You are a non-resident or foreign national, or a French citizen residing in a DROM-COM, and you want to open a bank account in France? What formalities must be completed and what conditions must be met to open a bank account for a non-resident or foreigner in France, or for a French national living in overseas departments or territories, or in French Polynesia or New Caledonia? Which bank should a non-resident in France turn to? Discover the formalities and the best banks for non-residents for 2026.
3 things to know to open a bank account in France when you are foreign or non-resident
What documents must be provided to open a bank account in France when you are foreign or a non-resident?
Whether you are foreign or a French resident abroad, it is possible to open a bank account in France, in a French bank with a French RIB, provided you transmit to the bank 3 key pieces of information:
- Your identity and your domicile (with supporting documents) as well as a specimen of signature
- Your legal capacity
- The origin of funds and wealth (KYC procedure in accordance with anti-money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities provisions)
Can a bank refuse to open an account to a foreigner?
Careful though, a bank may, if it wishes, refuse you as a client on the grounds that you do not live in France. A bank has the right, but not the obligation, to respond favorably to a request to open an account from a foreign individual or non-resident for tax purposes.
How to compel a bank to accept your request to open an account when you are foreign or a non-resident?
The right-to-account procedure allows, under certain conditions, to ask the Bank of France to designate a bank that is obliged to open an account. It is accessible:
- to people domiciled in France, regardless of nationality;
- to French citizens residing abroad;
- to foreigners legally residing in another EU member state.
To benefit from the right to an account, the applicant must notably:
- not have any individual deposit account opened in their name in France;
- have had a bank refuse to open an account;
- provide a refusal certificate issued by the bank or, in the absence of a response within fifteen days, the receipt or acknowledgment of their application for opening;
- file with the Bank of France a complete dossier including the requested proofs.
Holding a savings book or a simple payment account does not necessarily prevent this procedure. If the file is eligible and complete, the Bank of France designates an establishment obliged to open the account and to provide the basic banking services.
However, it is not possible to choose the designated bank. In case of expatriation, it is therefore preferable not to close one’s French bank accounts before leaving.
Opening a bank account when you are a non-resident and foreign: what are the different situations?
Recall that, according to INSEE’s definition, a non-resident can be an individual, of French or foreign nationality, whose main home is abroad, a service member or a foreign civil servant based in France. In some cases, it may also be a legal entity.
Concretely, five situations must be distinguished.
1. Foreigners temporarily settled in France
People who come to France for a limited period, for example for studies, a professional assignment, or a temporary stay, generally hold a title corresponding to the nature and duration of their stay. To limit the costs of payments and withdrawals made in France, they may benefit from opening an account with a bank that accepts their administrative and tax situation.
2. Foreigners permanently settled in France
Several reasons can lead a foreigner to come to France for more than a year. In this situation, it is necessary to have a French bank account to receive income and manage expenses without additional fees. For this, it is possible to open an account in France in a traditional bank, in an online bank, or in a neobank.
3. Foreigners not residing in France
Opening a French bank account can be challenging for foreigners who do not reside in France. Online banks and French neobanks often require residing in France or having tax residence there. It is nevertheless possible to turn to certain traditional banks with services aimed at international clients or to institutions that study non-resident applications on a case-by-case basis.
4. French expatriates
The best solution for French expatriates is not to close the bank accounts they held in France before leaving. If these accounts have already been closed, it is still possible to apply to open a bank account in France as a non-resident with a bank that accepts non-residents.
5. The French living in a DROM-COM
French citizens living in an overseas territory may face difficulties opening an account with certain online banks or neobanks. However, conditions differ depending on the territory concerned and the applicant’s tax situation.
The overseas departments and regions include Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, and Mayotte. The overseas collectivities include French Polynesia, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and Wallis and Futuna. New Caledonia has a particular status.
Some banks accept residents of the DROM-COM, while others limit their offer to mainland France or impose specific conditions regarding the address, tax residence, phone number, or documents provided. It is therefore essential to verify the eligibility of the territory with each establishment.
As you can see, the solutions to implement vary depending on the situation, so it is important to properly determine your status before starting your search.
How to open a bank account in France as a non-resident or foreigner?
Opening a bank account is governed by the provisions of the Monetary and Financial Code related to the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, which explains the bank’s obligation to know its customer (KYC procedure for “Know Your Customer”).
