What you need to open a bank account in France
To open a bank account in France, you need a valid ID (passport or national ID card), proof of address dated within the last three months, and your tax identification number if you have one. Most banks will also ask for your employment contract or proof of income, though some accounts for students or unemployed people do not require this. You do not need to be a French citizen or resident — many banks open accounts for foreigners — but you do need to be physically present in France or work with a bank that accepts remote applications.
The process takes between one and two weeks from the day you walk in or submit your documents online. Some banks offer same-day opening for basic accounts if you bring everything in person. You will leave with a debit card, online banking access, and an account number (IBAN) that starts with FR.
France has no single national bank account system. You choose from large retail banks (Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole), online-only banks (Revolut, N26, Wise), or smaller regional banks. Each has different fees, minimum balances, and requirements for non-residents.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid ID, proof of address from the last three months, and proof of income or employment to open most accounts in France.
- Large retail banks require you to visit a branch in person, while online banks like Revolut and N26 accept remote applications from most countries.
- Your account number will be an IBAN starting with FR, which you need for receiving salary payments and paying bills in France.
- Monthly fees range from zero (online banks) to €15 or more (retail banks with premium services), so compare before choosing.
- If you are a foreigner without a French address yet, some banks will accept a hotel address or your employer's address as proof of residence.
Documents to bring or upload
Bring originals or certified copies of your passport or national ID card. A driver's license alone is not enough. The ID must be valid — expired IDs are rejected by most banks, though some will accept them if you have a residence permit or work visa.
Proof of address must be dated within three months and show your name and the address where you live. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electricity, gas, water), a rental contract, a lease agreement, or a recent tax notice. If you just arrived and do not have a utility bill yet, a letter from your landlord or employer on headed paper stating your address and move-in date usually works. Some banks will accept a hotel booking confirmation or an Airbnb receipt if you are still looking for permanent housing.
Proof of income or employment means a recent payslip (bulletin de salaire), an employment contract, or a letter from your employer on headed paper. If you are self-employed, bring your business registration documents (SIRET number) and the last two months of bank statements showing income. Students can usually bring an enrollment letter instead. Unemployed people may be turned away by retail banks but can open accounts at online banks or through the Banque de France's right-to-account program if they have been refused elsewhere.
Retail banks versus online banks
Large retail banks like Société Générale, BNP Paribas, and Crédit Agricole require you to visit a physical branch. You will meet with an adviser, hand over your documents, and usually leave with a temporary card the same day. Full account opening takes three to five business days. These banks charge monthly fees (typically €5 to €15) but offer in-person support, overdraft options, and easier access to loans or mortgages later.
Online banks like Revolut, N26, Wise, and Bunq let you open an account entirely through an app or website. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, verify your identity through video call or selfie, and receive your account number within hours. Cards arrive by post in five to ten business days. Most online banks charge no monthly fee and have lower minimum balances, but they offer limited or no phone support and may not accept overdrafts.
If you are a foreigner planning to stay in France long-term, a retail bank is usually better because you will need a local adviser for things like opening a savings account, getting a mortgage, or resolving payment problems. If you are staying short-term or want a backup account, an online bank is faster and cheaper.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you receive an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) that looks like this: FR76 1234 5678 9012 3456 7890. You need this number to receive salary payments from your employer, to set up automatic bill payments, and to receive money from other people. Write it down or save it — you will use it constantly.
Your bank will send you online banking credentials (username and password or app login) within a few days. Use these to check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and set up standing orders (virements permanents). Most French bills are paid by standing order, not by check or card, so you will need to set these up as soon as you know your bill amounts.
Your debit card arrives by post within one to three weeks. When it arrives, you must activate it — usually by calling a number on the card or through your online banking app — and set a PIN. The card works in France and across Europe immediately. If you need cash, you can withdraw from any ATM (distributeur) in France for free if it belongs to your bank, or for a small fee (usually €1 to €3) if it does not.
Special rules for non-residents and temporary workers
If you do not yet have a French address, some banks will open an account using your employer's address, your hotel address, or even a care-of (c/o) address at a friend's house. Call the bank before you visit and ask what they accept — policies vary. Online banks are more flexible here and often accept any address you can prove with a recent document.
If you are a seasonal worker, au pair, or student on a temporary visa, retail banks may ask for proof that you will be in France for at least six months. Bring your employment contract or student enrollment letter showing the end date. Online banks rarely ask this question.
If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, or Norway, you have the same rights as French citizens to open an account. If you are from outside Europe, some banks may ask for additional documents like a work permit or residence permit. The Banque de France publishes a list of banks that accept non-residents; you can check this before visiting.
Fees and minimum balances
Monthly fees vary widely. Online banks charge nothing. Retail banks typically charge €5 to €15 per month, depending on the account type. Some banks waive fees if you receive your salary into the account or maintain a minimum balance (usually €1,000 to €5,000). Ask about this before opening — it can save you €60 to €180 per year.
Overdraft fees (dépassement de compte) are charged if you spend more than your balance. Most banks charge a flat fee (€5 to €10) plus interest on the overdrawn amount. Some banks offer a small overdraft buffer (€50 to €200) for free; others charge immediately. Check the fee schedule (conditions tarifaires) before signing.
International transfers out of France cost €10 to €30 depending on the bank and destination country. Online banks like Wise are much cheaper for transfers outside Europe (usually €1 to €5). If you plan to send money home regularly, this matters.
What to do if you are refused
If a retail bank refuses to open an account, you have a legal right to a basic account through the Banque de France's right-to-account program (droit au compte). Contact your local Banque de France branch with proof of refusal from the bank that turned you down. They will assign you to a bank that must open a basic account within ten business days. This account has no overdraft, limited services, and monthly fees, but it is yours by law.
If you are refused because you do not have a French address, try an online bank first — they are more likely to accept a temporary or foreign address. If that fails, ask the bank what address they will accept and provide it. Some banks will accept a letter from your employer or a notarized statement from a French resident confirming your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in France without a French address?
Yes. Online banks accept addresses outside France and will open accounts for people who do not yet live there. Retail banks vary — some accept a hotel address, an employer's address, or a care-of address. Call ahead and ask what they will accept before you visit.
How long does it take to get a debit card?
Retail banks usually give you a temporary card on the day you open the account, and a permanent card arrives by post within one to three weeks. Online banks send cards by post, which takes five to ten business days after opening. You can withdraw cash at ATMs and pay online before your physical card arrives.
Do I need a French tax number to open a bank account?
No. You can open an account without one, though the bank will ask for it if you have it. If you do not have a French tax number yet, you can provide your passport number instead. You will need to get a tax number (numéro de sécurité sociale) later if you work in France, but it is not required to open the account.
What if my employer wants to pay me but I do not have an account yet?
Tell your employer your expected start date and open an account before you begin work. Most banks can open an account within one to two weeks. If you are cutting it close, open an online account first — it takes hours — and switch to a retail bank later if you want. Your employer can change your bank details once you have your permanent IBAN.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both people must visit the bank together or submit documents together (for online banks). You both need valid ID and proof of address. Joint accounts are common for couples and business partners. Decide in advance whether both people can withdraw money independently or whether both must sign off on large transfers.