Does an association need a K-Bis extract?

TheK-bis extract is usually a document reserved for commercial companies. In theory, it does not apply to associations, with a few exceptions!

Certain legally-authorized associative activities may require a K-bis extract. These include associations engaged in financial or monetary activities.

What is a K-bis extract for associations?

An association with no commercial activity is, in principle, exempt from the requirement to hold a K-bis extract.

The K-bis extract for associations is an official document attesting to the legal existence of an association, , and contains a number of essential identification details: the registry office to which it reports, its date of issue, its date of creation, its corporate name, the address of its registered office, its lifespan, and so on.

The K-bis is an authenticated document, signed and issued by the clerk of the commercial court after registration with the RCS.

Associations, on the other hand, are assigned a unique identification number when they register with the national register of associations. This number begins with the letter W and consists of 9 digits, and is useful for identifying the association. However, some associations require a K-bis extract, depending on the activities carried out.

Which associative activities require a K-bis extract?

Three types of association require a K-bis extract:

• those issuing bonds or negotiable debt securities (in accordance with articles L.213-8 et seq. of the French Monetary and Financial Code)
• Those carrying out manual foreign exchange transactions on a regular basis. In concrete terms, this means any activity involving the exchange of different currencies between several individuals.
• Associations acting as "managing agents" of a business

All other associations are exempt from the requirement to hold a K-bis extract.

How do I obtain a K-bis extract for an association?

You need to fill in the official online form, justifying the association's activities that require the document to be issued. It is then essential to fill in the essential information needed to identify the association. In particular, please provide your SIREN number number and its exact name.

This procedure is available at a very low cost: €2.82 if requested on site or at the commercial court; €3.53 if requested online.

This administrative procedure is therefore possible on an exceptional basis for associations whose activities require it. To obtain a valid K-bis extract, it is essential to follow the official procedure carefully.

It is important to specify that no association is entitled to carry out monetary and financial activities unless it holds a K-bis extract. This practice is punishable by severe legal penalties.