Two articles in particular are to be known:
- Article R 561-5 of the Monetary and Financial Code states that the bank is required to verify the client’s identity by requesting their identity card to obtain “the name, given name, date and place of birth of the person, as well as the nature, dates and places of issuance of the document and the name and status of the authority or person who issued the document and, where applicable, authenticated it”;
- Article R 561-12 states that “Before entering into a business relationship, [banks] collect and analyze the information elements, among those on the list drawn up by an order of the minister in charge of the economy, necessary to know their client as well as the purpose and nature of the business relationship, to assess the risk of money laundering and the financing of terrorism.”
Here are the main proofs required to open a bank account in France as a foreigner or non-resident:
- a valid identity document (national identity card, passport, or residence permit depending on the situation)
- a recent proof of address
- a proof of income or of professional status
- depending on the institutions, a proof of tax residence or a tax identification number (TIN)
- information or proofs on the origin of funds, in accordance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations
- in some cases, an initial deposit at account opening
The documents requested may vary depending on the bank, the country of residence, and the method of subscription (online or in-branch). It is therefore recommended to check the list of required proofs before submitting your application.
It is important to note that under the principle of freedom of contract, a bank may refuse a bank account opening request. In case of refusal, the applicant may eventually exercise their right to an account with the Bank of France if they are domiciled in France, if they are French and reside abroad, or if they are foreign and legally reside in another EU member state. They must also not hold any single deposit account in their name.
Open a bank account in France as a foreigner: what are the main steps to follow?
To summarize, here are the three steps to follow to open a bank account in France for a non-resident or as a foreigner.
Step 1: verify your identity
To open a bank account for a foreigner, it is essential to be able to prove your identity. The applicant must provide a valid official identity document, a recent proof of address, and, depending on the institution and the subscription path, a specimen signature. The bank may also request proofs relating to income, professional activity, tax residence, and origin of funds. You may be wondering: is it possible to open a bank account without a residence permit in France? Yes, it is possible if you present another document proving your identity.
Step 2: compare offers suited to your situation
Once you have gathered all the documents necessary to open a bank account in France for a foreigner or non-resident, you may ask yourself: which bank for a non-resident in France? You will need to compare bank offers. Several banks allow opening an account in France for non-residents. To find the most appropriate offer, it is advisable to encourage competition and compare offers according to your situation and specific needs.
Step 3: make a request to open an account online
After comparing offers, the applicant can initiate the procedure provided by the institution. Depending on the bank and the country of residence, the request can be made online, with a specialized sales service, or directly in-branch. The review of a non-resident file may require additional proofs and may take longer than a standard account opening.
What are the best banks for a non-resident French or foreigner or a French person from the DROM-COM?
There are several possibilities for a non-resident or foreigner who wishes to open a bank account in France.
Which traditional banks accept foreigners non-residents in France? The best traditional banks for non-residents
It is possible for a non-resident to subscribe to the international service of a traditional bank dedicated to foreigners. Among traditional banks, Société Générale, Crédit Mutuel, Caisse d’Epargne, and BNP Paribas in particular offer an international service dedicated to foreigners.
| Top traditional bank | Current offers | See offers |
|---|---|---|
| -50% on Esprit Libre for the first year* |
*See terms on the site.
BNP Paribas allows opening a bank account for a non-resident remotely, with a dedicated multilingual adviser. Also note the international network of branches located in Paris. Note that online account opening is not possible for non-residents, but remote opening according to the regulations of the country of residence is possible.
The Société Générale allows managing the bank account remotely. However, it requires physical presence in a branch to open the account. When subscribing, it is possible to choose the International option which waives commissions on a certain number of payments, card withdrawals, and/or international transfers outside the eurozone.
The Crédit Mutuel and the Caisse d’Epargne also allow online opening in advance of the client’s arrival in France. The non-resident must provide a valid identity document, a proof of address, and a proof of economic activity less than 3 months old. For these two banks, rates and offers vary by regional caisse.
Foreign and/or non-resident clients of traditional banks can both benefit from financial and banking services as well as savings and investment solutions, and even credits (mortgage, consumer), etc. You may wonder which banks lend to non-residents? It concerns only traditional banks and one can cite BNP Paribas, Crédit Mutuel, or Crédit Agricole which allows expatriates to take out mortgage loans in France.
Which online banks accept foreign non-residents in France? The best online banks for non-residents
Foreign and/or non-resident individuals can also choose an online bank.
| Top online bank | Annual fees and current offers | See offers |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €140 offered + free card (until 30/09/26)* | ||
 |
Up to €280 offered + free card (until 12/10/26)* | |
 |
Up to €160 offered + free card* |
*See terms on the site.
