APE Code / NAF Code: Find your activity code

What is the APE code?

The APE code (Activité Principale Exercée, or Main Activity Performed) is a 4-digit and one-letter identifier assigned by INSEE to every business and auto-entrepreneur upon registration. It is based on the NAF nomenclature (French Classification of Activities) revision 2, which lists 732 codes covering all economic activities in France.

This code has several practical implications for your micro-enterprise. It determines your applicable collective bargaining agreement (if you hire employees), your professional insurance obligations, and most importantly the tax category of your activity: BIC (Industrial and Commercial Profits) for commercial and craft activities, or BNC (Non-Commercial Profits) for liberal professions. This categorization directly impacts your contribution rate and tax deduction.

The APE code appears on your INSEE status notice, your URSSAF declarations and your Kbis extract (or Sirene directory status notice for micro-entrepreneurs). It is also used for statistical purposes to map the French economic landscape.

How to find your APE code?

There are three main methods to identify the APE code corresponding to your activity:

1. Our search engine above: enter keywords describing your activity (for example 'web development', 'consulting', 'bakery') and browse the results. Each code comes with a detailed description to help you verify it matches your main activity.

2. The INSEE website (insee.fr): the official NAF nomenclature page allows you to browse the code tree by section (A to U), division, group and class. It is the most comprehensive reference source but can be complex to navigate.

3. Ask your CFE (Business Formalities Centre) or directly at the INPI one-stop shop during registration. Important tip: describe your activity as precisely as possible on the creation form, as INSEE will automatically assign your APE code based on this description.

Can you change your APE code?

Yes, it is entirely possible to change your APE code if the one assigned to you does not match your actual activity. This is more common than you might think, especially when the activity description provided during registration was imprecise or when your main activity has evolved.

The procedure is free and is done through INSEE. You must write a modification request letter explaining your actual activity and why the current code is incorrect. Send your request to the regional INSEE directorate that covers your registered office. Processing time is generally 2 to 3 weeks. Your new APE code will then be automatically updated on the Sirene directory.

Note: a change of APE code can have consequences on your collective agreement, your insurance and your tax category. Check these implications before making your request.

Most common APE codes for micro-enterprises

Here are the 10 APE codes most frequently assigned to micro-entrepreneurs in France:

Learn more: Create your micro-enterprise · Mixed activity · Micro-enterprise insurance