How to get SIREN and SIRET numbers in France?

The registration of a company in France requires getting SIRET and SIREN numbers. These registration numbers are used for identifying a company concerning public bodies and administration. In the following lines, you'll find all the details.

The SIREN number (système d'identification du répertoire des entreprises) is used to identify the business as an entity. It is a unique and unchangeable code as long as the company doesn’t go through any legal changes. It consists of nine digits. 

The SIRET number (système d'identification du répertoire des établissements) identifies each establishment in the company. It consists of 14 digits: the nine digits of the SIREN number + the five digits corresponding to a NIC number (internal classification number). 

A company has only one SIREN number, but a company can have several SIRET numbers if it has more establishments apart from the head office. Thanks to these identification numbers, the Administration can list all the companies and their subsidiaries located in French territory in the SIRENE system.

The SIREN and SIRET numbers are issued free of charge by INSEE when the company is registered in the SIRENE directory, upon finishing the registration procedure before the competent center for formalities for companies (CFE). 

A company will get a certificate of registration in the SIRENE directory. 

The entire process will be finished within one month. If after a month SIREN and SIRET numbers are not assigned the progress of the application can be checked at www.sirene.fr.