How to Check a SIRET (or SIREN) Number in France?
Originally posted on & updated on 10th October, 2025
If you’re planning construction, renovation or any kind of serious work on your French property, verifying the SIRET number and credentials of your chosen local artisan or company is essential.
What is a SIRET Number in France?
The SIRET (Système d’Identification du Répertoire des Entreprises et de leurs Établissements) number is a 14-digit code issued by the French INSEE. It serves as a geo identifier for companies and businesses in France.
If you need construction or any kind of renovation work done on your property, it is advised that before proceeding with an artisan, you verify the validity of their SIRET number.
A SIRET number ensures that the artisan is properly registered and licensed to work in France. There are several ways to verify if the artisan or company that you have chosen has a valid SIRET number. One of them is to use a website such as Manageo, Societe.com, or Score3 and search on either the name of the company or its SIRET number. They are useful to check a business before committing to a quote.
How to Find a French SIRET or Siren
Some online resources allow searching using the shorter version of the SIRET number, known as the SIREN number. The SIREN number is made of 9 digits; to find the SIREN number from the SIRET, simply use the first nine digits of the SIRET.
If you want to make sure that the artisan not only possesses a valid SIRET/SIREN but is also financially healthy, you can also check the “bilan de l’entreprise” (balance sheet of the company) to make sure the artisan is not about to file for bankruptcy or has not done so already.
If the artisan is recently registered or the INSEE database has not been updated, the SIRET number might read “SIRET en cours”, indicating that the SIRET number creation is underway. Learn what a K-Bis is and why you might need one, and you will definitely need a RIB with an IBAN to pay for services or get paid.
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