Translating a Kbis extract is a common step for companies looking to expand internationally. In many administrative, legal, or commercial situations, foreign authorities require an official translation of the Kbis extract to verify the existence and legal identity of a French company.
Before requesting a certified translation of this document, it is important to know which supporting documents are needed and what information the file must contain. Preparing the documents correctly helps avoid administrative delays and ensures that the translation will be accepted by foreign institutions.
This guide explains in detail which documents to provide to translate a company Kbis extract, when a translation is required, and how to prepare your file for an officially recognized translation.
What is a company Kbis extract?
A Kbis extract is an official document issued by the clerk's office of the commercial court. It certifies that the company is registered with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) and that it legally exists.
This document is often considered the company's identity card because it brings together all the legal information relating to it.
A Kbis extract typically includes:
the company's registered name
its legal form (SARL, SAS, SA, etc.)
the SIREN and SIRET numbers
the registered office address
the company's incorporation date
the identity of its directors
its main business activity (APE/NAF code)
share capital
any insolvency proceedings or liquidation procedures
This information allows business partners, banks, and public authorities to verify a company's legal status.
Why translate a company Kbis extract?
A Kbis translation may be required in several international situations.
International business expansion
When a French company wants to work with a foreign partner, that partner may request a translated Kbis extract to verify the company's legal existence.
This request is common in:
international contracts
business partnerships
international tenders
Setting up a subsidiary or branch office
As part of an expansion abroad, local authorities may request a translated Kbis extract to verify the identity of the parent company.
The translation is often required for:
opening a branch office
registering a subsidiary
obtaining administrative authorizations
Opening a business bank account
Some foreign banks request a translated Kbis extract to verify the company's identity before opening a business account.
International administrative procedures
In some countries, a Kbis translation may be required for:
obtaining a business license
taking part in public procurement procedures
obtaining international financing
What documents should you provide to translate a Kbis extract?
Several documents may be required to obtain an official translation of a Kbis extract.
The official Kbis extract
The first essential document is, of course, the original Kbis extract.
This document must be:
legible
complete
recent
In many administrative procedures, a Kbis extract must be less than three months old to be considered valid.
A copy of the original document
In most cases, a scan or digital copy of the Kbis extract is enough to start the translation process.
However, some authorities require:
a certified copy
or the original document
The company's articles of association
In some international procedures, it may also be necessary to provide the company's articles of association.
These documents specify in particular:
the corporate purpose
the capital structure
the company's operating rules
A translation of the articles of association may sometimes be requested in addition to the Kbis extract.
Identity documents for company directors
For some administrative procedures abroad, authorities may request additional information about the company's directors.
In that case, it may be necessary to provide:
a copy of the director's passport
an identity document
The company's financial documents
In some situations, foreign authorities may also request additional documents, for example:
financial statements
annual accounts
tax certificates
These documents may also require an official translation.
Do you need a certified translation of a Kbis extract?
In many administrative procedures, a simple translation is not enough.
Authorities often require a certified translation.
A certified translation is prepared by an officially authorized translator and has official value for administrative use.
The translation generally includes:
the translator's certification statement
their signature
their official stamp
This certification guarantees that the translation is faithful to the original document.
Which languages can a Kbis extract be translated into?
The translation language depends on the country where the document will be used.
The most requested languages for Kbis translation are:
English
Spanish
German
Italian
Portuguese
Arabic
Chinese
Japanese
Russian
Some authorities require the translation to be completed in the country's official language.
Do you need an apostille for a translated Kbis extract?
In some international procedures, translating the Kbis extract is not enough.
Authorities may also request an apostille.
An apostille is an official certification that confirms the authenticity of a document.
It is used between countries that are parties to the Hague Convention.
In some cases, the apostille may apply to:
the original document
the translation
or both
How do you prepare a complete file for translating a Kbis extract?
To avoid administrative delays, it is advisable to prepare a complete file before requesting the translation.
Here are a few best practices:
check that the Kbis extract is recent
provide a legible document
confirm the required language
check whether an apostille is required
Careful preparation helps avoid administrative rejections.
How long does it take to translate a Kbis extract?
The turnaround time depends on several factors:
the target language
the complexity of the document
the urgency of the request
In general, a Kbis translation can be completed within a few days.
How much does a Kbis translation cost?
The price generally depends on:
the language
the number of pages
delivery deadlines
Each translation service applies its own rates.Conclusion
Translating a company Kbis extract is an essential step for many international business activities. This official document proves the company's legal existence and allows foreign partners to verify its legal status.
Preparing the required documents and using an official translation helps ensure that the file will be accepted by public authorities or business partners.
Good preparation is therefore essential to make procedures easier and support a company's international growth.
