Exploring Siren and Siret in France: A Detailed Guide
This article will provide you with an in-depth understanding of Siren and Siret numbers, along with their distinctions. We will also delve into how to obtain these numbers and how to make modifications when necessary.
In France, every business possesses a unique identification number to ensure its compliance and recognition in the commercial and legal realms.
These numbers are known as Siren and Siret numbers, serving as crucial elements in the operation of French enterprises.
Although they may appear as mere combinations of digits, they encapsulate vital information about the business, such as geographical location and legal status.
This article will provide you with an in-depth understanding of Siren and Siret numbers, along with their distinctions. We will also delve into how to obtain these numbers and how to make modifications when necessary. Whether you are in the process of registering a new enterprise or seeking to manage the identification numbers of an existing business, this article will furnish you with essential information concerning French company registration numbers.
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Table of Contents:
- Understanding Siren and Siret: What Do They Represent?
- Differentiating Between Siren and Siret
- How to Obtain Siren and Siret Numbers
- Utilization of Siren Number
- Utilization of Siret Number
- How to Change the Siren Number
- How to Change the Siret Number
- What If You Lose Your Siren or Siret Numbers?
- Lastly, What If You Encounter Abnormal Situations?
1. Understanding Siren and Siret: What Do They Represent?
Siren represents the "Business Directory Identification System," consisting of 9 digits.
Siret represents the "Business Establishment Directory Identification System," comprising 14 digits: 9 digits of the Siren number + 5 digits specific to each business establishment (known as the NIC, or Internal Classification Code, by Insee).
The Siren number is encompassed within the Siret number, hence often requiring you to provide your Siret number for your main establishment or headquarters.
2. Differentiating Between Siren and Siret
The Siren number is a unique identification number for a business.
The Siret number identifies each establishment of the business, providing geographical information that a Siren number alone cannot offer.
Examples:
1 headquarters and 2 sales outlets = 3 Siret numbers + 1 Siren number.
1 headquarters and 1 production factory = 1 Siren number + 2 Siret numbers.
One individual enterprise with two distinct activities = one Siren number and the same number of Siret numbers as the number of establishments.
One individual enterprise and one company = each business has 2 Siren numbers, with the number of establishments matching the number of Siret numbers.
3. How to Obtain Siren and Siret Numbers
They are assigned to you following your business registration (also known as business declaration).
You need not take any action to apply for them.
Once your registration application is accepted, you will automatically receive them.
You can find your Siren and Siret numbers in your personal space on the unique window of French business formalities.
Since January 1, 2023, it is no longer possible to carry out formalities at the Business Formalities Center (CFE). You must compulsorily complete these formalities on the unique window website.
If you haven't received your Siren number but require it, you can search for it on the Sirene directory:
If you haven't received your Siren number, you can search for it on the Sirene directory.
If it's not found, it's because your registration application hasn't been accepted.
As of January 1, 2023, Insee will no longer provide registration certificates. You can find all information related to your registration on the unique window website.
4. Utilization of Siren Number
- It allows you access to all legal and financial information regarding the enterprise.
- This data is public. Anyone wishing to consult can access the relevant information.
- You must provide the Siren number on employee payslips, all business documents, as well as administrative letters and forms.
- The Siren number automatically triggers the registration of your enterprise in the Sirene directory.
- The Siren number is encompassed within other business identification numbers: Siret numbers and European Union Value Added Tax (VAT) numbers.
5. Utilization of Siret Number
- The Siret number is used for geographically identifying your enterprise and each of its establishments.
- It identifies the location where activities occur.
- You must provide the Siret number on payslips for employees involved with the relevant establishments.
- The Siret number must appear on the business's invoices.
6. How to Change the Siren Number
If you are a sole proprietor (EI), your Siren number is valid for life.
If you are the legal representative of multiple companies, each company will have its own Siren number.
Cancellation of the Siren number is only possible in certain cases:
- For sole proprietors (EI): when the entrepreneur passes away or ceases operations.
- For companies: during liquidation.
Whenever your situation (or that of your enterprise) changes or the main activities change: You must report each change to the Business Formalities Center(CFE) in writing, regardless of the legal form of your enterprise.
7. How to Change the Siret Number
The Siret number changes whenever the address of one of your establishments changes.
You must report this address change to the Business Formalities Center.
Subsequently, you will find a new Siret number available for viewing in your personal space.
8. What If You Lose Your Siren or Siret Numbers?
These data are public.
Anyone can find or retrieve the Siren or Siret numbers of a business if needed. The legal and financial characteristics of a business are accessible to everyone and can be found on the Sirene directory or business directory.
Business DirectoryThe business directory can be used to:
- Retrieve your business's Siren or Siret numbers.
- Find business information (legal and financial data) different from your own business.For example: You can find European Union VAT numbers, APE codes, Siret numbers for all businesses registered in France, and all information published on Bodacc (Official Bulletin of Civil and Commercial Advertisements).
9. Lastly, What If You Encounter Abnormal Situation?
If you discover any irregularities in the allocation of Siren or Siret numbers, you must lodge a complaint in writing with the Insee regional office.
When you need to obtain a French Siren or Siret number, you can follow the information provided above for application and inquiries. These numbers play a crucial role in the operation and legal compliance of businesses in France, so ensuring you understand how to obtain and utilize them is vital for your enterprise.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can consult relevant departments of the French government or professional service providers. Micco wishes your business success in France!
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