Security Guard Services in New Caledonia

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in New Caledonia

New Caledonia applies the French private security rules set out in Book VI of the Internal Security Code, with the local adaptations laid down in Article L646-1. Officers must hold a professional card, and the High Commissioner of the Republic in New Caledonia exercises the powers of the prefect.

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 (private security activities), made applicable to New Caledonia by Article L646-1 (Title I except Articles L613-10 and L613-11, Title II bis and Title III, as worded by Law No. 2026-798 of 18 August 2026). The local ASPQ diploma was created by Order No. 2023-33/GNC of 17 January 2024. cnaps.interieur.gouv.fr

Requirements

• Hold a professional card, which certifies that the conditions of Article L612-20 are met
• No conviction recorded in bulletin no. 2 of the criminal record that is incompatible with the duties
• Undergo an administrative investigation, which may include checks of police and gendarmerie files, revealing no conduct 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• Not subject to an expulsion order that has not been revoked or to a ban from French territory that has not been enforced
• Demonstrate professional aptitude, including knowledge of the principles of the Republic, as set by a decree of the Conseil d’État (Council of State)
• For foreign nationals, hold a residence permit authorizing work (references to the European Economic Area are removed in the New Caledonian version)
• Have a sufficient command of the French language to carry out the activity (national rule in Article L612-20, applied with local adaptations)

Application Steps

1. Obtain proof of professional aptitude, for example a recognized private security qualification such as the Qualified Private Security Officer Diploma (Diplôme d’agent de sécurité privée qualifié, ASPQ) created in New Caledonia
2. Submit an application for a professional card
3. Undergo criminal record checks and the administrative investigation
4. Once the card is issued, work for an authorized private security company

Agency Licensing

Book VI of the Internal Security Code applies to companies as well as to individuals. According to guidance published by CNAPS, managers of private security companies and of their secondary establishments must hold an approval. The arrangements for the company authorization procedure in New Caledonia have not been confirmed.

Sources

• Légifrance: Internal Security Code, Article L646-1 (New Caledonia)
• Légifrance: Internal Security Code, Article L612-20 (professional card conditions)
• Government of New Caledonia: ASPQ professional reference framework, 2024 version
• CNAPS: official website

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