France: Opening a bank account

Who can use it

• You have no deposit account in France and a bank has refused to open one. Without an answer within 15 days, your request counts as refused.
• A foreign resident qualifies if domiciled in France (no nationality condition), or legally resident in another EU state and not acting for professional needs.
• A banking ban, FICP listing or over-indebtedness does not prevent it. Already holding a deposit account in France does.

How it works

• Apply to the Banque de France online (FranceConnect), at a branch (appointment possible) or by post (TSA 50120, 75035 Paris Cedex 01).
• A bank is designated within 1 working day of receipt and the decision stays valid 6 months. Contact the branch within that time; it must open the account within 3 working days of a complete file.

Documents

• Request form; valid French or foreign ID; proof of address under 3 months old.
• The refusal letter, or the acknowledgement of your request dated over 15 days ago.
• A sworn statement that you hold no deposit account (or proof of closure), and, if applicable, a sworn statement of legal residence in another EU state.

What is included

• Account opening, keeping and closing, a bank card, direct debits, transfers, counter deposits and withdrawals, and 2 bank-cheque forms per month.
• Free, except intervention fees capped at €4 per operation and €20 per month.

Drafted from the official pages listed under Sources, last read on 26 October 2026. Rules change and differ by region or city: confirm on the official page before you act. General information, not legal advice.