Source date: 2026-06-03
Kbis Extract and RNE Certificate: What Are the Differences? Published on June 4, 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister's Office)
Since the Pacte Law came into effect in 2023 and the creation of the RNE : titleContent , the reference documents known as the Kbis extract : titleContent and the RNE certificate are often confused due to their similar purposes. However, these two documents differ in certain aspects.
Kbis Extract and RNE Certificate: Overview
What is a Kbis extract? The Kbis extract is the "identity card" of a company registered with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). It is an official document certifying the legal existence of the company and containing up-to-date information from the RCS. It serves to prove that a commercial enterprise is registered with the RCS.
What is an RNE certificate? The RNE document is the official certificate of registration of a company with the National Business Register (RNE), issued by the INPI. This free document lists the main identification details of the company as recorded in the RNE, excluding information that cannot be disseminated as open data. It is provided in digital format. It serves to prove that a company is registered with the RNE.
Who is affected by the Kbis extract and the RNE certificate?
The Kbis extract applies to commercial enterprises, whereas the RNE certificate has a broader scope, covering all businesses (including artisans and liberal professions).
For reference, here is a summary table of documents proving registration with a register:
Table - Document(s) proving registration with a register Activity
Former required document
- RNE Registration Certificate
RNE Registration Certificate
RNE Registration Certificate
INSEE SIRENE Directory Registration Notice
What information is contained in the Kbis extract and the RNE certificate?
The Kbis extract and the RNE certificate include the following elements:
RNE Certificate (for sole proprietorships)
RNE Certificate (for companies with legal personality)
Business establishment with Siret number
Business establishments (head office and secondary sites) with their Siret numbers
Business establishments (head office and secondary sites) with their Siret numbers
Date of company creation
Date of company creation
Date of company creation
Company name
Company name
Registered office address
Registered office address
Manager information details
Manager identification details
Key information about managers
APRM code (for artisanal businesses)
APRM code (for artisanal businesses)
Legal form of the company
Company duration
Share capital of the company
Key information about statutory auditors or responsible partners (if applicable)
What is the legal value of the Kbis extract and the RNE certificate?
The RNE certificate attests to the accuracy of the information it contains at the time of issuance, unless proven otherwise.
The Kbis extract is issued by the registry of the Commercial Court, giving it the status of an authentic instrument. It contains the essential updated information declared by a company upon its registration with the RCS.
In this regard, if the RNE extract is incorrect, the Kbis extract can be used for a commercial enterprise.
When is a Kbis extract or an RNE certificate requested?
The Kbis extract must be provided for procedures such as opening a professional bank account, purchasing equipment from a supplier, or proving the legal existence of the company.
The RNE certificate may also be submitted for these purposes. It has replaced the Kbis extract for many administrative procedures (bidding for public contracts, applying for commercial operating authorization, etc.).
Legal texts and references
Online services and forms
- Search for proof of company registration Online service
See also
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Kbis extract Infogreffe
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Certificate of registration with the National Business Register or "RNE extract": what, for whom, why? General Directorate for Enterprises (DGE)
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Kbis extract and RNE certificate Bpifrance
Registration register for entities carrying out artisanal, commercial, or liberal economic activities in French territory (excluding French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna). Since January 1, 2023, it has merged the Trades Register (RM), the Agricultural Activities Register (RAA), and the Trade and Companies Register (RCS), which still exists as an additional record.
Document certifying that the company has been duly created and that the partners have access to the share capital
Source: Service-Public professionals