How Do I Check a SIRET Number in France?

A Simple Guide for English Speakers

If you live in France — especially as an English speaker — you’ve probably heard people talk about the SIRET number. Whether you’re hiring a plumber, electrician, builder, cleaner, or any kind of tradesperson or business, checking their SIRET is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself.

But what exactly is a SIRET number? And how do you check it when you don’t speak French?

Don’t worry — this guide breaks it down clearly and simply.

⸻

✅ What Is a SIRET Number?

Every legitimate business in France must have a SIRET number.

It’s a unique 14-digit identification code that shows the company is officially registered.

Think of it as:

• A business’s legal ID

• Proof they exist

• Proof they can legally work in France

If someone can’t provide a SIRET number, that’s a major red flag.

⸻

⭐ Why Checking the SIRET Matters

When you verify a SIRET number, you can confirm:

• The business is legally registered

• Their address is valid

• Their type of work is officially declared

• They aren’t operating illegally

• They are who they say they are

This protects you from:

❌ unregistered tradespeople

❌ scams

❌ poor-quality work

❌ no legal recourse if something goes wrong

For home repairs, renovations, and all artisan jobs, this step is essential.

⸻

🛠 How to Check a SIRET Number (Step-by-Step)

Good news: checking a SIRET number is quick, easy, and free — even if you don’t speak French.

You only need the 14-digit number provided by the tradesperson or business.

⸻

Method 1: Using the Official Government Website (INSEE / Annuaire des Entreprises)

1. Go to the official site:

annuaire-entreprises.data.gouv.fr

2. Enter the SIRET number in the search bar

3. Press Rechercher (Search)

4. View the company profile

What you will see:

• Business name (Raison Sociale)

• Legal status (Micro-entreprise, SARL, etc.)

• Address

• Date of creation

• Activity type (Activité / Code APE)

• Whether the business is active

If the SIRET doesn’t exist or is invalid, you’ll get an error message.

⸻

Method 2: Using Pappers.fr (Easier for English speakers)

Pappers is a free, user-friendly business database.

1. Visit: pappers.fr

2. Enter the SIRET number

3. Click Rechercher

You’ll get the same official information in a clean layout.

⸻

Method 3: Using Societe.com

Societe.com is another popular site, though it includes adverts.

1. Go to societe.com

2. Type the SIRET

3. Review the profile

⸻

🧾 What to Look For When Checking a SIRET Number

When the SIRET appears in the results, confirm the following:

✔ The business is active

Look for: “Actif”

Avoid: “Radiée” (dissolved) or “Cessée” (stopped)

✔ The activity matches the job

Example:

If you hire an electrician, the APE/NAF code should relate to electrical work, not web design or gardening.

✔ The name matches the person

For micro-entrepreneurs, the name shown should match the artisan you’re dealing with.

✔ The address is real

A complete address is a positive sign.

If anything looks suspicious, ask questions.

⸻

🧠 What If the Tradesperson Won’t Give You Their SIRET?

If someone refuses to provide their SIRET number or gives excuses like:

• “You don’t need it”

• “I’m fully qualified but not registered yet”

• “Trust me”

Walk away.

Working with an unregistered tradesperson means:

• No insurance

• No legal protections

• No recourse if something goes wrong

• Possible tax issues

Always insist on a verified SIRET.

⸻

⭐ Bonus Tip: Check Their Insurance Too

After the SIRET, the next step is asking for:

“Assurance décennale”

(10-year professional liability insurance)

This is especially important for:

• Electricians

• Builders

• Roofers

• Plumbers

• Renovation companies

They should send you a PDF copy.

⸻

🟦 The Easy Option: Use an English-Speaking Business Directory

If you don’t want to deal with French websites or worry about verification, you can use a trusted directory (like ours).

At Biz Où, our advertising policy aims to keep things:-

1. LEGAL – Advertisements must not contain any content that violates the law or omits anything that the law requires.

2. DECENT – Advertisements must not include content that could cause serious or widespread offence or embarrassment; nor should they display content that is not suitable for publication; or likely to subject Biz Où? to criticism or legal action.

3. HONEST & TRUTHFUL – Advertisements must not mislead consumers through inaccuracies, ambiguities, exaggeration, or neglect, about any matter that could influence their choice regarding the advertised product or service.

This saves you time, stress, and potential problems.

⸻

🏁 Final Thoughts

Checking a SIRET number is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself when hiring a tradesperson or business in France.

It only takes a minute, and it can save you from huge headaches later.

By following the steps above — or using a trusted English-speaking directory — you can hire with confidence, even if your French is limited.