What is a Siren or Siret Number?
A SIREN number is a unique French business identification number and proves a business to be fully french registered. You will need this 9 digit number when contacting any French Administration. The difference between the SIREN and SIRET is that the extra 5 digits added onto the end of the SIREN number makes the full SIRET number. These digits refer to the business location.
How to get a SIRET number?
A SIRET number will be issued to you when you register your business. You will need to contact your (CFE) Centre des Formalities des Entreprises, which one, is dependant on your business activity :
Commercial – Chambre de Commerce et d’industrie
Trade – Chambre de Metiers et Artisans
‘ProfessionLiberale’ – URSSAF
‘Agent Commercial’ – Greffe
Agriculture – Chambre d’Agriculture
Others – Centre d’impôts
The CFE will forward your application to the Greffe (french commercial court) to check out any past convictions that could stand in the way of you starting a business.