Whether you’re working, studying, or starting a business in France, you’ll need several official identifiers to access public services and meet legal requirements. This guide explains the essentials of the registered tax number in France, the French social security number, and the business identifiers you’ll encounter—plus how to obtain each one.
Key Identification Numbers in France
If you are moving to France for a medium- or long-term stay, these are the main identifiers you’ll need—starting with your registered tax number:
• National Registration Number (NIR)
Also called the numéro de sécurité sociale, this social security identifier is essential for accessing healthcare, benefits, and employment-related services.
• Tax Identification Number (TIN / NIF)
Known as the numéro fiscal, this is your official registered tax number in France and is required for all tax-related procedures.
• SIREN / SIRET
Business registration numbers assigned to companies, freelancers, and startups.
The French Social Security Number (NIR)
The French NIR is a 13-digit identifier called the Numéro d’Inscription au Répertoire. It encodes your gender, date of birth, and place of birth, and appears on your Carte Vitale—your access card to the French healthcare system.
Main Uses of the NIR
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Managing social benefits through CAF, Pôle Emploi, or MDPH
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Accessing healthcare via CPAM
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Employee registration and contribution tracking
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Managing pensions, family benefits, and workplace accident insurance
💡 Without a social security number, you cannot legally work or access the national healthcare system in France.
Who Needs a French NIR?
Anyone staying in France for more than 90 days can apply. Children do not need their own number—they are linked to a parent’s profile, which can be managed online through Ameli.
How to Apply for a Social Security Number
For Employees:
Your employer handles the request. You must provide identification, proof of legal stay (e.g., visa), and occasionally a translated birth certificate.
For the Self-Employed:
Apply through your local CPAM or URSSAF office.
For Students:
Register through your university’s health insurance partner or your local CPAM. EU students can use their European Health Insurance Card.
For Retirees and Non-Workers:
You may still qualify for healthcare rights. CPAM and CNAV can guide you through the process.
The French Tax ID: Understanding Your Registered Tax Number (TIN/NIF)
If you earn income in France, you’ll need a registered tax number, officially known as the Numéro d’Identification Fiscale (NIF). This 13-digit number is used by the tax authority (DGFiP) to track and manage your tax obligations.
Why the Registered Tax Number Matters
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Filing income and property taxes
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Accessing your online account on impots.gouv.fr
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Managing tax returns, adjustments, and payments
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Ensuring accurate calculation of tax liabilities
Even if you’re not currently paying taxes, having a TIN simplifies many procedures and ensures compliance.
What the Tax Office Knows About You
After you file taxes, the tax administration maintains a complete profile including your:
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Salary and employer information
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Property ownership and rental income
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Banking details (French and foreign)
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Family situation and benefits
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Other declared assets and income
When and How You Use Your French TIN
You won’t need a registered tax number to open a bank account or purchase a home. However, it becomes necessary for:
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Declaring income
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Paying property taxes
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Accessing your secure tax account on impots.gouv.fr
Once you have your number, your online dashboard allows you to manage all your tax obligations in one place.
Who Needs a Registered Tax Number in France?
Anyone—individual or business—who has taxable income must obtain one. While it’s not illegal to stay in France without a TIN, you won’t be able to declare income or pay taxes correctly, which can lead to issues.
How to Obtain a Registered Tax Number
Most residents receive their TIN automatically after filing their first tax return. It appears on your avis d’imposition (tax assessment).
If you need it sooner:
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Visit impots.gouv.fr
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Go to Votre espace particulier
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Select Vous n’avez pas encore de numéro fiscal ?
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Follow the guided steps
You can also visit your local Centre des Impôts to apply in person or request a lost number.
Business Identification Numbers in France
When you start a business or register as a freelancer, you are assigned:
• SIREN
A 9-digit number identifying your business entity.
• SIRET
A 14-digit number combining your SIREN with a 5-digit establishment code (NIC).
The SIRET changes if your business address changes, but your SIREN remains the same.
These numbers must appear on invoices, contracts, and all official documents.
Useful Resources to Get Started
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Impots.gouv.fr – File tax returns and retrieve your registered tax number
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Service-public.fr – Official forms and administrative procedures
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CPAM / URSSAF – Personalized guidance for employees, students, and freelancers
Need Help With Taxes in France?
French taxes can be complex—especially when you’re new to the system, launching a business, or managing international income.
At Taxes In France, we help individuals and businesses:
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Obtain their registered tax number
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Understand French tax obligations
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File accurate tax returns
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Register and set up businesses with the correct identifiers
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Stay compliant with French and international tax rules
Whether you’re an employee, student, freelancer, or entrepreneur, we make the French tax system clear, simple, and fully compliant.