Required certification · France
Immatriculation CMA (guichet unique / RNE)
Immatriculation de l'entreprise artisanale au RNE via le guichet des formalités des entreprises
Market position
An artisan business registers online through the Guichet des formalités des entreprises (formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr, run by INPI), which enters it on the Registre national des entreprises (RNE) and returns an attestation with its SIREN and APE code from INSEE. Registration is free for a micro-entreprise and costs 45 euros for an entreprise individuelle with an artisanal activity, per service-public.fr. The Chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat (CMA) is the artisans' contact for advice, and artisan status (qualité d'artisan) requires a listed craft activity, a professional qualification and fewer than 11 employees.
France-specific note
Register through formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr up to one month before or within 15 days after you start. For regulated building trades, have your CAP/BEP, equivalent RNCP title or proof of three years' experience ready, as artisan status depends on it; the CMA can advise on the formalities.
Pros
- + One online portal for all registration formalities
- + Free for a micro-entreprise; 45 euros for an entreprise individuelle
- + Gives your SIREN and APE code
- + CMA advisers help with the formalities
Cons
- − Must be filed no later than 15 days after you start trading
- − Regulated building trades need a qualification (diploma or 3 years' experience)
- − Firms with 11 or more employees also go on the RCS
- − Sociétés also pay for a legal announcement
Typical France pricing
Free for a micro-entreprise; 45 euros for an entreprise individuelle with an artisanal activity (15 euros if already on the RCS).
Why this matters for France trades
Since 1 September 2026 every French business must be able to receive B2B e-invoices through a plateforme agréée registered by the State (CGI art. 289 bis), and PME, TPE and micro-entreprises must issue them by 1 September 2027; DGFiP says no sanctions apply in 2026 while businesses adapt. Assurance décennale (Loi Spinetta) must be in place before work starts, and building without it is punishable by 6 months’ imprisonment and/or a 75,000 euro fine, per service-public.fr. TVA on building work on homes is 20% standard, 10% for improvement, transformation, fitting-out and maintenance, and 5.5% for energy renovation, with the reduced rates only for dwellings completed more than two years ago. Clients can only claim MaPrimeRénov’, the éco-PTZ or CEE bonuses if the work is done by an RGE professional. Businesses register through the Guichet des formalités des entreprises, with the CMA advising artisans, and regulated building trades must be carried out or controlled by a qualified person (CAP, BEP or BP, an equivalent RNCP title, or three years’ experience).
French artisan (bâtiment) vendor selection is shaped by facturation électronique (every business must be able to receive e-invoices through a plateforme agréée since 1 September 2026, and PME, TPE and micro-entreprises must issue them by 1 September 2027), compulsory assurance décennale taken out before work starts, multi-rate TVA (20%, 10% and 5.5%), the RGE label that homeowner clients need to claim energy-renovation aid, and the micro-entrepreneur regime with its turnover ceilings and VAT franchise.
Frequently asked
Is Immatriculation CMA (guichet unique / RNE) a good fit for France trades?
An artisan business registers online through the Guichet des formalités des entreprises (formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr, run by INPI), which enters it on the Registre national des entreprises (RNE) and returns an attestation with its SIREN and APE code from INSEE. Registration is free for a micro-entreprise and costs 45 euros for an entreprise individuelle with an artisanal activity, per service-public.fr. The Chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat (CMA) is the artisans' contact for advice, and artisan status (qualité d'artisan) requires a listed craft activity, a professional qualification and fewer than 11 employees. Register through formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr up to one month before or within 15 days after you start. For regulated building trades, have your CAP/BEP, equivalent RNCP title or proof of three years' experience ready, as artisan status depends on it; the CMA can advise on the formalities.
What does Immatriculation CMA (guichet unique / RNE) cost in France?
Free for a micro-entreprise; 45 euros for an entreprise individuelle with an artisanal activity (15 euros if already on the RCS). Pricing and availability can change by region; confirm current France pricing on the vendor's site before committing.
Other France vendors
Facturation électronique (e-invoicing)
Required certification
Assurance décennale (Loi Spinetta)
Required certification
RGE (Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement)
Required certification
TVA bâtiment (20 / 10 / 5,5 %)
Required certification
URSSAF & régime micro-entrepreneur
Required certification
Qualification professionnelle (Code de l’artisanat)
Required certification