SIREN and SIRET numbers explained: what you need to know
SIREN and SIRET are the two core identifiers of every French business. This complete guide covers their meaning, structure, differences, and how to obtain a SIREN statement or an official Sirene register situation certificate.
Last updated: May 2026
What is a SIREN number?
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 digits
Unique and permanent format for the entire lifetime of the business
What is a SIRET number?
The SIRET (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Établissements) is a unique 14-digit identifier assigned to each establishment of a business. It combines the 9-digit SIREN of the company with a 5-digit NIC specific to the establishment. A single business can therefore have several SIRET numbers if it operates multiple locations, but only one SIREN.
SIRET = SIREN (9) + NIC (5) = 14 digits
Structure of the numbers
SIREN and SIRET share the same logic: the SIREN identifies the company, the SIRET extends that numbering for each establishment. Here is how each one is formed.
How the SIREN number is formed
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
How the SIRET number is formed
The SIRET is built from two concatenated blocks: the 9 digits of the company's SIREN, then the 5 digits of the NIC (Numéro Interne de Classement) that INSEE assigns to each establishment. The result is a 14-digit identifier unique to every physical site.
- The first 9 digits reproduce the company's SIREN
- The following 5 digits form the NIC, specific to each establishment
- The last digit also serves as a Luhn check digit
SIREN vs SIRET: the differences you need to know
Fundamental differences
| 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.
Use cases for each number
SIREN and SIRET don't serve the same purposes: one identifies the company as a whole, the other each operating location.
SIREN number use cases
- 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
SIRET number use cases
- Issue invoices, quotes and delivery notes from a specific establishment
- Identify the exact establishment for URSSAF, tax authorities and VAT filings
- Distinguish two shops or offices of the same company
- Locate a business in public registries (address + activity)
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.
Sirene register situation certificate (avis de situation)
The avis de situation au répertoire Sirene is an official document issued free of charge by INSEE. It certifies a company's registration and lists its key information: legal name, SIREN, head-office SIRET, address and APE activity code.
Why the situation certificate matters
This certificate is used as an official proof for many procedures: opening a business bank account, responding to public tenders, applying for government aid, or verifying a partner. It is the most up-to-date and authoritative source confirming a company's legal existence.
- Free official document recognised by French administration
- Updated in real time from INSEE's Sirene database
- Useful for banking, commercial or administrative procedures
Reliable official sources
Only government platforms issue an authoritative situation certificate. Avoid third-party sites reselling this service — the information is free and publicly accessible.
SIREN statement (relevé Siren) and its implications
A relevé Siren (SIREN statement) is an official extract confirming a company's registration in the Sirene repository. It is often used interchangeably with the avis de situation: both are up-to-date extracts of the legal information filed with INSEE.
How to obtain a SIREN statement
A SIREN statement can be obtained free of charge in seconds:
- Visit avis-situation-sirene.insee.fr or annuaire-entreprises.data.gouv.fr
- Enter the 9-digit SIREN number or the company's legal name
- Download or print the PDF generated by INSEE, dated on the day of issue
- For an authoritative document, always use the official INSEE site
What to do if the statement contains an error
If your SIREN statement contains an error (outdated address, wrong activity, incorrect director), you must correct it at the source. INSEE automatically reuses the information declared through the single business formalities portal.
- Identify the exact faulty data (address, APE code, company name)
- Log in to the single formalities portal at formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr
- File an amendment declaration with the relevant court registry or URSSAF
- Check the updated SIREN statement 3 to 10 days after the filing
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.
FAQ about SIREN and SIRET numbers
No, each company (legal or natural person) has only one unique SIREN number. However, if it has multiple establishments, each will have a different SIRET (same SIREN + different NIC).
A SIRET only changes when an establishment relocates or closes. In that case, the establishment is issued a new NIC and therefore a new SIRET, while the company's SIREN stays the same. Customers, invoices and contracts must be updated with the new SIRET to remain compliant.
Verifying your SIREN number ensures the company is properly registered and active in the Sirene register, prevents fraud in commercial relationships, confirms the legal details (name, address, activity) printed on invoices, and keeps administrative documents compliant. A regular check via a situation certificate or SIREN statement takes less than a minute.
No, the SIREN is permanent and remains the same throughout the company's life, regardless of changes in name, activity or headquarters.
The time to obtain a SIREN varies: 1-3 days for an auto-entrepreneur, about 1 week for a sole proprietorship, and 1-2 weeks for a company (SARL, SAS, etc.).
The SIREN consists of 9 digits: the first 8 are assigned sequentially by INSEE with no particular meaning, and the 9th is a check key calculated by the Luhn algorithm.
No, a SIREN number is never reassigned. Even after the definitive closure of a company, the SIREN remains in the SIRENE database marked as "closed".
Important notice
Official Sources
This content is based on official French government sources:
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