Opening a Bank Account

A bank account lets you make payments and manage your finances. Any resident, student or professional, can open a bank account. Compare banks and their services to choose the best solution. If you are refused an account, you can refer the matter to the Banque de France to exercise your right to an account and access essential services.

If you are coming to study or work in France, opening a French bank account is strongly recommended, if not essential, in order to:

• Pay your subscriptions and bills (telephone, electricity, transport, etc.)

• Receive your salary and be reimbursed for health expenses

• Receive assistance such as housing benefits (APL)

• Avoid the bank charges associated with a foreign card

• Minimise cash payments, which may not be accepted in some shops

Any foreign resident legally residing in France has the right to open a deposit bank account (current account). However, certain conditions must be met in order to open a new account:

• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You must have a residential address in France, even if it is temporary (university residence, private accommodation, accommodation provided by a third party, etc.).
• You must be lawfully residing in France (valid visa or residence permit).
• You must be able to produce the following documents:
  • A valid identity document (passport or ID card).
  • Proof of address (accommodation certificate, housing bill, rental contract, etc.).
• Proof of residence in France for more than three months.
  Some banks require proof that you will be staying in France for at least a quarter of the year, particularly to avoid opening temporary accounts (tourism, very short assignments).
  This condition can be met by submitting any of the following:
  • Proof of university registration.
  • An employment contract.
  • An internship or hosting agreement specifying the duration of the stay.

You can choose between: 

• Traditional banks (with physical branches): Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Caisse d'Épargne, Banque Postale, etc.

• Online banks, which are sometimes more flexible, but often reserved for residents.

Compare offers for students or young professionals, account maintenance charges and the services on offer (mobile application, free withdrawals, etc.).

A bank can refuse to open an account, but it must provide you with a written statement of refusal. In this case, you can refer the matter to the Banque de France.

Banque de France will appoint a bank that will accept your application.