Can a foreign company be a shareholder of a French company?
Updated 24 October 2026 · By Dragos-Razvan Toma
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
- Service-public (FR): can a foreign national create a business in France?
- Service-public (FR): finding a certified translator
Related
Can a non-resident own and run a French company?Yes: a foreign national can create a company in France without living there. What changes for EU and non-EU founders.Starting a company in France: process, costs and documents (2026)Form a French SASU, SAS, EURL or SARL: 7 steps, statutory costs from €201.96 incl. VAT in 2026, documents and timing.
Ready to start? Answer the questionnaire in 10 minutes; your complete file is filed within 24 business hours with the Rapide plan.
Start my company →