European Unique Identifier added to Kbis extracts in France

French company registration is entering a new phase of European integration. As of December 2025, all Kbis extracts issued in France include the European Unique Identifier (EUID). This update affects every company registered with the French Trade and Companies Register and directly impacts businesses that operate, invest, or carry out checks across EU borders.

This article explains what the EUID is, why authorities introduced it, what changed for Kbis extracts, and how companies should respond.

How did company identification work before?

Until now, company identification in France relied mainly on national identifiers, especially the SIREN number and registration with the Registre du commerce et des sociétés (RCS). Although these identifiers remain legally valid, they were not designed for seamless use outside France.

As a result, cross-border checks often required manual verification, translations, or confirmation through local advisers. Consequently, mergers, restructurings, onboarding processes, and compliance reviews regularly faced delays and inconsistencies.

What is the European Unique Identifier?

The European Unique Identifier (EUID) provides a standardised way to identify companies across the European Union. EU lawmakers introduced it to support the interconnection of national business registers and to ensure that each registered company has one clear identifier at EU level.

The EUID follows a uniform structure. It combines the country code, the national register code, and the local company number. In France, this local element corresponds to the SIREN. Therefore, the identifier remains both readable and comparable across Member States.

Why did the EU introduce the EUID?

The EUID forms part of a wider effort to digitise company law and strengthen legal certainty across borders. Through the Business Registers Interconnection System (BRIS), national registers now share certified company data at EU level.

In addition, the framework supports transparency, reduces administrative friction, and strengthens trust between economic actors. At the same time, it supports regulatory objectives related to fraud prevention, KYC controls, and corporate accountability.

What has changed for Kbis extracts in France?

From December 2025, every Kbis extract issued in France displays the EUID. The document still proves a company’s legal existence and registration, certified by the clerks of the commercial courts. However, it now also links directly to European-level verification.

With the EUID visible on the extract, users can identify the same company within BRIS and consult certified data held by connected registers. As a result, national and European information aligns more closely, which reduces confusion and limits impersonation risks.

Why does this matter for businesses?

The inclusion of the EUID strengthens cross-border reliability. It allows companies, banks, advisers, and authorities to confirm that they are dealing with the correct legal entity, even when activities span multiple jurisdictions.

This improvement matters especially for cross-border mergers, group restructurings, due diligence exercises, and ongoing compliance monitoring. Moreover, the EUID reinforces KYC and AML checks, since it links national registry data to a European verification system.

At the same time, the update responds to rising risks of document fraud and company impersonation. By adding a European verification layer, the Kbis becomes easier to authenticate and harder to misuse.

How should companies act now?

Companies should review how they store, share, and verify Kbis extracts. In particular, internal records and compliance workflows should capture the EUID and recognise it as a reliable identifier for EU-level checks.

In addition, companies should continue to obtain Kbis extracts from official sources only, as altered or unofficial documents still circulate. The EUID does not replace national identifiers. Instead, it complements them and strengthens existing verification practices.

What’s next?

Managing company identification and registry data across borders requires careful coordination and full legal awareness. For more insights into corporate compliance developments in other jurisdictions, explore our article New SRL Rules in Romania from 2026: Capital and Compliance.

Klea transforms entity management by offering centralised governance, automated compliance, and secure collaboration tools. For this reason, businesses looking for an efficient, scalable solution can take the following actions:

Request a Demo – See Klea in action for your organisation.
Start a Trial – Experience firsthand how automation reduces workload and improves efficiency.
Talk to Our Experts – Get tailored recommendations based on your entity management needs.

Company secretarial software solutions play a crucial role in modern businesses that require structured governance, consistent compliance, and accurate legal entity management. With Klea, organisations can ensure corporate governance remains efficient, transparent, and risk-free.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on Klea’s website is made available “as is” for informational purposes only. Klea does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice and is not responsible for any actions taken or not taken based on the content found on this website. In no event shall Klea be liable for any loss or damages arising from reliance on the information contained herein.

For specific legal or compliance support tailored to your business needs, please contact Klea directly. Our team provides personalised guidance and expert solutions. Any reliance on general content without direct consultation does not establish any legal responsibility or liability on Klea’s part.