LEI vs. SIREN Number: what is the difference?
LEI vs. SIREN Number: the main difference lies in their use. The SIREN number identifies a French company in national administrative registers, while the LEI code identifies a legal entity in financial transactions and international regulatory reporting.
A French company may therefore need both identifiers: the SIREN number for its administrative existence in France, and the LEI for its financial transactions.
Table of contents
- LEI vs. SIREN Number: what is the difference?
What is a SIREN number?
The SIREN number is the administrative identifier assigned to a French company upon registration. It is composed of 9 digits.
It is used to identify a company in French administrative databases, including with INSEE, the National Business Register, court registries, tax authorities and social security bodies.
The SIREN number is mainly used to identify:
- a commercial company;
- a sole proprietorship;
- a registered association;
- a private or public legal entity;
- an entity registered in France.
It is used in administrative formalities, tax filings, legal documents and relations with French public authorities.
What is an LEI code?
The LEI code, or Legal Entity Identifier, is a unique international identifier assigned to a legal entity. It is composed of 20 alphanumeric characters.
The LEI is based on the international ISO 17442 standard, which defines the structure of the identifier and the reference information associated with each entity. This standard ensures reliable, consistent and globally recognised identification.
It is used to identify a company, fund, holding company, investment vehicle or other legal entity in financial transactions.
The LEI is used by:
- banks;
- investment services providers;
- financial markets;
- custodians;
- asset managers;
- supervisory authorities;
- institutional counterparties.
For a complete overview of this identifier, you can read our guide: what is an LEI code?
LEI vs. SIREN Number: key differences
LEI vs. SIREN Number: these two identifiers do not serve the same purpose. The SIREN number is national and administrative. The LEI is international and financial.
| Criterion | SIREN Number | LEI Code |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | France | International |
| Format | 9 digits | 20 alphanumeric characters |
| Assignment | Upon company registration | Upon application to an accredited LEI issuer |
| Main use | Administrative identification | Financial and regulatory identification |
| Entities concerned | Entities registered in France | Legal entities involved in financial transactions |
| Renewal | No, except in specific administrative changes | Yes, generally every year |
| Use by banks | Yes, for national identification | Yes, for regulated financial transactions |
The SIREN number proves the administrative existence of a French company. The LEI identifies the same company in a financial context, particularly when the transaction involves financial instruments or reporting obligations.
Why the SIREN number does not replace the LEI
The SIREN number does not replace the LEI because it does not have the same purpose.
The SIREN number is a French identifier. It is mainly used by administrations, registries, business partners and public bodies in France.
The LEI, by contrast, serves an international financial transparency purpose. It enables financial intermediaries and supervisory authorities to identify entities participating in financial transactions in a standardised way.
In practice, a bank or broker may know the SIREN number of a French company but still require its LEI to process certain transactions.
The SIREN number may help verify the existence of the company, but it is not always sufficient to:
- buy or sell certain financial instruments;
- issue securities;
- open or use a securities account;
- carry out transactions through an investment services provider;
- satisfy certain reporting obligations;
- identify a counterparty in a regulated transaction.
The SIREN number does not provide international identification of the company, unlike the LEI.
When does a company need to obtain an LEI?
A company must obtain an LEI when it participates in a financial transaction requiring regulatory identification.
The most common cases include:
- buying or selling shares;
- buying or selling bonds;
- issuing financial securities;
- structuring an investment vehicle;
- opening a securities account;
- transactions carried out through a bank or financial intermediary;
- certain regulatory reporting obligations;
- identifying a counterparty in a financial transaction.
The need for an LEI applies to large companies as well as holding companies, SMEs, SPVs, funds and unlisted vehicles.
For a company, the request often arises when a specific transaction is planned: opening an account, issuing bonds, fundraising, making a financial investment or setting up an investment structure.
How to obtain an LEI with a SIREN number
To obtain an LEI with a SIREN number, the company must submit an application to an accredited LEI issuer. The SIREN number helps verify the existence of the company and the consistency of its official information.
The procedure generally follows four steps:
Prepare the company information The company must gather its legal name, legal form, SIREN number, registered office address, legal representative and any relevant group information.
Check the available documents The Kbis extract or an equivalent supporting document confirms the company’s registration information.
Submit the LEI application The application is sent to an organisation authorised to assign LEI codes.
Follow the validation process The issuer verifies the information and assigns the LEI code once the file has been approved.
For a detailed explanation, read our guide: how to obtain an LEI
Get support to obtain an LEI
Obtaining an LEI can be quick when the company’s information is simple and up to date. The procedure may become more technical in the presence of a holding company, fund, SPV, group or investment structure.
Get LEI supports companies with their financial identification procedures.
Our support may include:
- document preparation;
- verification of legal information;
- application submission;
- follow-up until the LEI is assigned;
- assistance in case of additional requests.
To start your application, you can access our dedicated page: LEI application
To discover all our support services, you can also view our services
FAQ
What is the difference between an LEI and a SIREN number?
The SIREN number identifies a French company in national administrative registers. The LEI identifies a legal entity in international financial transactions and regulatory reporting.
Can a French company have both a SIREN number and an LEI?
Yes. A French company generally has a SIREN number upon registration and may also need to obtain an LEI if it participates in financial transactions.
Is the SIREN number sufficient for financial transactions?
No. The SIREN number can identify a company in France, but certain financial transactions require an active LEI.
Does the LEI replace the SIREN number?
No. The LEI does not replace the SIREN number. The two identifiers have different purposes and may coexist for the same company.
How can a French company obtain an LEI?
The company must prepare its legal information, submit an application to an accredited LEI issuer and wait for the file to be validated.