Healthcare
Get your social security number
numéro de sécurité sociale (NIR)
What is it
The 15-digit number that identifies you to every French social security body. It appears on your Carte Vitale, your attestation de droits and your payslips.
Do I need it
Yes. If you were born outside France, you apply for it as part of opening your health insurance rights — it is not issued automatically.
When
As soon as you open your Assurance Maladie rights.
Where · mail
By post to the caisse d'assurance maladie for your place of residence, using form S1106.
Documents
Completed form S1106, "demande d'ouverture des droits à l'assurance maladie"
A photocopy of your ID or of a valid residence document
A complete, legible copy of your civil status document — a birth certificate showing parentage
Supporting documents for your situation, whether you are working or not, as listed in the form
How long
ameli states the review period for a permanent number is 9 months. A temporary number (NIA) is issued first and can be used for 9 months.
What happens next
Download form S1106 on ameli.fr →
- You receive a letter with a temporary number (NIA). It lets you be reimbursed, but not yet hold a Carte Vitale or open a compte ameli.
- Once your civil status documents have been checked, your permanent social security number is issued.
SOURCE: AMELI.FR
CHECKED 18.09.2026