Regardless of its legal form, every French company or association is given at least one SIRET number. But what is a SIRET number, and how does it differ from the SIREN number? Where can you find a company’s SIRET number?

In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions about the SIRET number and explain how to get it and use it.

What’s in this article?

• What is a SIRET number, and what is it used for?
  
• How is the SIRET number formatted?
  
• What is the difference between SIREN and SIRET numbers?
  
• How do you obtain a SIRET number?
  
• Where can you find your SIRET number?
  
• How do you use your SIRET number?
  
• How do you change your SIRET number?
  

What is a SIRET number, and what is it used for?

SIRET stands for “Système d’identification du répertoire des établissements” (French for
“establishment directory identification system”). It’s a unique 14-digit identifier that the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) assigns to each establishment a company owns.

Typically, a company has a main SIRET number for its head office and additional SIRET numbers for its other locations. The SIRET number shows the exact location of the business activity and, where applicable, distinguishes between different establishments of the same company. It also proves to suppliers and customers that the establishment exists legally.

How is the SIRET number formatted?

The SIRET number consists of the SIREN number (a nine-digit business identifier) followed by the NIC (a five-digit classification code), such as this:

SIRET Number = SIREN Number + NIC

SIRET number example

For example, the SIRET number of UNICEF’s head office is 784 671 695 00087. Currently, in 2024, the association operates three secondary establishments—each with its own SIRET number: 784 671 695 00103, 784 671 695 00095, and 784 671 695 00079.

Note that the first nine digits of these SIRET numbers are the same. This is the SIREN number, a unique identifier that remains unchanged.

What is the difference between SIREN and SIRET numbers?

SIREN and SIRET numbers identify a company and its establishments.

The SIREN number identifies the entire company and acts as its legal identifier on French territory. Each legal entity, regardless of its status, receives its own SIREN number from the Insee upon registration. The SIREN number must be indicated on all company documents, administrative and tax forms, invoices, and offers. The SIRET number is generated from the SIREN number.

The SIRET number identifies the precise location of each establishment where the company’s business activities occur. This numerical code can identify a business location within the country, whereas the SIREN number does not.

A company with multiple business locations (such as a headquarters and three stores) receives a separate SIRET number for each establishment. However, the company gets only one SIREN number until it dissolves.

Like the SIREN number, the SIRET number is a unique sequence of numbers. These numbers act as an identity card for the company and its establishments.

How do you obtain a SIRET number?

Your SIRET number is automatically issued (at no cost) when your company registers via the business formalities portal.

Where can you find your SIRET number?

You can find your SIRET number on your dashboard in the business formalities portal. SIRET and SIREN numbers are public data, accessible through the SIRENE directory or the national business directory (“L’Annuaire des Entreprises”)—you can find a company’s SIREN or SIRET number by following these links.

How do you use your SIRET number?

Every employee’s pay stub and all company invoices to customers must include the SIRET number. So it’s key that you know your own number. For more details, see our article on the required information on invoices in France, which covers the SIRET number. Find out how to optimize your invoicing process with Stripe Invoicing.

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How do you change your SIRET number?

When a company changes its address, it gets a new SIRET number. You must notify any change of address via the business formalities portal. You will then receive a new SIRET number. If there’s a mistake with your SIRET number, reach out to the regional Insee office.