How to Open a Bank Account in France (Non-EU Guide)
Introduction: A book for unhurried reading
Moving to France is exciting… until you realize that almost everything depends on one thing:
a French bank account.
Renting an apartment, receiving a salary, paying electricity bills, subscribing to a phone plan, or even getting a gym membership—France still strongly relies on local bank accounts, especially ones that provide a French IBAN.
If you’re a non-EU resident (or even an EU citizen unfamiliar with the system), don’t worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including realistic case studies from four different nationalities.
Why You Need a French Bank Account
In France, a bank account is essential for:
- Renting accommodation (landlords often request a RIB)
- Paying rent and utility bills via automatic debit (prélèvement automatique)
- Receiving salary (virement bancaire)
- Accessing public services and CAF support
- Applying for a residence permit (titre de séjour)
- Buying insurance (assurance habitation)
Even if you already have an international bank account, many French companies still prefer (or demand) a French IBAN.
Types of Bank Accounts in France
Before applying, you should know the main options:
1. Traditional Banks
Examples: BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, LCL
✅ Strong reputation
✅ Physical branches (helpful for foreigners)
❌ Often slow processing
❌ Many appointments required
2. Online Banks
Examples: Boursorama, Hello Bank, Fortuneo
✅ Low fees
✅ Easy to manage through apps
❌ May require proof of long-term residency
❌ Some reject non-EU applicants
3. Neobanks (Fintech)
Examples: Revolut, Wise, N26
✅ Fast opening (sometimes in 10 minutes)
✅ Great for international transfers
❌ Some don’t offer a French IBAN
❌ Not always accepted by landlords/government offices
📌 Tip: Many newcomers start with Wise or Revolut, then open a traditional French bank account later.
Requirements to Open a Bank Account in France
Most French banks ask for 3 key documents:
1. Proof of Identity
- Passport (required)
- Residence permit (if available)
2. Proof of Address in France (Justificatif de domicile)
Usually less than 3 months old:
- Electricity/gas bill (EDF, Engie)
- Rent contract (bail)
- Attestation from landlord (attestation d’hébergement)
- Internet bill
- Hotel/Airbnb letter (some banks accept temporarily)
3. Proof of Income or Employment
Depending on your situation:
- Work contract (contrat de travail)
- Payslips (bulletins de salaire)
- Student certificate (certificat de scolarité)
- Bank statement from your home country
- Scholarship letter
Step-by-Step: How to Open a Bank Account in France
Step 1: Choose the Right Bank
If you are new and still waiting for long-term documents, traditional banks are often more flexible, especially if you go in person.
If you already have a French address and stable income, online banks can save you money.
Step 2: Book an Appointment (Traditional Banks)
Most traditional banks require an appointment. You can:
- call the branch
- book online
- walk in and request a meeting
📌 Bring original documents + copies.
Step 3: Submit Documents
The bank will review everything. Some banks may request additional proof, such as:
- residence permit receipt (récépissé)
- visa type (student/work/family)
- tax number (numéro fiscal)
Step 4: Sign the Contract
Once approved, you will sign a banking agreement (convention de compte).
You may also be offered:
- debit card (Visa/Mastercard)
- checkbook (chéquier)
- overdraft option (découvert)
Step 5: Receive Your RIB (Important!)
After opening, you will receive a RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire).
This is your official document with:
- IBAN
- BIC
- account holder name
You will need the RIB for almost everything in France.
Step 6: Activate Your Card and Online Banking
Your card is usually sent within 5–10 business days.
Some banks require a first deposit (50€–300€).
Common Problems Foreigners Face in France
❌ Problem 1: “You don’t have a permanent address”
France is strict about proof of address. If you're staying with someone, request an:
Attestation d’hébergement + their ID + their utility bill
❌ Problem 2: “Your visa is not long enough”
Some banks refuse short-stay visas. In that case, start with a neobank first.
❌ Problem 3: “Your income is not French”
Many banks prefer French salary deposits. But students and spouses can still open accounts—just expect delays.
❌ Problem 4: “The bank refused me”
This is common and doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.
France has a legal solution called:
The Right to a Bank Account (Droit au Compte)
If a bank refuses you, they must give you a refusal letter. You can then apply through Banque de France, and they will assign a bank to you.
Yes—France can legally force a bank to open your account.
Study Case Examples (Realistic Scenarios)
Now let’s look at 4 common profiles to help you understand how the process works in real life.
