Opening a French bank account

What you will be asked for

• Passport and residence permit or validated visa
• Proof of address (justificatif de domicile) less than 3 months old
• Sometimes proof of income or enrolment

If you are refused

Anyone living in France, whatever their nationality, has a legal right to a basic account (droit au compte). Ask for the written refusal, then apply to the Banque de France, which designates a bank. The designated bank must open the account, with basic services free of charge, usually within 3 working days of receiving a complete file.

Practical tips

• Online banks are faster to open but sometimes rejected as proof of income by landlords and prefectures.
• Your RIB is the document everyone will ask for; keep a PDF handy.
• If you have no fixed address, an attestation from a recognised social organisation can replace proof of address.