What is a SIRET number?
Discover everything you need to know about the SIRET number, the unique identifier for French establishments.
Last updated: January 2026
SIRET Definition
SIRET (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Établissements) is a unique 14-digit identifier assigned to each establishment of a business in France. It is managed by INSEE (French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies).
SIRET = SIREN (9 chiffres) + NIC (5 chiffres)
SIRET Number Composition
SIREN (9 digits)
The SIREN uniquely identifies the business (legal entity or individual). It is the company's identification number that remains constant regardless of the number of establishments.
NIC - Internal Classification Number (5 digits)
The NIC uniquely identifies each establishment of the same company. It is specific to each geographical location where the business operates.
SIRET Example
Difference between SIRET and SIREN
| SIREN | SIRET | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 9 digits | 14 digits |
| Identifies | The business | The establishment |
| Uniqueness | One per business | One per establishment |
What is the SIRET number used for?
- Uniquely identify each establishment of a business on French territory
- Carry out administrative procedures (social and tax declarations, etc.)
- Appear on all official company documents (invoices, quotes, contracts)
- Verify the legal existence of an establishment and consult its public information
Frequently Asked Questions about SIRET
The SIRET is automatically assigned by INSEE when registering your company. Whether you create an auto-enterprise, SARL or SAS, you will receive your SIRET within 1-2 weeks after your file is validated.
Yes, any business operating in France must have a SIRET number. It must appear on all your official documents: invoices, quotes, contracts, and in the legal notices of your website.
Your SIREN (first 9 digits) stays the same, but the NIC (last 5 digits) may change when moving as it identifies the establishment. A new SIRET may be assigned while keeping the same SIREN.
You can verify a SIRET for free on the official INSEE website (avis-situation-sirene.insee.fr) or on sites like Pappers, Société.com or Infogreffe. These services allow you to confirm the existence and status of a company.
The SIRET identifies an establishment in France, while the intra-community VAT number (starting with FR) is used for commercial exchanges within the European Union. The VAT number is calculated from the SIREN.
Important notice
Official Sources
This content is based on official French government sources:
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