals to work in collaborative open spaces.
To take advantage of it, simply choose the desired attendance time and pay the subscription relating to the service submitted. This is a good compromise, as the entrepreneur can carry out their activity in an efficient working environment, with access to suitable services such as printers, office rooms and a high-performance internet connection.
Gone are the days when self-employed entrepreneurs were forced to work alone at home!
Choosing a registered office is a question that every entrepreneur must consider very carefully. This address will reflect the image of your company, and will carry real weight with your bankers, partners, or future prospects.
There are now several ways to run your business smoothly without breaking the bank.
This is an important strategic choice, so don't take it lightly!
Written by our expert Maeva Girardot
on February 9, 2018
