SIRET and SIREN numbers are a constant part of entrepreneurs’ daily lives. What do these numbers actually mean? SeDomicilier offers a comprehensive guide to help you understand the differences between SIREN and SIRET.
What is a SIREN number?
The SIREN number is a company’s identification number. SeDomicilier provides a comprehensive overview so you can learn everything there is to know about this registration number.
A definition of the SIREN number
SIREN stands for " Système d’identification du Répertoire des Entreprises" (Business Directory Identification System). This identifier consists of 9 digits. These digits remain the same throughout your company’s existence. In fact, the SIREN number does not change in the event of a change in business activity or a relocation of the registered office.
The SIREN number is assigned by INSEE, the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. All types of businesses must have a SIREN number:
- Sole proprietorships, including micro-enterprises;
- Single-member business entities: SASU, EURL;
- Business entities: SAS, SARL, SNC, etc.;
- Real estate investment companies: SCI, SCPI.
The SIREN number serves as proof of your company's legal existence. It is essentially its ID.
What is the SIREN number used for?
The SIREN database is publicly available. Government agencies that consult a company’s SIREN record can access its legal and administrative information. Members of the public can freely view a company’s data on official websites.
The SIREN number is required for all official procedures involving business owners:
- tax and social security filings;
- communication with URSSAF;
- communication with pension funds;
- procedures with the Business Tax Office (SIE).
To apply for public assistance or grants, you will need your SIREN number.
The SIREN number is essential for obtaining your intra-Community VAT number. This number facilitates trade between businesses within the European Union. Here is what it looks like:
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EN
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12
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345678901
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Country code
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Check digits
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SIREN number
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On which documents must the SIREN number appear?
The SIREN number must appear on certain documents:
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Business documents: quotes, invoices, commercial contracts, etc.;
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Legal documents: minutes of the general meeting, articles of incorporation, etc.;
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Employment documents: employment contracts, pay stubs, etc.
The SIREN number allows a company’s business partners to identify it precisely. Including it on official documents demonstrates transparency.
How do I get a SIREN number?
The SIREN number is assigned by INSEE. It is issued following your registration of business activity with the One-Stop Shop for Business Formalities, hosted on the website of the INPI, the National Institute of Intellectual Property.
You will receive your SIREN number after your registration has been approved by the business registration office responsible for your industry: URSSAF, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the Chamber of Trades and Crafts. The SIREN number is sent to the newly registered business owner within three weeks.
Where can you find your SIREN number?
Your SIREN number is assigned automatically. You can find it on your Kbis extract. It is also available in your business account on the Guichet Unique website. The Urssaf registration certificate and the RNE (National Business Register) certificate both include this important information.
The SIREN number for a business or nonprofit organization can be found on two official websites:
- sirene.fr
- annuaire-entreprises.data.gouv.fr
The SIRENE database contains the identification records of all French companies.
What is the SIRENE database?
The SIRENE directory stands for the Computerized System for the Directory of Businesses and Establishments. This registry is managed by INSEE. The SIRENE directory tracks the formation of businesses and associations. It contains legal information on all businesses, regardless of their sector of activity.
The SIREN directory contains the following information:
- the company name;
- trade name ;
- registered office address ;
- the primary business activity or APE code;
- the dates of establishment and commencement of operations;
- information about the director(s)
The information contained in the SIRENE directory is public.
What is a SIRET number?
The SIRET is essentially an extension of the SIREN number. SeDomicilier explains in detail what this identifier means for a business.
A definition of the SIRET number
SIRET stands for " Système d’Identification du Répertoire des Etablissements" (Business Registry Identification System). The SIRET number is assigned by INSEE when a business is registered in the SIRENE registry. This identifier consists of 14 digits:
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123456789
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01234
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The first 9 digits corresponding to the SIREN number
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The last 5 digits corresponding to the internal classification number (ICN)
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What is the NIC?
The Internal Classification Number (NIC) is one of the key identifiers for companies. It is assigned by INSEE. As the last part of the SIRET, the NIC identifies a specific facility within a company. The first four digits of the NIC identify the facility in question. The last digit of the NIC serves as a check digit for administrative purposes.
A company with multiple locations has a different SIRET number for each one. Even if the company has only one location—where its headquarters is located—that location is assigned a NIC. The internal classification number applies to all business sectors and all types of companies.
A sole proprietorship or business entity rarely retains the same NIC code throughout its existence. A new internal classification number is assigned for the following administrative procedures:
- relocation of the corporate headquarters;
- change of address for an establishment;
- opening of a new location.
A change to the NIC results in a change to the SIRET number. The NIC serves as a means of identifying the precise geographic location of each of a company’s establishments.
What is a SIRET number used for?
The SIRET number is essential for completing your company’s administrative procedures. It appears on your company’s corporate, commercial, accounting, and tax documents. The SIRET number identifies a company’s location.
Who needs a SIRET number?
The SIRET number applies to all types of businesses:
- Single-Member Commercial Companies (SASU, EURL) and Sole Proprietorships
- Business entities with partners (SAS, SARL, SA, etc.);
- Real Estate Investment Companies (SCI, SCPI)
- Professionals and tradespeople
A SIRET number is not required for associations, but it may be necessary.
Do nonprofit organizations need a SIRET number?
According to the government website dedicated to nonprofit organizations, France is home to more than one million active nonprofit organizations. What are their obligations regarding the SIRET number? SeDomicilier has all the details.
Is a SIRET number required for associations?
A SIRET number is not required for associations. It is required only in certain cases:
- the association hires employees;
- the association submits the application for public grants;
- The association engages in for-profit activities and either charges VAT or pays corporate income tax (CIT).
In any of these situations, the association must submit a registration application to the SIRENE directory in order to obtain its SIRET number.
What does the RNA number for organizations refer to?
When an association is registered, it is automatically assigned an RNA number(National Directory of Associations). This number helps streamline and digitize administrative procedures. The management of the RNA number database enables the generation of statistical data to provide a better understanding of the French nonprofit sector.
The RNA number is broken down as follows:
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W
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123456789
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The letter W, referring to Waldeck Rousseau
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9 digits for the association's identification number
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Did you know? The letter "W" in the RNA number stands for Waldeck Rousseau, who drafted the 1901 law on associations.
What information does the RNA provide?
The RNA provides access to detailed information about associations:
- name of the association;
- the purpose of the association;
- Head office ;
- the duration of existence;
- the legal nature.
When combined with the SIRET number, the RNA number allows for the precise identification of an association.
What are the legal implications of the SIREN number?
The law strictly regulates the use of SIREN numbers. SeDomicilier explains the implications of SIREN fraud.
What are the penalties for SIREN fraud?
The law strictly prohibits the fraudulent use of a company’s SIREN number. This constitutes a criminal offense. Commercial identity theft may result in legal action, including:
- a ban on managing a business;
- imprisonment for up to 7 years;
- a fine of up to 750,000 euros.
What remedies are available to entrepreneurs who have been harmed by SIREN fraud?
An entrepreneur who has been a victim of SIREN number theft can follow these steps:
- file a complaint with the police or the gendarmerie;
- report fraud to INSEE;
- to file a lawsuit with the help of a lawyer.
Legal protection for professionals provides you with legal support in the event of a dispute. The experts at SeDomicilier are also available to advise you.
A company’s SIREN and SIRET numbers are entered into a database via the SIRENE registry. Administered by INSEE, these numbers are assigned when the company is established. They serve as the company’s identification and are essential for its day-to-day operations.
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