What you need to open a French bank account
French banks require proof of identity, proof of address, and proof that you live in France or the EU. The specific documents vary by bank and by whether you are a French citizen, an EU citizen, or a non-EU foreigner, but the core requirement is the same: you must show you are who you say you are and that you actually live where you claim to live.
Most banks will ask for a national ID card or passport, a recent utility bill or rental agreement (usually dated within the last three months), and proof of income or employment. Some banks also require a reference from another bank, though this is less common now. Non-EU citizens may need a residence permit or visa showing they are legally in France.
The process typically takes one to two weeks from the day you submit your documents to the day your account opens and your debit card arrives. Some banks offer same-day account opening if you visit a branch in person with all documents ready.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a valid passport or national ID, proof of address dated within three months, and proof of income or employment to open an account at any French bank.
- Non-EU citizens must show a residence permit or long-stay visa; EU citizens need only their ID and proof of address.
- French banks charge monthly fees that range from zero to roughly €15 per month depending on the bank and account type; compare fees before you choose.
- Opening an account in person at a branch usually takes one to two weeks; online-only banks may be faster but offer fewer services.
- Once your account opens, you can set up direct deposit for salary and direct debit for bills, which are the standard payment methods in France.
Documents you must bring or upload
Start with identity. A French national ID card (carte d'identité), a passport, or a residence permit all work. The document must be valid — expired IDs are rejected. If you are an EU citizen without a French ID, your national passport is sufficient.
Next, proof of address. A utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet), a rental agreement, or a recent lease works. The document must be dated within the last three months and show your name and the address where you want to open the account. A mobile phone bill or bank statement from another country does not count. If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed rental agreement or a letter from your landlord stating your address and move-in date will usually work.
Third, proof of income or employment. A recent payslip, an employment contract, or a letter from your employer stating your salary works. If you are self-employed, a copy of your business registration (SIRET number in France) or recent tax return is typical. Students may use a student ID and proof of enrollment. If you have no income, some banks will still open an account but may require a minimum deposit or proof that someone else will fund the account.
Non-EU citizens must also show a residence permit (carte de séjour) or a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour). This document proves you are legally in France and not just visiting.
Where to open an account: branch banks versus online banks
France has two main routes: traditional banks with physical branches and online-only banks. Branch banks include BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, and Crédit Mutuel. These banks have staff who can walk you through the process, answer questions in person, and often approve accounts faster. They also offer services like safe deposit boxes and in-person financial advice. The trade-off is higher monthly fees, usually €5 to €15 per month.
Online banks like Revolut, N26, Wise, and Boursorama offer lower or zero monthly fees and faster account opening — sometimes same-day. You upload documents through an app, and the bank verifies them electronically. The downside is limited customer service: most online banks have no physical branches, so if something goes wrong, you deal with them by email or chat. Online banks are best if you are comfortable managing money digitally and do not need face-to-face support.
A middle ground exists: banks like ING France and Fortuneo have minimal branch networks but offer phone and email support, lower fees than traditional banks, and faster opening than branch-heavy banks.
Step-by-step: opening an account in person at a branch
Call or visit the branch nearest you and ask to open a compte courant (checking account). Bring all documents listed above: ID, proof of address, proof of income, and if you are not an EU citizen, your residence permit. The bank will photocopy your documents and ask you to sign several forms — typically a contract, a direct debit authorization, and a fraud declaration.
The bank will assign you an account number (IBAN) on the spot. They will also order a debit card (carte bancaire), which usually arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can often use your account for transfers and direct debit before the card arrives, but you cannot withdraw cash or pay in shops until it comes.
Ask the bank about their fee structure before you leave. Most charge a monthly maintenance fee, but some waive it if you set up direct deposit of your salary or maintain a minimum balance. Also ask whether they charge for transfers within France (usually free) and transfers to other EU countries (usually €1 to €5).
Step-by-step: opening an account online
Download the app or visit the website of the bank you choose. Click "open account" or "sign up" and enter your email and a password. The app will ask you to take a photo of your ID (both sides) and a selfie to verify you are the person in the ID. This usually takes a few minutes.
Next, upload proof of address and proof of income. Take clear photos of the documents and upload them through the app. The bank will verify these electronically, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, your account opens and you receive an IBAN immediately. Your debit card is ordered and arrives by mail within one to two weeks, though some online banks offer a temporary digital card you can use in shops and online right away.
Online banks typically send you a welcome email with your account details, a link to set up direct deposit, and instructions for adding beneficiaries (people you want to transfer money to). You can start receiving salary and paying bills as soon as your account opens, even before the physical card arrives.
Setting up direct deposit and understanding French payment methods
Once your account opens, you will need to give your employer your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) so they can deposit your salary. Your IBAN starts with "FR" and is 27 characters long. It appears on your welcome letter or in your online banking portal.
For bills and rent, French banks use direct debit (prélèvement automatique), not checks or online bill pay. You authorize a company (your landlord, utility provider, phone company) to withdraw a set amount on a set date each month. This is the standard method in France and is more reliable than mailing checks. You can set up direct debits through your online banking portal or by signing a form at your bank.
Transfers between French bank accounts are free and usually arrive the same day. Transfers to other EU countries (SEPA transfers) are also free but may take one to two business days. International transfers outside the EU cost money and can take several days.
Monthly fees and what to watch for
French bank fees vary widely. Traditional banks charge €5 to €15 per month for a basic checking account. Online banks charge €0 to €5 per month, and some charge nothing if you meet certain conditions like receiving direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance.
Beyond the monthly fee, watch for charges on transfers, overdrafts, and card replacements. Most banks charge €0 to €2 per international transfer, €5 to €15 if you overdraw your account, and €5 to €10 if you need a replacement debit card. Some banks waive the monthly fee if you set up direct deposit of your salary, so ask about this when you open the account.
French law requires banks to offer a basic account (compte de base) at no cost if you are refused a regular account, though this is rare. A basic account lets you receive deposits and pay bills but does not include a debit card or overdraft protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a French bank account if I do not live in France yet?
Most banks require proof of address in France, so you typically cannot open an account before you arrive. However, some online banks and international banks like Wise allow you to open an account with a passport and a future address. Once you arrive and get a utility bill or rental agreement, you can update your address. Alternatively, open a temporary account with an online bank and switch to a French bank once you have proof of address.
What if my passport or ID is expired?
Banks will not accept an expired ID. Renew your passport or national ID before you apply. If you are in France, you can renew at your local prefecture (for French citizens) or at your embassy (for foreign citizens). Renewal usually takes two to four weeks.
Do I need a French tax number to open a bank account?
No. You need a tax number (numéro de sécurité sociale or SIRET for self-employed) only if you are working in France or paying French taxes. The bank does not require it to open an account, though they may ask for it later if you receive income in France.
Can I open an account as a tourist or on a short-stay visa?
Most banks require proof that you live in France or the EU, so a tourist visa or short-stay visa will not work. If you are staying for a few months, an online bank like Wise or Revolut may open an account with just a passport. For longer stays, get a long-stay visa or residence permit before you apply.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Physical debit cards usually arrive within one to two weeks of account opening. Some online banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately in shops and online. If your card does not arrive after three weeks, contact your bank — it may have been lost in the mail and they can reorder it.