However, online banks remain generally difficult to access for people who are tax-resident abroad. BforBank and Monabanq do not offer a clearly dedicated path for new non-resident clients and should be considered as solutions reserved for people residing in France.
Hello bank! : no account opening for a person living abroad
Hello bank! does not accept opening an account for a person living abroad. Opening is possible for residents of certain overseas departments, regions or eligible territories. Conditions may vary depending on the territory and the applicant’s tax situation, so you should directly check your eligibility with Hello bank!. It is therefore not a solution for a person living and tax-resident abroad.
Fortuneo: eligibility depends on the product and the file
At Fortuneo, opening a current account notably requires having an existing bank account opened in France. Fortuneo’s documentation does foresee the situation of foreign tax residents for certain products, with the provision of specific proofs. Access conditions may vary depending on the product and the applicant’s situation, so a non-resident should verify their eligibility directly with Fortuneo before starting subscription.
BoursoBank: a specific path for foreign tax residents
BoursoBank allows, under certain conditions, foreign tax residents to request the opening of a bank account. However, the subscription does not follow the standard path offered in the app: the applicant must approach the sales department to access a specific path. Eligibility depends notably on the country of residence, the documents presented, and the bank’s review of the file. The account opening is therefore not guaranteed for all non-residents. The bank may also require the applicant to have a French bank account in their name.
Which neo banks accept foreign non-residents in France? The best neobanks for non-residents
Generally, a 100% online neobank will be easier to access as a foreigner.
| Top neobank | Annual fees and current offers | See offers |
|---|---|---|
| An account for everyone in 5 minutes* | ||
 |
Spend or transfer money abroad without fees* | |
 |
Free card + no opening or maintenance fees* |
*See terms on the site.
However, neobanks and fintechs that offer banking services typically provide a card without an overdraft facility, and they do not usually offer cheques.
N26: a French offer reserved for French tax residents
N26 is accessible to residents of several European countries where the bank operates. However, its French offer is aimed at people residing in France and having their tax residence there. N26 should not be presented as a solution allowing any non-resident to open a French bank account. A expatriate may possibly open an N26 account in their country of residence if the bank is available there, but this account will not necessarily be linked to the French branch.
Eligible individual clients can also access the Express Savings account. As of August 6, 2026, it pays 0.25% gross per year with N26 Standard or Smart, 0.55% with N26 Go, and 1.50% with N26 Metal. These rates are subject to change. N26 also allows some clients to invest in shares, ETFs, and crypto assets.
Be careful: if you choose a neobank, make sure the institution has a banking license. Not all fintechs offering payment services have one.
Revolut: services vary by country of residence
Revolut offers services in many countries, but the access to products depends on the client’s country of residence. The products offered by its French subsidiary, including its French savings account, are reserved for people who are resident and have their tax residence in France. An expatriate can potentially use Revolut in their country of residence if the service is available there, but they may not enjoy the same products, rates, or conditions as customers of the French subsidiary.
As of August 6, 2026, Revolut shows a rate that can reach 2.25% gross with Standard, Plus, Premium, and Metal subscriptions, and 2.50% gross with the Ultra offer. The rate actually applied depends on the subscription, the deposited amount, and any earning brackets: with some plans, the 2.25% rate applies only to part of the balance. Interest is calculated and paid daily, and rates may change.
Revolut also allows investing in thousands of shares and ETFs.
Nickel: a permanent address in France remains essential
Nickel, which belongs to BNP Paribas, is a solution accessible to many nationalities, but certain residency conditions must be met. To open a Nickel account in France, the applicant must notably have a permanent or principal address in France and have their tax residence in France, in a country of the European Union or in an EFTA country, which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The annual Nickel classic account fee is €25 and includes an account, a Mastercard, and a French RIB. Additional fees apply to the My Nickel, Nickel Chrome, and Nickel Metal offers. Nickel mainly offers payment services and ordinary banking operations, but does not market savings or investment products.
Traditional bank or neobank, which to choose for a non-resident?
The choice between a traditional bank and a neobank mainly depends on your needs and your situation. If you are seeking a complete French bank account, with access to savings, investment, or credit products, a traditional bank will generally be the most suitable solution.
