SIREN, SIRET, RNA: Key Differences Between French Business Identifiers
A clear comparison of SIREN, SIRET, RNA, RCS, APE and TVA numbers: what each means, who uses it, and how they relate to each other.
France uses several identification systems for its businesses and organizations. SIREN, SIRET, RNA, RCS, APE, intra-community VAT... It's easy to get confused. Here is the reference guide to understand everything.
Complete comparison table
| Identifier | Format | Issued by | For whom | Main use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIREN | 9 digits | INSEE | All businesses | Identifies the legal entity |
| SIRET | 14 digits | INSEE | All businesses | Identifies a specific establishment |
| NIC | 5 digits | INSEE | All businesses | Internal establishment number (= SIRET − SIREN) |
| RNA | W + 9 digits | Ministry of Interior | Loi 1901 associations | Identifies an association |
| RCS | RCS + City + SIREN | Commercial court registry | Commercial companies | Registration in the commercial register |
| APE code | 4 digits + 1 letter | INSEE | All businesses | Classifies main activity |
| Intra-EU VAT | FR + 2 digits + SIREN | DGFiP | VAT-registered businesses | EU commercial exchanges |
SIREN: the company identifier
The SIREN is the unique 9-digit number that identifies a company as a legal entity. It is assigned by INSEE upon creation and never changes, even if the company moves or changes activity.
Example: 123 456 789
SIRET: the establishment identifier
The SIRET is a 14-digit number that identifies a physical establishment of a company. It consists of the SIREN (9 digits) + the NIC (5 digits).
Example: 123 456 789 00012
A company with multiple locations has one SIREN but multiple SIRETs — one per establishment.
RNA: the association identifier
The RNA is the unique identifier for loi 1901 associations. Unlike the SIREN, it is not managed by INSEE but by the Ministry of the Interior.
Example: W751234567
RCS: commercial registration
The RCS is not a separate identifier but a registration mention. The RCS number of a company is: RCS [City] [SIREN]. Only commercial companies (SA, SARL, SAS...) register with the RCS.
APE code: activity classification
The APE code is a 5-character code classifying a company's main activity. It is assigned automatically by INSEE and determines the applicable collective labor agreement.
Intra-community VAT: the European identifier
The intra-community VAT number is used for commercial exchanges within the EU. In France: FR + key (2 digits) + SIREN. Use our VAT calculator to compute it instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Yes: the SIREN is simply the first 9 digits of the SIRET. If the SIRET is 123 456 789 00012, the SIREN is 123 456 789.
No, the SIREN is permanent and does not change during a transformation. It only changes if the legal entity is dissolved and a new one is created.
No. Non-commercial liberal professions (doctors, lawyers, architects...) do not register with the RCS. They have a SIREN and SIRET, but no RCS number.
RandomSiret Editorial Team
French business identification specialists
Last updated: 15/01/2026
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