APE Code / NAF Code in France: Definition, List and Usage
Everything about the APE/NAF code assigned to every French company: how it is structured, how it is assigned by INSEE, where to find yours and why it matters.
What is the APE code / NAF code?
The APE code (Activité Principale Exercée — Main Activity Performed) is a 5-character code (4 digits + 1 letter) assigned by INSEE to each French company and establishment upon registration. It identifies the nature of the main activity carried out.
The term NAF code (Nomenclature d'Activités Françaises — French Activity Nomenclature) refers to the same thing: it is the nomenclature on which INSEE bases the APE code assignment. The two terms are therefore interchangeable in common usage.
APE code structure
How is the APE code assigned?
INSEE assigns the APE code automatically based on the activity description the company provides upon registration at the one-stop shop (formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr). This process is algorithmic and may sometimes not accurately reflect the actual activity.
Where to find your APE code?
- SIRENE situation notice: available at avis-situation-sirene.insee.fr
- Extrait Kbis: for companies registered with the RCS
- Pay slips: the company's APE code appears on them
- Pappers/Societe.com company records: public databases
What is the APE code used for?
Applicable collective agreement
The APE code determines which collective labor agreement (convention collective) applies to the company and its employees. This is one of the most important uses: an incorrect APE code can lead to applying the wrong collective agreement.
Statistics and sector studies
INSEE uses APE codes to produce statistics on economic activity sectors in France. Companies in the same sector share similar codes.
Work accident contribution rates (AT/MP)
The APE code influences the work accident and occupational disease contribution rate (AT/MP) applied by URSSAF.
Eligibility for certain aids
Certain aid or exemption schemes are conditional on the APE code (priority sectors, enterprise zones, etc.).
Most common APE codes
| APE Code | Activity | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| 4711F | Supermarkets | Retail trade |
| 6201Z | Computer programming | Tech / IT |
| 7022Z | Business and management consulting | Consulting |
| 6920Z | Accounting activities | Finance / Accounting |
| 4120A | Individual house construction | Construction |
| 5610A | Traditional restaurants | Food service |
| 8621Z | General practitioners | Healthcare |
| 4941A | Road freight transport | Transport |
APE code and self-employed (auto-entrepreneurs)
Self-employed workers (auto-entrepreneurs) also receive an APE code upon registration. This code is visible on their SIRENE situation notice and official documents.
Frequently asked questions
No, a company has only one APE code corresponding to its main activity. However, different establishments of the same company can have different APE codes if their activities differ.
You must contact INSEE directly (via the online form or by mail) justifying that your main activity has changed. INSEE can modify the code after processing the file.
It is not legally mandatory to include the APE code on invoices, but it is often mentioned on pay slips and can be useful in certain commercial documents.
There is no practical difference: the APE code is the NAF code assigned to a specific company. NAF is the name of the nomenclature (classification system), APE is the code from that nomenclature applied to a company.
RandomSiret Editorial Team
French business identification specialists
Last updated: 10/02/2026
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