🔵 Study Case 1: Chinese Student Moving to Paris
Name: Li Wei
Situation: Master’s student, visa long séjour étudiant
Problem: No utility bill in his name
What Li Wei prepared:
- Passport + student visa
- University enrollment certificate
- Rental contract (student residence)
- First month rent payment receipt
- Proof of funds from Chinese bank
What happened:
Li Wei went to Crédit Agricole and BNP Paribas.
BNP Paribas requested extra documents and delayed approval.
Crédit Agricole accepted his student residence contract and opened the account in 7 days.
Best solution for Chinese students:
✅ Traditional banks near universities
✅ Bring enrollment certificate + visa
⚠️ Expect 1–2 weeks processing
📌 Extra tip: Chinese students often benefit from banks that offer student packages (offre étudiant), which include cheaper card fees.
🔵 Study Case 2: American Professional Relocating for Work
Name: Jessica
Situation: Moving to Lyon for a job contract
Problem: American tax and compliance issues (FATCA)
What Jessica prepared:
- Passport
- French work contract
- Temporary apartment lease
- Employer letter confirming salary
- US bank statement
What happened:
Some French banks are cautious with Americans because of FATCA reporting rules.
One small local bank refused her.
But Société Générale accepted her after additional compliance paperwork.
Best solution for Americans:
✅ Large international banks (BNP, Société Générale, HSBC-style branches)
⚠️ Expect FATCA forms
⚠️ Processing can take longer (2–3 weeks)
📌 Extra tip: Americans should avoid very small banks and go straight to big institutions used to international clients.
🔵 Study Case 3: Dutch Citizen Moving to France With Partner
Name: Thomas
Situation: EU citizen, moving to Marseille
Problem: Has EU passport but no French salary yet
What Thomas prepared:
- Dutch passport
- French rental contract (shared with partner)
- Attestation d’hébergement from partner
- Dutch payslips (last 3 months)
- Savings proof
What happened:
Thomas assumed EU citizens would have no issues.
But the bank still required proof of French address.
Once he provided the partner accommodation certificate, the account was approved quickly.
Best solution for Dutch / EU citizens:
✅ Online banks can work if address is stable
✅ Traditional banks approve fast with proper proof of address
⚠️ Don’t underestimate the address requirement
📌 Extra tip: Even EU citizens should open a French account early because many landlords request a French IBAN.
🔵 Study Case 4: Singaporean Freelancer Moving to France
Name: Cheryl
Situation: Freelance designer moving to Bordeaux
Problem: No French job contract or salary
What Cheryl prepared:
- Passport + long-stay visa
- Airbnb booking for 2 months
- French phone number
- Wise account statements
- Singapore tax return + income history
What happened:
Traditional banks refused her at first because:
- Airbnb wasn’t considered permanent housing
- income was not stable in France
So she opened a Wise account first (fast approval), received an IBAN, and used it for initial payments.
After finding a long-term apartment, she returned to a traditional bank and opened a proper French account.
Best solution for freelancers:
✅ Start with Wise/Revolut
✅ Then open a traditional bank after getting a long-term lease
⚠️ Banks dislike temporary accommodation
📌 Extra tip: Freelancers should prepare proof of self-employment, invoices, and tax returns.
Best Banks for Foreigners (Practical Recommendation)
Based on common expat experiences:
Best Traditional Banks for Foreigners
- BNP Paribas
- Crédit Agricole
- Société Générale
- LCL
- Revolut
- Wise
- N26
- Bunq
Best Fintech Options to Start Quickly
- Wise (great for transfers)
- Revolut (good for daily spending)
📌 Important: A fintech account is helpful, but for long-term life in France, a traditional bank is often safer.
How Long Does It Take to Open a French Bank Account?
Typical timelines:
- Neobank: 10 minutes – 24 hours
- Traditional bank: 5–15 working days
- Complicated cases (freelancers / Americans): 2–4 weeks
Extra Tips to Avoid Getting Rejected
- Print everything (France loves paperwork)
- Bring photocopies of every document
- Dress professionally for appointments (yes, it matters)
- Be patient and polite (French banking culture is slow)
- Try more than one bank (rejection is common)
Final Thoughts: Opening a Bank Account in France is Possible (Just Slow)
France is beautiful, but its administration is not famous for speed.
The key is to prepare your documents early and understand that your profile matters. Students, freelancers, and Americans may face more questions, while EU citizens usually have an easier path—but still need proof of address.
Once you finally receive your RIB, you’ll feel like you unlocked the next level of French life. 😊
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💙 My Journey with Revolut: From London to France and Beyond
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