What is SIREN and SIRET? French Company Number Guide
What are SIREN and SIRET numbers, what are they used for, how to verify them? Everything you need to know about the French company identification system.
What is SIREN and SIRET? French Company Number Guide
Understanding the French company identification system is crucial for entrepreneurs working in international trade and the European market. In this guide, we explain what SIREN and SIRET numbers are, what they are used for, and how to verify them.
What is SIREN?
SIREN (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des ENtreprises) is a unique 9-digit identification number assigned to every business operating in France.
This number is issued by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) and remains unchanged throughout a company's lifecycle. The SIREN number stays the same unless the company is liquidated or completely closed.
Characteristics of SIREN numbers:
- Consists of 9 digits
- Unique across all of France
- Remains the same even if company name or address changes
- Assigned by INSEE
You can verify your SIREN number using our SIRET/SIREN Validator tool.
What is SIRET?
SIRET (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Etablissements) is a unique 14-digit number that identifies each physical location of a business.
The SIRET number is created by adding a 5-digit code called NIC (Numéro Interne de Classement) to the end of the SIREN number. This allows the headquarters and branches of a company to be identified separately.
Structure of SIRET numbers:
- First 9 digits: SIREN number
- Last 5 digits: NIC (branch code)
- Total: 14 digits
For example, if a company has headquarters in Paris and a branch in Lyon, the same SIREN number is used for both locations, but different SIRET numbers are assigned.
You can quickly verify SIRET numbers with our SIRET/SIREN Validator tool.
Difference Between SIREN and SIRET
Understanding the key differences between the two numbering systems is important in international business relations.
SIREN
- Identifies the company as a whole
- Consists of 9 digits
- Single number per company
- Does not change until company closes
SIRET
- Identifies each branch separately
- Consists of 14 digits
- Different number for each location
- New SIRET obtained when address changes
Comparison Table
| Feature | SIREN | SIRET |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Digits | 9 | 14 |
| What it Identifies | Company | Branch/Location |
| Uniqueness | One per company | One per location |
| Variability | Fixed | Renewed when address changes |
| Structure | Single block | SIREN + NIC |
You can check both numbers with our SIRET/SIREN Validator tool.
What is SIREN Number Used For?
SIREN number is required for many official and commercial transactions in France:
Official Transactions
- Tax returns
- Social security procedures
- Government tenders
- Legal documents
Commercial Transactions
- Invoice issuance
- Opening bank accounts
- Signing contracts
- Supplier relations
Identity Verification
- Business partner reliability check
- Customer verification
- Supplier research
What is SIRET Number Used For?
SIRET number is used especially in situations where physical locations need to be identified:
- Delivery address verification
- Branch-based reporting
- Local tax procedures
- Regional statistics
Why Do Companies in France Use SIREN/SIRET?
The SIREN/SIRET system in France is designed to provide transparency and traceability in the business world:
Transparency
Having a unique identity for each company helps prevent fraud and deception.
Traceability
Government agencies can track companies' activities and tax obligations.
Reliability
Business partners can verify that the companies they work with are real and legal.
How to Look Up a SIREN Number?
There are several methods to look up a French company's SIREN number:
Official Sources
- Sirene Database: INSEE's official company database
- Infogreffe: Commercial court records
- Societe.com: Company information portal
Lookup Steps
- Enter the company name or SIREN number
- Review the results
- Check the company status
- Verify active/inactive status
You can also check the format and algorithm of the number with our SIRET/SIREN Validator tool.
How to Verify a Company with SIREN?
Verifying the SIREN number is important to check the reliability of a business partner:
Verification Steps
- Obtain the SIREN number
- Check the format (9 digits)
- Perform Luhn algorithm check
- Look up in official database
- Review company status
Things to Note
- Number must be 9 digits
- Must consist only of digits
- Must comply with Luhn algorithm
- Company must be in "active" status
Our SIRET/SIREN Validator tool automatically checks the format and algorithm of the number you enter.
Is SIREN the Same as VAT Number (TVA)?
No, SIREN and VAT number are different concepts:
SIREN
- National company identification number
- Consists of 9 digits
- Used only in France
- Issued by INSEE
VAT Number (Numéro de TVA)
- European Union VAT identification number
- Format: FR + 11 digits
- Valid across Europe
- Issued by tax authority
Relationship
French VAT number is derived from SIREN number:
- Format: FR + 2 check digits + 9-digit SIREN
- Example: FR12 123456789
Comparison
| Feature | SIREN | VAT (TVA) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Company identity | VAT transactions |
| Format | 9 digits | FR + 11 digits |
| Scope | France | EU-wide |
| Issuing Authority | INSEE | Tax authority |
Why Should Someone from Turkey Know About SIREN/SIRET?
SIREN/SIRET knowledge is important for Turkish entrepreneurs and businesses in the following situations:
E-commerce Sellers
Turkish sellers selling on French marketplaces can use these numbers to verify French suppliers or customers.
Import-Export
Companies trading with France can look up SIREN to check the reliability of their business partners.
Freelancers
Freelancers working with French companies can verify the legal status of their clients.
Investors
Turkish investors looking to establish business in France should understand this system.
Importance of SIREN/SIRET for International Trade
Company verification is a critical step in international trade:
Risk Management
- Protection from fake companies
- Reducing fraud risk
- Finding reliable business partners
Legal Compliance
- Meeting invoice requirements
- Correctly determining tax obligations
- Compliance with EU regulations
Business Development
- Researching potential partners
- Conducting market analysis
- Competitive analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is SIREN number obtained?
SIREN number is automatically assigned by INSEE when establishing a company in France or starting freelance activities. Foreign companies cannot directly obtain a SIREN.
Does SIRET number change?
Yes, when a company's address changes, a new SIRET number is obtained. However, the SIREN number remains the same.
Can business be done in France without a SIREN number?
No, every business legally operating in France must have a SIREN number. Official transactions cannot be made without this number.
Is SIREN lookup free?
Basic lookup is generally free. However, paid services are also available for detailed company reports.
How long does it take to get a SIREN number?
In general practice, a SIREN number is assigned within a few business days after company establishment procedures are completed.
How to identify a fake SIREN number?
SIREN number is verified according to the Luhn algorithm. Our SIRET/SIREN Validator tool performs this check automatically.
Conclusion
SIREN and SIRET numbers are unique identification numbers for businesses in France. Understanding this system is important for entrepreneurs engaged in international trade in terms of establishing reliable business relationships.
This information is for general purposes and should be verified from official sources. Expert consultation is recommended for legal or tax matters.
You can verify SIREN and SIRET numbers using our SIRET/SIREN Validator tool.