Open a Bank Account in France: Steps and Requirements

Our French attorneys can help natural persons and businessmen open bank accounts in France, respecting the formalities applicable in 2026.

Quick Facts
Who can open a bank account in France?	Entrepreneurs who want to start a business in France, foreigners who want to be residents in this country.
Formalities to open a bank account for companies	In the case of companies, the Certificate of Registration is required.
Required documents for natural persons	Thet must present: – the residence permit, – a valid passport, – utility bill, – proof of income or copy of the work contract
Types of bank accounts in France	– saving accounts, – deposit accounts, – investment accounts, – debit accounts
Debit or credit card issued with a bank account	If the client solicits a card attached to the bank account.
Cash deposit to open a bank account	Basic accounts do not require a cash deposit. However, some banks might solicit a small deposit.
Fees to open a bank account in France	Depending on the bank, but most of them do not impose fees for opening accounts.
Banking services offered	– dedicated online platforms, – money transfers abroad, – credit options, – saving plans
Possibility to open a bank account online	Most banks in France accept the application of foreigners who want to open online bank accounts.
Possibility to pay the utility bills	Easy money transfers for utility bills
Overseas money transfers accepted	Yes, but banks in France might impose a fee for international money transfers.
Formalities for student bank account	– student card or proof of enrolment, – identification card, – residence permit
Loans option available	– general credits, – personal loans, – assigned credits, – refinancing loans
Offshore bank accounts (YES/NO)	Yes
We provide support to open a bank account in France	Our local agents can represent you with a power of attorney and take care of the bank account formalities.
Can I open a bank account in France from abroad?	Online applications available, however, legal advice is required
What is a general savings account in France?	For storing funds without immediate use of such an account
Opening joint accounts in France	Available option for interested clients
What to consider when choosing a bank to work with	– costs, – fees, – online services, – possibility to make international transfers, etc.
Specific formalities for foreigners who do not work or study in France	Cash guarantee is solicited.
Notarized translation of documents	Some banks in France ask for legalized and notarized documents for opening an account.
Mobile banking apps available in France (YES/NO)	YES
Free online banking services (YES/NO)	YES
Bank accounts for sole traders in France	One must present the incorporation documents issued by the French Trade Register.
Fees for company owners in France when opening a bank account	Fees imposed for business owners are higher compared to the ones for natural persons, but it depends on the selected bank.
Can a bank in France deny the application for opening an account?	Yes, your financial history can be verified by the bank and a letter of refusal can be issued.
Pension plans in France	Available packages provided by most banks in France
Online banking hours	24/7 access from the mobile app
How many banks are there in France?	Around 266 private and foreign banks, plus more than 300 public regional banks and credit institutions
Is it difficult to open a bank account as a foreign citizen in France?	No, as long as you have residency in France, a bank account can be easily opened.

What are the requirements to open a French bank account in 2026?

Depending on whether the client is a French resident or not, the bank will ask for various documents in order to open a bank account. The following documents must be provided:

an ID card or valid passport for EU residents;
the residence visa for non-EU citizens;
documentation that can be used as proof of address;
a payslip.

What is an eligible proof of address in France?

French banks will require paperwork which reflects the applicant’s residential address in France. According to the law, eligible documents confirming the address can be any of the following:

rental agreement/ownership contract;
a contract on the applicant’s name signed with a local service provider, such as internet, water, gas, electricity;
utility bills addressed on the applicant’s name (any type of utility bill is eligible).

Do I need to set up bank accounts for companies in France?

The registration of companies in France also comprises an important step referring to the bank account. This is required for depositing the minimum share capital and then for future financial operations in the firm. A bank account in France is needed for limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, partnerships, and other business forms.

Here is an infographic with extra details about bank accounts in France:

Can I open a French bank account from abroad?

Yes, it is quite simple to open a bank account without traveling to France. This requires our attention and support, as we can properly manage the process of opening a bank account in France, as soon as you offer us the required documents. Our lawyers in France can provide information on the procedure.

How can I be represented in the setup procedure if I do not come in France?

You can avoid a visit if you request legal representation from our team of lawyers in France, who can act on your behalf. This can be achieved if you grant us the power of attorney, a legal document that will reflect the matter for which you have hired us, in this case, to set up a bank account.

What bank services can be offered in France?

All banks in Franceoffer specific online services for a series of transactions. Internet banking services, payments, foreign currency exchange, money transfers between accounts, balance verifications, savings and investments, and insurance are among the important facilities that come with a bank account in France.

Can I request personalized banking services in France?

Yes, customers can request and receivetailored banking services in France, depending on their needs. Companies in France can also benefit from the services of a bank representative, on request.

How much does it cost to open a bank account in France in 2026?

There are no costs for opening a bank account in France, but there might be specific financial institutions that can ask for a small deposit. Fees for differentbank services are imposed, so this important aspect needs to be verified.

Is it possible to set up a joint bank account?

Yes,Franceoffers the possibility of setting up a joint bank account. For this, the individuals who will be the holders of the account must provide the standard documentation that we have presented earlier in this article.

Is it possible to open a bank account for minors?

Yes. In France, minors are entitled to be theholders of local bank accounts, for personal usage. In order to set up the account in this case, it is necessary to present the child’s identity documentation and the one of their parent/legal representative.

Can I open a bank account as a non-resident?

Yes, you can have the possibility of opening a bank account as a non-resident, but the rules are more complex. Our lawyers in France can present the policies applied by banks in such cases.

Information about how to open a French bank account can also be found in the following video presentation:

When can I use the bank account?

Your bank account can be used right away, as soon as it is registered in the bank’s systems.

Can my application be refused?

Yes. Those who apply to open a bank account in France must know that not all requests are met with a favorable response. In some cases, banks can refuse the application. When this happens, the bank must provide a reason why the application has been denied, by issuing a letter of refusal.

What can I do if my application is rejected?

You can address a different bank or contact Banque de France to request that you benefit from the entitlement to have a bank account in France, which is a special right applicable here. Bank of France will then designate a local commercial bank which must help you set up a bank account.

What categories of individuals can benefit from entitlement to a bank account?

This right is granted only in certain cases. It can apply to the following:

individuals who reside in France;
individuals who reside in EU member states;
French nationals who live outside the country.

If you want to set up a bank account in France in 2026, you can request the services of our law firm in France.