Company name in France (raison sociale): definition and how to choose it
The company name (raison sociale) is the official name that identifies a company to the authorities, the courts and its business partners. It appears in the articles of association, on the Kbis extract and on all commercial documents. Choosing it carefully, and not confusing it with the trade name or the brand, helps you avoid hold-ups when registering your company.
What is the raison sociale
The raison sociale is the legal name of a legal entity. It is the name under which the company officially exists, the one written in the articles of association and shown on the Kbis extract issued by the commercial court registry (greffe).
Historically, the term raison sociale referred to the name of civil companies (for example an SCI or a professional practice company), while commercial companies (SAS, SASU, SARL, EURL) use a dénomination sociale. In everyday use, both terms now mean the same thing: the legal name of the business.
Company name, trade name and shop sign: the differences
The company name (raison sociale) identifies the company in legal terms. The trade name (nom commercial) is the name under which the business is known to the public, and it can be different. The shop sign (enseigne) refers to the premises where the business operates. A single company can therefore have one legal name, one or more trade names, and a separate shop sign.
A trademark, on the other hand, is a sign registered with the INPI to protect a product or service. Registering a trademark does not automatically reserve the company name, and vice versa. It is wise to check both.
How to choose your company name
First, check that the name is available in the INPI company database and on Infogreffe, to avoid confusion with a company already registered in the same sector. Then check existing trademarks in the INPI database.
The company name can describe the business activity, be an invented name, or use the surname of the partners. It must be consistent with the legal form and must not be misleading about the nature of the business. Once chosen, it is protected by registration in the trade and companies register (RCS).
Company name and registered office address
A company's legal identity rests on two inseparable elements: its company name and the address of its registered office (siège social). The registered office determines the competent court, the business formalities centre and the commune used to calculate the local business tax (CFE).
Domiciliation lets you set this registered office at a business address without renting an office. Koulier provides a prefecture-approved address that you pair with your company name when you register.
Set up your company's registered office
Pair your company name with an approved business address in Paris or Normandy, with mail handling included.
Explore domiciliationFrequently asked questions
Are raison sociale and dénomination sociale the same thing?
In practice, yes. Dénomination sociale is the official term for commercial companies, while raison sociale is the term traditionally used for civil companies. Both refer to the legal name of the company shown on the Kbis extract.
Can I change my company name?
Yes. A change requires a decision of the partners, an amendment to the articles of association, the publication of a notice in a legal announcements journal and an amendment filing with the registry.
Does the company name have to appear on documents?
Yes. Together with the legal form, the share capital, the SIREN number and the registered office address, it must appear on the company's invoices, quotes, contracts and website.