French Commercial Register Extract Translation for Business Verification

What a French Commercial Register Extract Contains

A French commercial register extract, typically the Extrait Kbis for companies registered with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS), is the official snapshot of a company’s legal identity. It includes the SIREN identifier, a unique nine-digit number assigned by INSEE for statistical purposes, and the SIRET identifier which adds a five-digit establishment code. The extract also displays the APE code (Activité Principale Exercée), which categorises the company’s main business activity, for example, “62.01Z” for computer programming. Other fields include the legal form (e.g., SARL or SAS), registered share capital, registered office address, directors, and the company’s status (active, in liquidation, etc.). Understanding each field is essential when using the document for business verification overseas.

Key French Terms in a Commercial Extract

The table below lists common French terms found in an Extrait Kbis or equivalent register entry, with their English equivalents and plain‑English explanations.

French Term	English Translation	Explanation
Dénomination sociale	Company name	The legal name of the business
Forme juridique	Legal form	Type of entity (SARL, SAS, SA, etc.)
Capital social	Share capital	Amount of capital contributed by shareholders
Siège social	Registered office	Official address of the company
Numéro SIREN	SIREN number	Unique nine‑digit company identifier
Numéro SIRET	SIRET number	Establishment‑level identifier (14 digits)
Code APE	APE code	Statistical activity code (NAF classification)
Gérant / Président	Manager / President	Legal representative of the entity
Greffe du tribunal de commerce	Commercial court registry	The court that maintains the register

Why Businesses Translate French Register Extracts into English

International due diligence, KYC (Know Your Customer) checks, and supplier verification frequently require an English version of a French commercial extract. Banks and financial institutions abroad often ask for a translated extract when processing loan applications or opening corporate accounts. Cross‑border contracts and investment agreements also rely on a clear English rendering of the company’s legal structure, capital, and director details. From our experience translating similar documents, the most common requests come from companies verifying a French partner’s registration status for compliance or procurement purposes.

AI Translation vs. Official‑Use Translation: When Each Is Appropriate

For internal review, such as assessing a potential partner’s profile or understanding the extract during due diligence, an AI‑generated English version is instant and cost‑effective. Lekhak’s self‑serve AI translation produces a DOCX file in minutes, preserving the original layout and translating every field. However, when the document must be submitted to a foreign authority (e.g., a bank’s compliance team that insists on a certified translation), an official stamped version is required. Lekhak offers certified translation on‑demand for those cases; the choice depends entirely on the receiving body’s rules. Notarisation and apostille are separate government steps you arrange with the relevant authority.

What Lekhak’s AI Translation Produces

Upload your French commercial extract, PDF, image, or DOCX, and Lekhak’s AI platform returns an English DOCX within minutes. The translated file preserves the original structure: the SIREN/SIRET numbers, APE code, legal form, capital, and all narrative fields are rendered in clear English. Formatting such as tables and lists is retained. What Lekhak’s self‑serve output does not carry is a signed certificate of accuracy, it is a best‑effort AI translation suited for understanding and internal use. For official submission, you can request a certified translation through Lekhak’s on‑demand path.

When the Original French Extract Needs an Apostille or Embassy Legalisation

If the French commercial register extract is intended for use in another country, for instance, to incorporate a subsidiary in India or to file with a foreign regulator, the original document itself may require an apostille (under the Hague Apostille Convention) or consular legalisation for non‑Hague states. Lekhak does not perform these government attestations. However, a certified English translation of the extract may be needed as one part of that chain, and Lekhak can provide certified translation on‑demand for that purpose. You arrange the apostille or embassy legalisation separately with the French authorities (the greffe du tribunal de commerce or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

How to Obtain a Duplicate French Commercial Register Extract

If you do not have the original extract, a copy, called an Extrait Kbis for companies or a Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés extract for other entities, can be ordered online through the official Infogreffe service or the relevant greffe du tribunal de commerce. The process typically requires the company’s SIREN number and a small fee. Once obtained, the duplicate can be uploaded to Lekhak for instant AI translation into English. The official French government maintains a central portal for document requests; you may search by the company’s name or SIREN to locate the correct register entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AI translation accurate enough for a French commercial extract?

Yes, for internal understanding and due diligence. AI handles standard fields like SIREN, APE code, and legal form reliably. For official submission, a certified translation is recommended.

Do I need a certified translation to open a bank account abroad?

It depends on the bank. Many institutions accept an AI‑generated English version for initial review, but some compliance teams require a certified translation. Check with your bank.

What is the difference between a SIREN and a SIRET number?

The SIREN is the company‑level identifier (9 digits). The SIRET adds a 5‑digit establishment code, pinpointing a specific branch or office.

Can Lekhak translate scanned images of the extract?

Yes. Upload a JPG or PNG of the extract; Lekhak’s OCR extracts the text before translating it into an English DOCX.

Does the AI translation preserve the original layout?

The output DOCX tries to retain tables, headings, and field labels. Complex formatting (e.g., merged cells) may be simplified, but the data remains readable.

How long does the AI translation take?

Typically a few minutes. Once you upload the file and select French→English, the translated DOCX is available for download instantly.

What is an APE code used for?

The APE code categorises the company’s main activity for statistical purposes. It is part of the NAF (Nomenclature d’Activités Française) classification.

Can I use the AI‑translated extract for visa or immigration applications?

For visa applications that require proof of a company’s existence, an AI translation may be sufficient for supporting documents. However, official submissions often need a certified translation.

What if the original extract contains handwritten notes?

Handwriting may reduce OCR accuracy. If the extract is partially unreadable, consider requesting a certified translation on‑demand to ensure all content is accurately rendered.

Does Lekhak offer translation of other French business documents?

Yes. Lekhak supports 70+ global languages and can translate contracts, financial statements, and certificates from French into English using the same self‑serve AI flow.