Home > Expert advice > Fact sheets > The professional card
The professional card
Pro Card
The real estate agent is an intermediary whose profession is regulated. It has been subject to a Code of Ethics since September 1, 2015.
He holds a card issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (by the prefecture until 1 July 2015), after the authority has verified that he meets the conditions set by law:
• professional competence,
• good repute,
• civil liability insurance,
• guarantee of return of the funds entrusted to it.
To obtain the professional card, the real estate agent must justify a level of professional competence defined by law: a diploma, a diploma supplemented by professional experience, or a long professional experience.
The real estate agent is also subject to an obligation of good repute: he must not have been the subject of a criminal conviction in the last 10 years.
He must also have taken out civil liability insurance and, if he has the power to receive funds, a financial guarantee. Thus, in case of default of the real estate agent, his guarantor will reimburse the customers the funds they would have entrusted to him.
Payments, such as commission or receivership, on the occasion of the sale or rental of property, can only be made by crossed out cheque, transfer, or money order. The real estate agent has the obligation to deposit them into a special account, the "escrow account " and issue receipt. However, he can collect his fees directly from his commercial account.
He holds a card issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (by the prefecture until 1 July 2015), after the authority has verified that he meets the conditions set by law:
• professional competence,
• good repute,
• civil liability insurance,
• guarantee of return of the funds entrusted to it.
To obtain the professional card, the real estate agent must justify a level of professional competence defined by law: a diploma, a diploma supplemented by professional experience, or a long professional experience.
The real estate agent is also subject to an obligation of good repute: he must not have been the subject of a criminal conviction in the last 10 years.
He must also have taken out civil liability insurance and, if he has the power to receive funds, a financial guarantee. Thus, in case of default of the real estate agent, his guarantor will reimburse the customers the funds they would have entrusted to him.
Payments, such as commission or receivership, on the occasion of the sale or rental of property, can only be made by crossed out cheque, transfer, or money order. The real estate agent has the obligation to deposit them into a special account, the "escrow account " and issue receipt. However, he can collect his fees directly from his commercial account.
Good to know
Commercial agents collaborating with real estate agents may obtain the professional card when they meet one of the diploma conditions set by Decree No. 72-678 of 20 July 1972. In addition, when there is a relationship of subordination between the real estate agent and an independent negotiator, the mandate contract can sometimes be reclassified as a permanent contract, which may allow the employee to benefit from one of the bridging clauses allowing the issuance of a professional card provided for by the decree of 20 July 1972 (ministerial response published in the OJ Senate of 8 August 2019, Question No 10167).
Other fact sheets
To go further:
Our guide to frequently asked questions about real estate is here to help you see more clearly.
Quickly find an effective letter template to meet your expectations as much as possible.
