For cross-border operations, translation of the Kbis is often an essential step. This official document is your company's identity card, attesting to its legal existence. It is required by many foreign authorities, whether to open a bank account, take part in a call for tenders, or defend your interests in court. But beware: translating a Kbis is not something you can improvise. It must be sworn in by an accredited translator specialized in company law.
Why is the translation of a Kbis so specific?
The Kbis contains precise information about your company: company name, legal form, share capital, registry office, identity of directors, SIREN number, etc. Each legal term has its equivalent - or not - in the target language. Each legal term has its equivalent - or not - in the target language. Translating this document without a perfect command of company law risks misinterpretation... and administrative complications.
Let's take an example: in English, the term "société par actions simplifiée" (SAS) has no direct equivalent. The translator must therefore find a clear formulation that reflects the French legal reality, while being comprehensible to the foreign interlocutor. This is all the more crucial if the Kbis is to be presented to a foreign tax authority or court. An approximate translation could jeopardize the validity of your application.
The need for a sworn translation
In most cases, the translation of a Kbis must be certified by a sworn translator. This means that only a translator registered on the official list of experts at a court of appeal is authorized to produce this type of translation. This is a common requirement for international administrative or legal procedures: without a sworn translation, your document may simply not be accepted.
Technical and terminological requirements
Translating a Kbis also means complying with strict rules:
- Format fidelity: the translated document must follow the layout of the original, to facilitate comparison by the authorities.
- Precise terminology: each legal term must be used rigorously, without free interpretation.
- Up-to-date information: as the Kbis is an up-to-date extract, the date of issue must also be clearly indicated in the translation.
A simple mistake in wording, a poorly chosen word or an omission can result in your application being rejected.
Why use a translator specializing in corporate law?
Corporate law has its own vocabulary, and its own peculiarities depending on the legal system. A general translator, even an experienced one, may not be able to master these subtleties. That's why it's essential to entrust the translation of your Kbis to a professional trained in legal issues and accustomed to this type of document.
At Legal 230, we know that translating a Kbis document involves much more than simply transposing words from one language to another. It requires a detailed understanding of the law, its terms and concepts. It's this expertise that we put at your service, to guarantee reliable, compliant translations, recognized by foreign authorities.
Case in point: a Kbis translation for a tender procedure in Germany
A law firm assisting a French company in a public tender in Germany needed to present a sworn translation of its client's Kbis. The German authorities required official certification of the translation. Thanks to an accurate and compliant translation, the company was able to respond on time, without the conformity of the documents being called into question.
Entrust the translation of your Kbis to legal experts
Do you need to translate a Kbis for international purposes? Don't take any risks with your official documents. Call on translators who specialize in legal matters, and are authorized to produce sworn translations.
👉 Contact Legal 230 to guarantee the reliability and conformity of your legal translations.