How to License a Security Agency in France
Here's what France requires to run your own security business, and the official portal to apply. This page covers the business (agency) license.
Run your own private security business in France (CNAPS authorisation)
A self-employed security agent in France needs three CNAPS titles at once: a carte professionnelle (to do the work), an agrément dirigeant (to run the business) and an autorisation d'exercer (for the business). A carte professionnelle alone does not allow you to take clients directly.
- 1Hold your own carte professionnelleTo carry out security work yourself you need a valid carte professionnelle (professional card) from the Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité (CNAPS), the French private security regulator.
- 2Register your businessRegister as an entrepreneur individuel (including the micro-entrepreneur scheme) or set up a company, so that you have a SIRET number.
- 3Obtain your agrément dirigeantFrench law does not allow anyone to operate a security business on their own account, or to run one, without a CNAPS director approval. You must show a clean record and a recognised management qualification.
- 4Apply for the autorisation d'exercerApply to CNAPS through the Dracar Ultimate online portal for an operating authorisation for the activity you will offer (for example surveillance and guarding, or close protection). The application must name a manager who holds a valid director approval.
- 5Upload your authorisation to XGuardUpload your autorisation d'exercer with your SIRET and CNAPS authorisation number. We check it against the CNAPS public directory.
See the full licensing requirements for France and the documents XGuard checks.
Once you're licensed
Create your free XGuard profile now — upload your license the moment you have it, and we'll verify it and start matching you to paid security work near you.
Start your XGuard profileFrequently asked: licensing in France
Do I need a license to run a security agency in France?
Yes: Run your own private security business in France (CNAPS authorisation). A self-employed security agent in France needs three CNAPS titles at once: a carte professionnelle (to do the work), an agrément dirigeant (to run the business) and an autorisation d'exercer (for the business). A carte professionnelle alone does not allow you to take clients directly.
How long does it take to license a security agency in France?
Training: Director approval needs a recognised management qualification, e.g. CQP Dirigeant (about 448 hours), or VAE. Renewal: Director approval every 5 years; the business authorisation stays valid while the business trades.
Who issues the security agency license in France?
Applications go through the official portal at espace-usagers.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr (https://espace-usagers.cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr/usager/app/accueil).
XGuard guides you to the official process; the regulator issues your license. Figures are sourced from official regulators and verified before publishing, but requirements can change — always confirm on the official portal linked above.