diff --git a/tryton/gui/main.py b/tryton/gui/main.py
index 749cf3d098..c0f49d0a3e 100644
--- a/tryton/gui/main.py
+++ b/tryton/gui/main.py
@@ -276,6 +276,7 @@ class Main(object):
 
     def set_global_search(self):
         self.global_search_entry = PlaceholderEntry()
+        self.global_search_entry.set_placeholder_text(_('Search'))
         global_search_completion = gtk.EntryCompletion()
         global_search_completion.set_match_func(lambda *a: True)
         global_search_completion.set_model(gtk.ListStore(
@@ -824,7 +825,8 @@ class Main(object):
                     self.favorite_unset()
                 CONFIG['client.lang'] = prefs['language']
             # Set placeholder after language is set to get correct translation
-            self.global_search_entry.set_placeholder_text(_('Search'))
+            if self.global_search_entry:
+                self.global_search_entry.set_placeholder_text(_('Search'))
             CONFIG.save()
 
         def _get_preferences():