France · Business Banking
Opening business and personal bank accounts, remote options, required documents, and fees.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
France's banking includes large retail banks and growing online banks. Opening an account usually needs ID, proof of address and a residence status; a French account is often required for rent and utilities. The Banque de France oversees the system.
France has no single account-opening registry; banks are supervised by the ACPR, attached to the Banque de France. New companies deposit share capital in a dedicated account at formation, and a statutory "right to an account" applies if a business is refused.
- A capital-deposit account is required to register most companies; the bank issues a deposit certificate used in the formation file.
- France is part of the SEPA area; both traditional banks and licensed e-money/payment institutions can serve businesses.
- If a company is refused an account, it can invoke the "droit au compte" through the Banque de France.
- 1
Choose a bank
Pick a large retail bank or an online bank (Boursorama, Fortuneo, N26, Revolut); some, such as Compte-Nickel, open an account with an ID only, without proof of address.
- 2
Gather your documents
Have a valid ID (passport or residence card) and proof of address (justificatif de domicile) dated within the last three months.
- 3
Know your right to an account (droit au compte)
Anyone residing in France has a legal right to a basic account regardless of their situation; if refused, the Banque de France designates a bank (its designation letter is valid six months), and the basic service (card, transfers, statements, RIB) is free.
- 4
Prepare business documents (business accounts)
For a business account, prepare the K-bis extract and director ID.
- 5
Complete identity and KYC checks
Banks run know-your-customer and anti-money-laundering checks before opening the account.
- 6
Activate the account and set up SEPA payments
Receive your RIB / IBAN and card, then set up salary, rent and direct debits (prélèvement) across the SEPA area.
- Valid ID (passport or residence card)
- Proof of address (justificatif de domicile) dated within 3 months
- Residence status (if applicable)
- K-bis extract + director ID — business accounts
- Banque de France designation letter (if using droit au compte)
- Initial deposit (if required by the bank)
- Banque de France
Central bank; administers the right-to-an-account procedure.
- ACPR
Prudential supervisor of banks and payment institutions.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to open a French bank account?
Typically ID, proof of a French address, and often proof of residence or activity; requirements vary by bank.
Do I need a French account to live in France?
It is strongly advisable — rent, utilities and salaries usually run through a French account (with a RIB).
Are online banks available?
Yes — several online banks offer accounts with lighter branch requirements, subject to eligibility.
Government portals
- Government of France — Office of the French Prime Minister — government policies, ministers, and key legislation
- France Public Services (Service-Public) — France's unified administrative services — residence permits, taxes, social security, civil records
- French General Tax Directorate (DGFiP) — French income tax, VAT, wealth tax filing; tax residency determination; French tax number (NIF) application