# Which foreign documents need to be translated?

Updated : 2026-10-22 · Source : https://legalrapide.fr/en/reponses/documents-etrangers-traduction/

For the director's identity, a valid passport is generally enough. Other documents written in a foreign language, such as the registration extract of a foreign corporate shareholder or a civil status record, may need to be accompanied by a **French translation** prepared by a sworn translator, if the greffe (commercial court registry) asks for it. The guichet unique (single online filing portal) only accepts PDFs.

## Common cases
| Document | Translation? |
|---|---|
| Passport | Generally not |
| EU identity card | Generally not |
| Register extract of a foreign corporate shareholder | Often required |
| Articles of association of a foreign corporate shareholder | Often required |

Sworn translators accredited to the courts of appeal appear on the official lists; see the link in the sources.

## Sources
- [Guichet unique: supporting documents and annexes](https://formalites.entreprises.gouv.fr/justificatifs.php)
- [Service-public: finding a sworn translator](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F12956)