diff --git a/lib/Model/FederatedUser.php b/lib/Model/FederatedUser.php
index e9f4e9309..ac6a7ca2e 100644
--- a/lib/Model/FederatedUser.php
+++ b/lib/Model/FederatedUser.php
@@ -385,6 +385,10 @@ public function import(array $data): IDeserializable {
 	 * @throws OwnerNotFoundException
 	 */
 	public function importFromCircle(Circle $circle): self {
+		if (!$circle->hasOwner()) {
+			throw new OwnerNotFoundException();
+		}
+
 		$this->setSingleId($circle->getSingleId());
 
 		if ($circle->isConfig(Circle::CFG_SINGLE)) {