How to Verify That a French Business/Professional Is Appropriately Registered

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Check if the business or person is registered by going to the French Government website and put the SIREN number in to the appropriate box of the form.

   Up will come the details of the company or person.
   
   Here is the link:- http://www.infogreffe.fr/infogreffe/index.do
2. 2

   Step 2: Check the infogreffe registered address with the address on the trader's paperwork

   Ideally visit the premises. , All genuinely registered French businesses should be able to provide you with an up to date Statement called an 'Attestation'. , This is known as the NAF code or Code APE.
   
   The details you obtain when putting the SIREN number into the infogreffe site will tell you the NAF code.
   
   Just float your pointer over the code and a description will appear.
   
   For example, Chartered Building Surveyors are NAF/APE code: 7112B Ingénierie, études techniques. , Businesses which only provide mobile numbers should be treated with much caution. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: business cards etc.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check if the business is appropriately insured (this varies depending on the profession/industry - building contractors have to have insurance which covers certain work for ten years).

5. 5

   Step 5: Check the industry sector of the business.

6. 6

   Step 6: Check if the telephone number is a mobile or land line (French mobile numbers usually start with 06).

7. 7

   Step 7: Ask for references of works already done.

Detailed Guide

About the Author