What the bank requires to open the account
The basic documentation is set by law and is the same for everyone: a valid official photo ID (national ID card, passport or residence permit), proof of address and a signature. A water, electricity or telephone bill less than three months old, a rent receipt or a tax notice can serve as proof of address. If you are staying at someone's home, an attestation d'hébergement, the accommodation declaration, is acceptable.
Opening is free. The bank may later charge a monthly maintenance fee (frais de tenue de compte), which varies by institution. To open online, the bank verifies your identity with a certified platform and may ask for an initial payment from another account in your name.
Banks and fees
The major networks are BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, Crédit Mutuel and La Banque Postale. All charge maintenance fees that vary by bank and by package, and they often waive them if you set up salary direct deposit or take out more products.
If you want zero costs, online banking is the option: BoursoBank, Hello bank! or Fortuneo charge no maintenance fee and account opening is digital. Neobanks such as N26 or Revolut also work and provide a French IBAN if you reside in France, with the same limitation as in other countries: no branches and fewer services for businesses.
Opening an account without residing in France
The law allows any foreigner legally residing in France to open an account. If you do not yet reside there, a passport and proof of address are the most important documents: some banks require a French address, and if you do not have a permanent one you can use accommodation at an acquaintance's home with the attestation d'hébergement or an attestation d'élection de domicile.
In practice, the decision varies between branches and advisors, as in other European countries. Arriving with complete documentation and explaining what the account will be used for is usually enough. Neobanks are a good first step while you process your residence permit.
Business account for your SAS
For the company you need an account in the name of the legal entity. The bank will carry out a more thorough check: articles of association, registration certificate, identification of beneficial owners, proof of activity and an estimate of expected transactions. With the documentation ready, the account is usually operational within one or two weeks.
The RIB (relevé d'identité bancaire), the document with your French IBAN, is what you will be asked for to set up salary direct deposits, pay corporate tax and VAT, and receive customer transfers. It is advisable to request it as soon as the account is open.
If you are refused: the droit au compte
A French bank can refuse to open an account, but it is obliged to tell you that the droit au compte, the right to an account, exists. If it does not respond within fifteen days, it is considered a refusal. You can then submit a file to the Banque de France: form, ID document, proof of address, the refusal letter and a declaration that you do not have a deposit account in France.
The Banque de France designates a bank within one business day, and that bank must open your account within three business days with basic banking services free of charge: account, card with prior authorisation, transfers, direct debits and limited cheques. The right also covers those legally resident in another EU country for non-professional needs, provided you do not already have a deposit account in France.
