Security Guard Services in France

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in France

In France, anyone working in private security must hold a professional card issued by the Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité (National Council for Private Security Activities, CNAPS). The officer applies for the card personally, not the employer, after recognized training and an administrative investigation.

Regulator: Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité (National Council for Private Security Activities, CNAPS). Law: Internal Security Code (Code de la sécurité intérieure), Book VI, in particular Article L612-20 on the conditions that apply to private security employees. cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr

Requirements

• No conviction recorded in bulletin no. 2 of the criminal record for reasons incompatible with the duties (Internal Security Code, Article L612-20)
• An administrative investigation checks police and gendarmerie files for any conduct contrary to honor, integrity or good morals, or likely to endanger the safety of persons or property, that is incompatible with the duties
• Not subject to an expulsion order that has not been revoked or to a ban from French territory that has not been enforced
• For foreign nationals, hold a residence permit that authorizes work in France and, unless Article L233-1 of the CESEDA applies, have held a residence permit for at least 5 years
• Demonstrate professional aptitude, including knowledge of the principles of the Republic
• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the French language for the activity
• Obtain from CNAPS, before starting training, a prior authorization, or a provisional authorization if the training takes place within the hiring company; these authorizations are valid for 6 months and do not allow the holder to work

Application Steps

1. Obtain a pre-registration certificate from a training body
2. Apply to the CNAPS regional office covering the applicant’s place of residence for prior authorization to begin training (Cerfa no. 13851*02), or for a provisional authorization if the employer provides the training; CNAPS carries out an administrative investigation
3. Complete the recognized professional training for the activity within the authorization’s 6-month validity period
4. The applicant personally submits the professional card application to CNAPS (Cerfa no. 13852*02), together with a certificate from the employer
5. Receive the card, issued in the form of a personal registration number that is valid throughout France and remains valid after a change of address or employer

Agency Licensing

A security company must obtain an operating authorization from CNAPS before starting any activity, with separate authorizations for the main establishment and each secondary establishment. Any change must be reported to CNAPS within 1 month. Each executive, manager or partner must hold a personal approval issued by CNAPS. Operating without authorization is punishable by 3 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros; employing a person without a professional card is punishable by 2 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 euros. The company’s operating authorization has no time limit.

Armed security is a separate activity, and the corresponding training requires its own prior authorization. CNAPS distinguishes armed security (category D weapons), enhanced armed security (categories B and D) and enhanced armed security of sensitive sites (categories B, D and A1). Armed close protection of persons is also listed as a separate activity.

The professional card is valid for 5 years. Renewal is requested online at least 3 months before expiry; CNAPS advises against applications submitted more than 6 months in advance, and its online service rejects them. Renewal requires a continuing training certificate (MAC, maintien et actualisation des compétences, or maintenance and updating of skills) issued by a CNAPS-approved training body and covering the activities listed on the card. If the card expires before a decision is made, a receipt allows the holder to keep working, provided a complete file was submitted before expiry.

Sources

• Service-Public.fr: Private security activities (F24426)
• Légifrance: Internal Security Code, Article L612-20
• CNAPS: Training for careers in private security
• CNAPS: Information on the maintenance and updating of skills (MAC)

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the official regulator before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.