Difference between SIREN and SIRET

SIREN and SIRET numbers are identification numbers for companies in France, issued by the Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques (INSEE). Both serve to identify businesses but differ in their structure and usage.

SIREN (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Entreprises)

The SIREN number is a unique identification number for a business.

• Structure: The SIREN number consists of 9 digits.
• Assignment: It is assigned to the business upon its registration in the SIRENE directory (national register).
• Uniqueness: Each number is unique and corresponds to a single business. It remains the same for the entire life of the business, from its establishment to its dissolution.
• Usage: All documents of the business must indicate it, as it is a point of reference for all procedures with administrative authorities.

SIRET (Système d’Identification du Répertoire des Etablissements)

The SIRET number is an identification number for a specific business establishment.

• Structure: The SIRET number consists of 14 digits. The first 9 digits correspond to the company's SIREN number, the last 5 digits are the Internal Classification Number (NIC).
• Assignment: The SIRET number is assigned by INSEE when a business establishment is officially registered. Each registered address corresponds to a different SIRET number.
• Uniqueness: Each business establishment has a unique SIRET number. If a business has multiple establishments, it accordingly has multiple SIRET numbers.
  • Attention: The SIRET number can change, if the location of the establishment changes, as the last five digits of the SIRET number represent the geographic location of the establishment.
• Usage: The SIRET number must be indicated on all official documents of the establishment. It serves as an identification number for the establishment in all procedures with administrative authorities.

Summary

The SIREN number identifies a business as a whole, while the SIRET number specifically identifies a business establishment. Both are important identification numbers in France and are assigned by INSEE.