The profession of private detective, or private investigator (ARP), is a regulated profession in France, subject to numerous legal, administrative, and ethical requirements. Far from the clichés portrayed in television series, it is an activity governed by the Internal Security Code and supervised by the CNAPS (National Council for Private Security Activities).
Table of Contents
1. Initial training: an essential requirement
Access to the profession of private investigator requires obtaining a professional title of Private Investigator (ARP), level 5 (equivalent to a two-year college degree), registered with the RNCP.
This training is provided by institutions approved by the CNAPS, such as:
- IFAR, ESARP
- Certain universities offering the Professional Bachelor's Degree in Private Investigation (Paris-Panthéon-Assas University & Unîmes)
The program covers:
- Civil, criminal, and social law, and legal proceedings
- Privacy legislation, the GDPR, and professional ethics
- Investigation, surveillance, and monitoring techniques
- Drafting of reports admissible in court
- Management of a private investigation agency
Admission to training is subject to obtaining prior authorization issued by the CNAPS, allowing the candidate's integrity to be verified.
2. Conditions of access and professional license
To legally practice as a private investigator in France, you need more than just a professional license. Three separate authorizations issued by the CNAPS (National Council for Private Security Activities) are required, depending on the status of the person concerned.
a. Professional card (CAR)
The professional card is mandatory for any individual directly involved inInvestigation work. It is issued for a period of five years and is subject to validation of training approved by the CNAPS.
To obtain it, candidates must meet the following conditions:
Be of legal age and legally competent
Not have any incompatible convictions (clean criminal record)
Have completed training recognized or validated by the CNAPS
Obtain prior authorization to enter training
Submit an official application for a professional card to the CNAPS
Possession of this card is essential for any fieldwork. Failure to possess it constitutes illegal practice of a regulated activity.
b. Executive approval (AGD)
Anyone wishing to run a private investigation agency—whether as a sole proprietor (sole proprietorship) or as a company (EURL, SASU, etc.)—must obtain a manager's license.
This approval:
Is personal and valid for 5 years
Requires a Investigation by the CNAPS
Is distinct from the professional card, although a salaried executive may hold both.
Even if the manager does not conduct the Investigations himself, he remains responsible for the company's compliance and must therefore meet the same integrity requirements.
c. License to practice (AUT)
In addition to personal approval, all businesses (firms, companies, or secondary establishments) must obtain administrative authorization to operate. This authorization is linked to the legal structure and location of the business.
It is required for:
Officially declare private investigation activities
Ensure the legal traceability of assignments and contracts
Allow the CNAPS to carry out inspections at places of practice
The license to practice is issued for a period of five years and is renewable. Any opening of an agency without this license constitutes an offense.
Summary: what authorizations do you need depending on your situation?
| Location | Pro card (CAR) | Executive approval (AGD) | License to practice (AUT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee conducting Investigations | Yes | No | No |
| Non-salaried manager (sole proprietorship) | No* | Yes | Yes |
| Salaried executive (e.g., SASU with representative) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*The AGD is sufficient if the manager does not personally carry out Investigations. However, if he or she is involved in the field, he or she must also hold a professional license.
Duration and validity of authorizations
In theory, the CNAPS has two months to review each complete application, but this period may be extended depending on the time of year or the workload of the regional commissions. Each authorization (CAR, AGD, AUT) is valid for five years and must be renewed on time, with supporting documentation.
Penalties for non-compliance
Exercising without authorization exposes you to:
Administrative sanctions: warning, suspension, temporary ban, or withdrawal
Criminal penalties: up to 3 years' imprisonment and a fine of €45,000 for illegally carrying out a regulated activity.
Compliance with these procedures is a prerequisite for ensuring the legality of the activity, the admissibility of reports, and the trust of both clients and courts.
3. Practicing the profession: legal obligations and supervision
Private investigators have no police powers. They operate within a strictly private and legal framework, serving the legitimate interests of their clients.
He must comply with:
- The Internal Security Code, in particular Book VI
- The GDPR for data processing
- Professional secrecy, during and after the performance of an assignment
- The absolute prohibition on impersonating a public official (police officer, gendarme, etc.)
He is also required to:
- Keep a record of assignments and contracts
- Provide an objective, dated report that can be used in court
- Refrain from using any illegal means (wiretapping, intrusion, hacking).
The CNAPS carries out regular checks and may impose administrative sanctions (warnings, suspensions, withdrawal of authorization).
4. Continuing education: MAC ARP
Every five years, detectives must complete a Skills Update Module (MAC ARP) to renew their professional license. This module allows them to:
- Update your legal and professional knowledge
- Monitoring developments in ethical practices and obligations
- Maintain a consistent level of competence in the eyes of clients and courts
In the absence of a MAC ARP, the CNAPS may refuse to renew the card.
5. Legal status: choosing the right structure
Depending on their professional plans, detectives can choose from several legal structures:
- Micro-enterprise: simplified regime, suitable for start-ups, but with a turnover cap (€77,700 in 2025)
- Sole proprietorship (EI): more flexible, no capital required
- EURL / SASU: credible, secure for development, ideal for hiring
The choice will depend on:
- The anticipated volume of business
- The level of legal protection sought
- The desire to deduct expenses
- Fiscal and social objectives
The assistance of a certified public accountant is recommended from the moment the business is established.
6. Professional insurance and consumer mediation
Professional liability insurance (RC Pro) is mandatory for private investigators, in accordance with Article L612-5 of the Internal Security Code. It covers professional misconduct or negligence, invasion of privacy, and damage caused to third parties (incorrect reports, omissions, accidental disclosure of data, etc.)..
In addition, comprehensive business insurance, although optional, is strongly recommended. It covers the company's assets (equipment, premises, IT), operating losses in the event of a disaster (fire, water damage, theft, etc.) and risks related to damage to third parties or contractual disputes.
Since Order No. 2015-1033 of August 20, 2015, all professionals engaged in a liberal or commercial activity, including private investigators, are required to join a consumer mediation scheme. Private investigators must:
Register with an accredited mediator,
Include the mediator's contact details on quotes, contracts, and websites.
Inform customers of their right to refer the matter to this mediator in the event of a dispute that cannot be resolved amicably.
This obligation aims to enhance transparency and trust with customers, while facilitating the resolution of disputes without resorting to legal proceedings.
