How to Open a French Bank Account

Opening a bank account in France is one of the first practical steps you will need to take as a new resident. French banks can be more bureaucratic than you may be used to at home, but the process is straightforward if you arrive prepared.

What you will need

Before visiting a bank branch, gather the following documents:

• Proof of identity — passport or national identity card
• Proof of address — a utility bill, rental contract, or official letter dated within the last 3 months. If you have not yet received any bills, an attestation d'hébergement (a letter from whoever you are staying with, plus their own proof of address) is accepted by most banks.
• Proof of income or employment — a recent payslip (bulletin de salaire), employment contract, or pension statement. If you are self-employed, your SIRET registration document is useful.
• Visa or residency permit — if you are a non-EU citizen you will need your titre de séjour or long-stay visa.

Which bank to choose?

Several banks operate throughout the Poitou-Charentes region. The main high-street options are:

N26 and Revolut are also popular with expats as fully online accounts that can be opened remotely in English. They are useful as a bridge account while your French bank account is being set up.

The account opening appointment

Most banks require an appointment (rendez-vous) to open an account. You can usually book online or by phone. Bring originals and photocopies of all your documents — some branches will take the photocopies, others will scan the originals on the spot.

The appointment typically takes 30–60 minutes. You will sign a lot of paperwork. Your RIB (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire) — the document containing your IBAN and BIC — will usually be available immediately as a printout or via the bank's app, which you will need to set up direct debits and receive your salary.

Your physical bank card typically arrives by post within 5–10 working days.

If your application is refused

Banks in France are not obliged to open an account for you. If you are refused, you have the legal right to request an account at La Banque de France under the droit au compte procedure. The Banque de France will then designate a bank to hold a basic account for you. More information is available at banque-france.fr.

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