# Can a foreign company be a shareholder of a French company?

Mis à jour : 2026-10-24 · Source : https://legalrapide.fr/en/foreign-company-shareholder/

Yes. A company registered abroad can be a shareholder of a French SAS, SARL or SCI, or the sole shareholder of a SASU or EURL. The file additionally needs **the foreign company's registry extract, translated into French** if the registry asks, **its legal representative's signature on the articles**, and the **declaration of the individuals who own or control it** (beneficial owners above 25 % of capital or voting rights, directly or indirectly).

## What changes in the file
| Item | What you need |
|---|---|
| Proof the shareholder exists | Extract from its home registry (the Kbis equivalent), translated into French if requested |
| Signing the articles | Its legal representative, or someone holding a power of attorney |
| Beneficial owners | Individuals holding over 25 % of capital or votes, including through the foreign company |
| Capital deposit | The transfer comes from the foreign company: expect the bank to ask for supporting documents |

## Points to watch
- The bank receiving the capital runs its checks on the shareholder company and its owners: more documents, more time.
- The shareholder company does not have to be the director: a SAS can have an individual as president and a company as shareholder.
- Tax questions (dividends paid abroad, tax treaties) are for an accountant or lawyer.

## Sources
- [Service-public (FR): beneficial owner declaration](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F36703)
- [Service-public (FR): can a foreign national create a business in France?](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F22494)
- [Service-public (FR): finding a certified translator](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F12956)