Are you a foreign national who has moved to France? Opening a bank account is one of the most important steps to getting established in France, allowing you to pay for purchases, receive your salary, pay your bills and send money to your loved ones.
But can you open a bank account with a foreign passport in France? We explain everything in this guide, including the conditions for opening an account, which bank to choose as a non-resident or resident, the steps to take, minimum deposits and more.
Who can open a bank account with a foreign passport?
Any foreign individual domiciled or legally resident in France may open a bank account with a foreign passport (Article L312-1 of the Code monétaire et financier — French Monetary and Financial Code). However, there are conditions for opening a bank account that depend on the foreign national’s status:
- Foreign national residing in France,
- Non-resident foreign national,
- French expatriate,
- Undocumented foreign national.
Foreign nationals residing in France
If you are a foreign national residing in France, you have the right to open a bank account with a foreign passport. Foreign nationals can open a bank account, regardless of whether they are resident for less than one year (study, internship, training, short-term employment) or for more than one year (employment, family reunification).
Since a person’s domicile is the criterion used to open a bank account in France, you must:
- If you are a foreign national residing in France for less than one year: choose a primary residence located in French territory or opt for a bank that does not require proof of address in France,
- If you are a foreign national residing in France for more than one year: your home or workplace must be in France (employee, seasonal worker, self-employed, etc.), your economic interests must be in France (corporate headquarters, majority of income, domicile of main investments etc.).
Non-resident foreign nationals in France
It is possible to open a bank account in France for a foreign national who is a non-resident, even if they do not have a French address. However, opening a bank account as a non-resident may be more complicated than for a resident foreign national, as many banks only accept individuals domiciled in France. However, some banks do accept non-residents.
Expatriates
French expatriates have the right to open a bank account in France, even if they no longer live there (Article L312-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code). There are two special cases:
- They already had a bank account before leaving France. In this case, this account should not be closed,
- They closed all their accounts. In this case, they will have to open a bank account as a non-resident, with a bank that accepts them.
Can an undocumented foreign national open a bank account?
Yes, undocumented foreign nationals can open a bank account in France. There are no laws that require legal residence to do so. However, to be able to open an account you need to meet the following criteria relating to:
- Age (18 years old, or 16 years old with parental permission),
- Identity (valid passport, identity card),
- Domicile (EDF or electricity bill, etc.).
You will also need to provide a specimen signature to your chosen bank.
However, in practice few banks accept undocumented foreign nationals, and they often require a residence permit or proof of income.
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Which French banks allow you to open a bank account with a foreign passport?
There are three types of banks in France. In theory, they all allow foreign nationals to open a bank account:
- Traditional banks,
- Online banks,
In practice, however, each type of bank may be more or less likely to accept foreign nationals’ requests to open an account depending on their status, particularly if they are non-residents or undocumented.
Traditional banks
Traditional banks, also known as physical banks (with physical branches), are the main type of bank in France: Crédit Mutuel, LCL, Crédit Agricole, La Banque Postale, BNP Paribas, Société Générale. These banks often have international departments for foreign nationals and generally allow the following groups to open an account with a foreign passport:
- Foreign nationals residing in France for more than one year,
- Non-resident foreign nationals,
- French expatriates.
Traditional banks are also able to accept undocumented foreign nationals, although in practice they may be likely to refuse.
Online banks
An online bank is a bank that is connected to a traditional bank, but does not have any physical branches. It therefore offers the same products and services 100% digitally, which makes opening an account easier. In France, the best known online banks are: Monabanq, BoursoBank, Fortuneo and BforBank.
However, these online banks may be stricter than traditional banks, only allowing foreign nationals to open a bank account if they are residents, whether for less than or more than one year, and very often requiring a tax domicile in France. As such, with the exception of BoursoBank, they are not accessible for non-residents foreign nationals.
Neobanks
A neobank is a new type of modern bank. These are licensed payment institutions that offer 100% digital banking services on mobile. The best known examples are: N26, Revolut and Nickel. They are less restrictive than traditional and online banks, and allow foreign nationals to open a bank account, regardless of whether they are:
- Resident in France (for less than or more than one year),
- Non-residents,
While neobanks may seem similar to online banks, they are very different. Online banks are connected to traditional banks and offer broader services, while neobanks are not banking institutions and offer only basic services (bank card, account management, etc.).
What are the steps to open a bank account as a foreign national?
In order to open a bank account with a foreign passport, you must:
- Choose the right bank,
- Complete your personal information,
- Provide the requested supporting documents,
- Make an initial deposit.
Choosing a bank
To ensure that you can open a bank account as a foreign national, you need a bank that suits your status and your needs:
- Accepts your status (undocumented, resident, non-resident),
- Offers products and services that suit your needs: bank account, checkbook, savings, credit, insurance, advisory services, etc.
