What is a SIREN number?
Discover everything you need to know about the SIREN number, the unique identifier for French businesses.
SIREN Definition
SIREN (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Entreprises) is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned to each business or individual operating a business in France. It is managed by INSEE (French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies).
SIREN = 9 chiffres
Unique and permanent format for the entire lifetime of the business
SIREN Number Composition
The SIREN number consists of 9 digits divided into three groups of three digits for easier reading:
- The first 8 digits are assigned sequentially by INSEE
- The 9th digit is a control key calculated using the Luhn algorithm
- The number has no geographical or sectoral significance
SIREN Example
This number uniquely identifies the business
Difference between SIREN and SIRET
| SIREN | SIRET | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 9 digits | 14 digits |
| Identifies | The business | The establishment |
| Uniqueness | One per business | One per establishment |
| Example | 732 829 320 | 732 829 320 00074 |
The SIRET is simply the SIREN followed by the NIC (5 digits) to identify each establishment.
SIREN Number Attribution
The SIREN number is automatically assigned when the business is registered:
Who receives a SIREN?
- • Sole proprietorships
- • Companies (SARL, SAS, SA, etc.)
- • Associations
- • Self-employed individuals
When is it assigned?
When the business is created, at the time of registration with the Trade Register or the Business Directory. It remains permanent even if the business activity or location changes.
What is the SIREN number used for?
- Uniquely identify the business in all its administrative procedures
- Search for public information about a business (via INSEE, Infogreffe, etc.)
- Verify the legal existence of a business before working with it
- Appear on all official business documents
- Serve as the basis for generating SIRET numbers for each establishment
Want to learn more about SIRET?
The SIRET is the identification number for establishments. Discover how it is composed and how it differs from SIREN.
Important notice
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