What is the difference between SIREN and SIRET?
SIREN and SIRET are two distinct administrative identifiers for companies in France, each serving a specific purpose.
SIREN (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Entreprises)
A unique 9-digit number assigned to each company when it is created.
It is assigned by INSEE.
It legally identifies the company as an entity, regardless of its activity or location.
The SIREN remains the same throughout the company's lifetime and is deleted if the company ceases its activity.
SIRET (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Établissements)
The SIRET is a 14-digit code that uniquely identifies each establishment of the company.
It is assigned and managed by INSEE.
It consists of two parts: the 9 digits of the SIREN, followed by 5 additional digits called the NIC (Numéro Interne de Classement).
The SIRET is therefore specific to each establishment (if a company has several establishments, each will have a distinct SIRET).
It enables precise location of each establishment and tracking of activities at that level.
SIREN identifies the company as a legal entity, whilst SIRET identifies each establishment of that company, incorporating both the SIREN and an establishment code.