- Requires supporting documents that you are able to provide. Some banks request more documentation than others (residence permit, proof of address, paycheck, etc.).
So, before making your decision, you should ask yourself:
- Does the bank accept foreign customers with my status?
- Do I only need a bank card, or would I need a savings account or credit?
- What supporting documents are required?
Complete your personal information
Once you have chosen a bank, you can open a bank account for foreign nationals online (or with your cell phone for neobanks) and complete your personal information:
- First and last names,
- Date and place of birth,
- Email address and phone number,
- Any other required information.
If you have opted for a traditional bank to open a bank account with your foreign passport, you will need to finalize your file at a branch or remotely by videocall.
Submit supporting documents
In order to finalize your request to open a bank account in France, you must submit a certain number of supporting documents, which will vary depending on the bank and your status. You must, as a minimum, provide proof of identity (valid passport, identity card), proof of address issued less than three months prior (a bill, an attestation sur l’honneur de logement à titre gratuit—sworn statement of free accommodation, etc.) and a signature.
For foreign nationals residing in France, the additional documentation required often includes:
- Proof of study (for students),
- paycheck,
- Tax notice.
For non-residents wishing to open a bank account, it may also be necessary to provide:
- A second form of identification,
- A copy of your residence permit,
- A paycheck or employment contract.
As regards banks that accept undocumented foreign nationals, you will simply need to provide:
- Photo ID,
- Proof of address,
- A signature.
Once you have provided your supporting documents, you will need to wait to have your account validated and receive your bank card. How long this takes will vary from bank to bank, with online and neobanks often being faster.
Make an initial deposit
To finalize the process of opening your bank account in France, you must make a deposit into your account. This deposit serves as a guarantee to the bank, demonstrating that the account will be used. The minimum deposit amount varies depending on the bank, ranging from €0 for Crédit Mutuel and Nickel to €300 for BoursoBank, for example.
This deposit, which is fully available afterward, can be made in a variety of ways depending on the bank, such as by transfer or bank card, etc.
What if a bank refuses my request to open a bank account as a foreign national?
A French bank of any kind is free to refuse your request to open a bank account as a foreign national, without having to explain its decision. If your request is refused, you can assert your right to an account with the Banque de France, providing proof of address in France.
The right to an account is guaranteed by Article L312-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code. To exercise your right to open a bank account, you must appeal to the Banque de France and present the following documents:
- A completed and signed application form for exercising the right to an account. This form is available from a Banque de France branch or on its website,
- The letter of refusal from the bank or banks with which you requested to open an account with your foreign passport,
- A copy of your valid photo ID,
- Proof of address issued less than three months prior,
- A sworn statement declaring that you have no other deposit account open (or that you are in the process of closing), whether personal or professional, in France.
Once your file has been received and approved, the Banque de France will automatically assign a bank to open an account for you. You must then provide the supporting documents required by the bank to finalize the opening of the account.
FAQs
Can I open a bank account with a foreign passport?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to open a bank account with a foreign passport, provided that you find a bank that accepts your status (resident in France, non-resident, undocumented, etc.) and provide the required supporting documents.
This includes providing valid ID. If you are Moroccan and your passport has expired, find out how to renew it in France.
Why open a bank account in France as a foreign national?
While opening a bank account in France is not mandatory, having one is essential. A bank account means you can:
- Send money to your loved ones,
- Receive your salary and medical reimbursements, etc.,
- Pay for your everyday purchases by card,
- Make major purchases, such as a car,
- Go through the process of obtaining dual nationality more easily,
- Avoid excessive charges on your foreign bank card,
- Set up direct debits using the RIB(relevé d’identité bancaire — bank account details document),
- Pay your bills and taxes, etc.,
- Apply for a loan.
Can Americans open a bank account in France?
Due to the FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), only a small number of banks such as BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole and Fortuneo allow Americans to open a bank account in France. This high level of restriction is due to the fact that banks must provide the US tax authorities with all of their US customers’ banking information (accounts, income, financial assets).
What types of bank accounts can be opened with a foreign passport?
If you are a foreign national residing in France, you have access to the same bank accounts as French nationals. Conversely, if you are a non-resident foreign national, you can only open a Livret A savings account in addition to your current account.
Is there a minimum amount to open a bank account as a foreign national?
No, not always. It will depend on the banking institution you choose. For example, Crédit Mutuel does not require a minimum deposit amount. Before choosing a bank, check the minimum deposit amount.
This article is for general information purposes and does not constitute financial or professional advice from Western Union. This article is not intended to substitute advice from a financial or administrative advisor, or any other qualified professional.
