Yes, you can open a bank account in France, but the process and your options depend on whether you live there
You can open a French bank account as a non-resident, but most banks will require you to be physically present in France to do it. A few banks offer remote account opening for non-residents, though they typically impose higher fees, lower spending limits, or require a minimum deposit. If you are a resident of France (holding a residence permit or planning to stay long-term), the process is simpler and you will have access to the full range of accounts and services.
The main barrier is not law—there is no rule against non-residents holding French bank accounts—but practicality. French banks are required to verify your identity in person or through certified documents, and they must comply with anti-money-laundering rules that make remote onboarding more complicated for people without a French address or tax number.
Key Takeaways
- Non-residents can open a French bank account, but most require an in-person visit to a branch, a French address, or both.
- A few online banks (Revolut, Wise, N26) offer accounts accessible from France without residency, though these are not traditional French bank accounts and come with spending limits.
- Residents with a French address and proof of identity can open an account in one to three days at most banks.
- You will need a French tax number (numéro de sécurité sociale) if you plan to work or stay long-term; tourists and short-term visitors do not.
- French banks charge monthly fees ranging from zero to €15 depending on the account type and bank, plus transaction fees for international transfers.
What you need to open an account as a resident
If you have a French address and a residence permit or long-stay visa, the process is straightforward. Bring a valid passport or national ID card, proof of address (utility bill, rental contract, or letter from your employer dated within the last three months), and your French tax number if you have one. Most banks will open an account the same day or within one to three business days.
Major banks with physical branches include BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, and Caisse d'Épargne. Online banks like ING Direct France and Boursorama also operate in France and often have lower or zero monthly fees. You will receive a debit card (carte bancaire), a checkbook if you request one, and online banking access.
Opening an account as a non-resident without a French address
This is where the process becomes difficult. Most traditional French banks will not open an account for a non-resident without a French address, because they cannot easily verify your identity and comply with regulatory requirements. Some banks will make exceptions if you have a French employer or a French family member who can vouch for you, but this is not standard.
Your realistic options are limited to three types of services: (1) online banks that operate across Europe and accept non-residents, such as Revolut, Wise, or N26; (2) opening an account during a visit to France in person; or (3) using a French bank's international division if you are a high-net-worth client or have significant assets.
Revolut and Wise are not traditional banks—they are payment platforms—but they issue debit cards and allow you to hold and transfer money in multiple currencies. N26 is a digital bank licensed in Germany that operates in France and accepts some non-residents, though it has tightened its rules in recent years. All three charge monthly fees (usually €0 to €10) and may impose daily or monthly spending limits for non-residents.
Opening an account in person during a visit to France
If you are planning to visit France, you can walk into a bank branch and open an account on the spot. You will need a valid passport, proof of your home address (a utility bill or bank statement from your home country), and ideally a French address where mail can be sent—this can be a hotel, an Airbnb, or a friend's address. Some banks will accept a temporary address; others will not.
Call or visit the bank's website before you travel to confirm what documents they accept and whether they will open an account for a non-resident. Société Générale and BNP Paribas have English-language customer service lines and are generally more accustomed to non-resident customers than smaller regional banks.
Once the account is open, you can manage it remotely through online banking or a mobile app. You will receive a debit card by mail to your home address, which typically takes one to two weeks. Some banks will issue a temporary card at the branch if you ask.
What documents you will need
| Document | Residents | Non-Residents (In-Person) | Non-Residents (Remote) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport or ID | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of address | Yes (French address) | Yes (French or home address) | Varies by provider |
| French tax number | Recommended | Not required for tourists | Not required |
| Proof of income | No (unless opening credit) | No (unless opening credit) | No |
| In-person verification | Required | Required | Not required |
Proof of address can be a utility bill, rental contract, mortgage statement, or an official letter from your employer. It must be dated within the last three months. If you are staying in a hotel or short-term rental, some banks will accept a booking confirmation or a letter from the property owner.
A French tax number (numéro de sécurité sociale) is not required to open a basic bank account, but you will need one if you plan to work in France, receive income there, or stay longer than 90 days. You can request one from the French tax authority (Direction Générale des Finances Publiques) once you have a French address.
Fees and account types
French bank accounts come in several tiers. A basic current account (compte courant) typically costs €0 to €5 per month and includes a debit card, online banking, and a limited number of free transactions. Premium accounts cost €10 to €15 per month and add benefits like travel insurance, higher transaction limits, or priority customer service.
International transfers out of France cost €10 to €25 per transfer at traditional banks, depending on the amount and destination. Online banks like Wise and Revolut charge lower rates (typically 1 to 2% of the transfer amount) because they specialize in cross-border payments. If you plan to send money regularly to another country, a Wise account may be cheaper than a traditional bank account.
Overdraft fees, late payment fees, and card replacement fees vary by bank. Ask about these before you open an account, especially if you are a non-resident and may not have easy access to a branch.
Getting a French tax number as a non-resident
If you are staying in France for more than 90 days or plan to work there, you will need a French tax number. This is separate from opening a bank account, but many banks will ask for it during onboarding if you indicate you are staying long-term.
To request a tax number, visit the local tax office (centre des finances publiques) with your passport and proof of address. Processing takes one to two weeks. If you are not yet in France, you can request one by mail or through the French tax authority's website, though this is slower.
If you are only visiting France as a tourist, you do not need a tax number to open a bank account. However, if you receive income in France or hold the account for more than a year, the bank may ask for one later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a French bank account online without visiting France?
Most traditional French banks require an in-person visit. However, online payment platforms like Wise and Revolut allow non-residents to open accounts remotely. These are not traditional banks, so they have lower spending limits and fewer services, but they work well for transfers and currency exchange.
Do I need a French address to open a bank account?
Residents need a French address. Non-residents can sometimes open an account with a home address, but this depends on the bank. If you are visiting France, you can use a temporary address like a hotel or Airbnb. Call the bank first to confirm what they accept.
How long does it take to open a French bank account?
In-person: one to three business days. Remote (online banks): one to five business days. You will receive your debit card by mail one to two weeks after the account opens. Some branches issue a temporary card on the spot.
What is the cheapest way to send money from France to another country?
Wise and Revolut charge 1 to 2% of the transfer amount. Traditional banks charge €10 to €25 per transfer plus a currency markup. For regular international transfers, Wise is usually cheaper. For one-off transfers, compare the total cost at your bank before deciding.
Can I open a French bank account if I am a tourist?
Yes. Bring your passport, proof of your home address, and a temporary French address (hotel, Airbnb, or friend's address). You do not need a French tax number. The account will work the same as a resident's account, though you may face higher fees or lower spending limits at some banks.