Preamble
Decree No. 2025-840 of August 22, 2025 introduces a mechanism allowing company directors to protect their personal address listed in the French Trade and Companies Register (“RCS”).
This reform is intended to better safeguard the privacy and security of company directors in a context where business data is widely disseminated on the internet.
I. Background and rationale
Until now, company directors and certain shareholders were required to disclose their personal address in public documents: Kbis extracts, articles of association, filings with the Commercial Court registry, legal databases, and public registers. As this information was freely accessible, it could expose directors to privacy violations, harassment, or risks to their safety and that of their families.
➡️ The new mechanism now makes it possible to conceal personal addresses in public documents.
II. Who can benefit from this measure?
This mechanism applies to individuals registered in the RCS, in particular:
👤 Company directors (managers of SARL or SCI, presidents or CEOs of SAS or SA, directors, members of the management board or supervisory board)
👤 Partners with unlimited liability (e.g., general partnerships or certain civil companies)
👤 Individuals who have the authority to legally bind the company on a regular basis
III. Scope of the confidentiality measure
Confidentiality applies to personal residential address details appearing in:
📄 Information published in the RCS (Kbis extract)
📄 Documents filed with the RCS (articles of association, documents relating to the appointment of directors, minutes of the shareholders’ decisions)
A redacted version of the documents then replaces the original version. The concealment is reflected in the National Register of Enterprises (RNE).
⚠️ The Register of Beneficial Owners (RBE) is not covered by this mechanism, which limits the scope of the protection.
IV. How to submit a request ?
The request is made via the online business formalities portal. The procedure involves:
- Identifying the persons concerned
- Specifying the documents or entries to be modified
- Providing, if necessary, a redacted version of documents already filed
Once the request has been processed, the personal address no longer appears in public documents. The accessible documents are replaced with a redacted version. However, the registry still retains the full address for administrative purposes.
V. Who can still access the full address?
The concealment applies only to public access. Certain authorities retain access to the complete information:
- Judicial authorities
• TRACFIN
• The tax administration and customs authorities
• Judicial police officers
• Notaries
• Commissioners of justice
• Judicial administrators and court-appointed trustees
• Certain social security bodies (URSSAF, etc.)
The personal address may also be disclosed:
- To the company itself
• To its legal representatives and shareholders
• As well as to a director’s creditors, where they can demonstrate that they hold a claim related to the exercise of the director’s corporate mandate.
VI. Conclusion
In an environment where corporate information is increasingly accessible, protecting personal data has become a key concern for company directors.
This new mechanism provides a valuable opportunity to enhance privacy and limit public exposure. However, its effectiveness depends on a proper understanding of its scope and limitations.
We would be pleased to support you in evaluating your situation, securing your information, and implementing this measure efficiently.
This note contains summarized information. Please contact us for advice tailored to your situation. We cannot be held responsible for any misinterpretation of this sheet.
Our team remains at your disposal to assist and advise you in the field of corporate law.
Contact
Aurélie LEVY
Juriste senior droit des sociétés
aurelie.levy@groupe-aplitec.com
01 40 40 38 38
Delphia AKOLADZOKO
Juriste droit des sociétés
delphia.akoladzoko@groupe-aplitec.com
01 40 40 38 38