Good morning,
I am after some advice as have got conflicting advice and research on this topic so far.
I am a freelance Executive Assistant and Business support, auto entrepreneur.
I have created a website for it but am unsure about one thing. Do I have to display my registered address on the site??
I do not feel comfortable with it but I keep seeing that a professional business website needs it.
Does anyone know for sure the rules as what constitutes a ‘professional website’?
Thanks in advance for any knowledge shared.
Usually they have to show their raison sociale (official business name) and their siret and their address. I’m not an AE though so maybe one will be along to tell you more. Did you do the start-up workshop the CCI put on? Or a local pépinière d’entreprises?
@vero I did not do either of those things as I never heard of either.
I set up the registration of the business and created a new website, although I have taken the website down while I check this query out.
I can’t answer that question directly, but your address would be traceable via your SIREN if someone wants to find it i.e. you can’t hide…
Personally I wouldn’t trust a business that didn’t show it’s whereabouts to potential clients.
1 Like
Exactly, perhaps Nic would. 
@Badger new clients have address info on contracts etc.
I am a virtual business so the physical address in my opinion is not necessary for public display, but my opinion is irrelevant if the law says different.
I will consider a PO address if its necessary but I really feel my home address should not be there next to my picture on my website. Its weird.
Clearly, but not potential ones.
It doesn’t need to be shouted about, just in the small print.
My business was ambulatory i.e. it was all carried out in other peoples premises (electrician), but I still needed to say where I traded from, if only to confirm to people that their renovation project was too far away to be viable.
1 Like
https://www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/site-internet-mentions-obligatoires
Seems very clear.
Usually French websites have a separate tab ‘Mentions légales’ to keep all this stuff off the main pages. Have a look at a few websites and you’ll see.
3 Likes
@Sandcastle Very helpful thank you.
1 Like
If it reassures you, I’ve had my (UK) home address on my website for the last 15 years and nobody’s ever come round here without an appointment, nor have I been burgled. 
For UK businesses it’s mandatory to show an address if you are a limited company or a sole trader that sells online (which I do - photographs).
2 Likes
Yes, even on a website, considered to be a form of commercial documentation:
and
https://www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/site-internet-mentions-obligatoires
2 Likes
Your address needn’t be beside your photo …
You could even rent a couple of hours a week in one of those workspaces and use that as your address. And it would mean if you needed to see someone in person they wouldn’t be coming to your home, nor you to theirs.
A good idea in principle, but one not so slight snag with this idea is that Google won’t accept shared workspaces / serviced offices and the like as a valid address when you come to add your business to Google Maps. It has to be your actual geographical location, and they will require evidence in the form of a photo of the outside of the building.
- If your business rents a physical postal address but doesn’t operate out of that location, also known as a virtual office, that location isn’t eligible for a Business Profile.
- Businesses can’t list an office at a co-working space unless that office maintains clear signage, receives customers at the location during opening hours, and is staffed during opening hours by your business staff.
What a pity, I’ve seen lots of people in Bergerac working away in one of those places, it’s quite busy looking. So convenient.
@ChrisMann @vero
Thank you
Im not allowed a google location in France as my business is online. They refused my attempt for one.
Hence why I feel my website shouldn’t need one too! My exact location is irrelevant i would have thought.
Seems France requires it… quelle surprise! Awkward as always.
I will have to looka for a discreet location on there, use a po address or just not bother with website!
No, just logical. If you don’t have an address how do I know if you are who/what you claim to be? Also Google is one thing and French admin is quite another thing.
1 Like