Neobanks appeal with their simple account opening and 100% mobile management, but their services and eligibility conditions can be more limited for foreigners and non-residents.
| Type of establishment | Suitable for non-residents? | For which profile? | Our view |
| Traditional banks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | People seeking a complete French bank account (checking, savings, credit…) | The most suitable solution in the majority of cases |
| Online banks | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Non-residents meeting eligibility conditions of certain banks | Opening conditions often restrictive |
| Neobanks | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | People mainly seeking a simple payment account and mobile management | Conditions vary greatly depending on country of residence |
In practice, traditional banks generally remain the best choice for foreigners and non-residents who want to open a bank account in France long-term. Neobanks offer an interesting alternative for everyday needs, notably due to their quick account opening and mobile apps, but they do not always replace the services offered by a traditional bank.
Before making your choice, verify the eligibility conditions, the included services, and any restrictions related to your country of residence.
What to do in case of a bank account opening refusal when you are a non-resident or foreigner or a French citizen from the DROM-COM?
Banks contacted remain free to refuse opening an account, without having to justify their decision. In the case of an explicit refusal, the institution provides the applicant with a refusal certificate and informs them of the possibility of contacting the Bank of France. When the bank does not respond to a formal request within fifteen days, its silence is also considered a refusal and allows initiating the right-to-account procedure.
How to exercise the right to an account when you are a foreigner?
The right-to-account procedure allows an eligible person who does not hold an individual deposit account in France to request the Bank of France to designate an establishment obliged to open an account. Here are the five steps to follow:
- Ask for the opening of an account with a French bank
The request must be formalized to prove its submission date. - Obtain proof of the bank’s refusal
In case of explicit refusal, the bank issues a refusal certificate. If it does not respond within fifteen days, its silence also constitutes a refusal: the receipt or acknowledgment of the application can then serve as proof. - Gather the necessary documents
The file includes notably a valid identity document, a proof of address, the bank’s refusal, and a sworn statement that the applicant does not already hold an individual deposit account in France. Additional documents may be requested depending on the situation. - Submit the file to the Bank of France
The request can be submitted directly to the Bank of France or, depending on the options offered, through the bank that refused the account opening. - Contact the bank designated by the Bank of France
If the file is eligible and complete, the Bank of France designates an institution. The applicant must then contact this bank to finalize the account opening and access the basic banking services.
Clémence’s comment:
It is not possible to choose the designated bank. The procedure requires the institution to open an account with basic banking services, but it does not guarantee access to a premium card, overdraft, checkbook, or credit.
Open a bank account in France when you are a foreigner or a non-resident: which banking products can you open when you are a non-resident?
The opening or maintenance of a French banking product depends on the client’s tax residence, the product’s own regulation, and the institution’s commercial policy. The table below summarizes the main rules.
| Bank product or investment | Opening by a non-resident | Retention after expatriation | Main condition or limit |
| Current account | Yes, depending on the bank | Yes, in principle | Bank’s approval of the file and updating tax residence |
| Livret A | Yes | Yes | No general nationality or tax residence condition, but the bank remains free to accept the client |
| PEL | Yes, in principle | Yes | No general nationality or residence condition; subscription subject to bank’s approval |
| Plan d’Épargne Retraite (PER) | Yes, depending on the institution | Yes, in principle | Insurers or managers may limit subscription depending on country of residence. Contributions remain possible subject to contract terms. However, tax advantages tied to contributions depend on the holder’s tax residence and are generally no longer applicable if not tax resident in France. |
| CEL | Yes, in principle | Yes | No general nationality or residence condition; subscription subject to bank’s approval |
| LEP | No if tax residence is abroad | No if conditions are no longer met | Tax residence in France and income caps must be respected |
| LDDS | No if tax residence is abroad | To be verified with the bank according to situation and country of residence | Tax residence in France required at opening. Some institutions allow retention after departure |
| Livret Jeune | No without habitual residence in France | No, in principle | Aged 12 to 25 and resident in France |
| PEA et PEA PME | No | Yes, in principle, except transfer to a non-cooperating country (ETNC) | Tax residence in France mandatory at opening |
| Compte titres ordinaire | Yes, depending on broker or bank | Yes | Residence country accepted by the institution and tax obligations respected |
| Assurance vie | Yes, depending on the insurer and country of residence | Yes, in principle | Acceptance by the insurer, local regulations, and possible restrictions for certain jurisdictions |
| Crédit immobilier | Possible after file review | N/A | Income, contribution, country of residence, guarantees and bank risk policy |
*See terms on the bank’s site
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