Best bank accounts for non-residents in France

Can a non-resident open a bank account in France?

Yes, you can open a bank account in France as a non-resident. Some French banks offer specific non-resident accounts (called compte non-résident in France) which can be operated from outside the country, or used in France if you don’t have residence status. Banks including BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole accept non-residents as account holders if they meet certain criteria. Another option is to open an account with a specialist provider such as Wise (open an account online) or Revolut.

Can I open a French bank account online from abroad before moving?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a non-resident bank account (compte non-résident) in France from overseas, as these accounts are designed for people living outside the country. However, fully opening an account online is not always straightforward. Many French banks allow you to begin the process remotely but may still require additional steps, such as submitting physical documents or attending an in-person appointment.

Specialist digital providers such as Wise and Revolut allow users to open accounts fully online from all over the world. You can do this via the website or app, uploading your identification docs and providing contact details for verification.

Do you need a French address to open a bank account?

Although most bank accounts in France require proof of a French address, non-resident accounts can often be opened even if you don’t have an official address in France. However, you will still have to provide a legal address – plus proof of address (e.g., utility bills, rental contract) – for your home country.

Bear in mind that compte non-résident accounts typically have fewer services available than, for example, current accounts (compte courant) in France. They may also involve higher fees.

Best bank accounts in France for non‑residents and expats

The best bank account for expats and non-residents in France depends on individual needs. It’s a good idea to do your research into what’s available and see which options best meet your own requirements. Factors to consider could include costs, standard services, extra perks, ease of access, level of customer service, and cross-border services.

Here is a selection of accounts that best meet the needs of expats in France:

• Wise multicurrency account: Holds 40+ currencies and local account details in 8+ currencies. You can send, receive, and hold euros, making it suitable for managing money in France from abroad.
• Revolut standard account: Digital account available in many countries, offering EUR and GBP balances, international transfers, and a debit card for spending in France and abroad.
• BNP Paribas international account: Available to non-residents, with multilingual customer support and multicurrency accounts for international transactions.
• Credit Agricole Britline: International non-resident account tailored for residents in the UK and Ireland, also available to British and Irish expats in France

Wise multicurrency account

You can open a Wise multicurrency account from around 160 countries worldwide. There are no opening or maintenance fees for the personal account. You’ll just need a valid ID and proof of the home address in your country. Once the account is approved, you’ll be able to manage your money in 40+ currencies, exchange at the mid-market rate, and spend in 150+ countries with a debit card. You’ll have EUR account details and IBAN, so you’ll usually be able to use the account to receive a salary or pay bills in France.

Revolut standard account

The Revolut standard account is a free multicurrency account where you can hold money in 30+ currencies and get local account details in both EUR and GBP for everyday money management in the Eurozone and the UK. You can also order debit cards for global spending. For additional perks, such as higher spending limits, better interest rates, or insurance options, you can upgrade to four higher account levels (Plus, Premium, Metal, Ultra) costing between €2.99 and €55 a month.

BNP Paribas international account

BNP Paribas’ international branch has presence and expertise in more than 220 countries and offers multilingual support, with a dedicated network of 27 agencies in France. Debit cards available for global spending and ATM withdrawal, plus multicurrency accounts on offer for international transactions. Account fees from €2.50/month. You can contact the BNP Paribas International Customer sector via the dedicated form for tailored onboarding (specific remote account-opening requirements are not listed on the page).

Credit Agricole Britline

A non‑resident French account for residents of the UK and Ireland with ties to France, as well as British and Irish expats living in France. It includes a EUR account, with a GBP account also available (minimum opening balance £1,000). You can exchange between EUR and GBP. One‑off SEPA transfers are free when made online or via the Ma Banque app; in‑branch one‑off SEPA transfers cost €5. The UK is in the SEPA area.

You can open the account remotely by uploading your ID, proof of address and tax status, then completing a short phone interview. Account handling costs €2 per month (€24 per year). Service packages (e.g., Prestige, Premium, Essential, EKO) are available; card fees are charged separately.

How to open a bank account in France as a non-resident?

The process for opening a bank account as a non-resident in France varies depending on the provider. You may be able to open your account remotely online or via an app with some French or international banks that provide accounts to non-residents, while others may still require an in-person visit to a branch in France. Specialist digital providers, on the other hand, have simpler online registration processes.

You should check the exact process on the bank or financial service provider website before opening an account. Expect to follow these steps to open an account online:

• Visit the website of the bank or provider and choose your account option
• Check that you meet the eligibility requirements for the account
• Click on “Open Account” (or similar)
• Fill in your personal details (e.g., name, date of birth, address)
• Collect and upload your supporting documents proving your eligibility (e.g., passport, proof of address, employment contract if proof of income needed)
• Wait for documents to be verified
• Get confirmation that your account is ready to use

There may be extra verification, such as a confirmation call or video chat, before you can use the account. The bank or provider will tell you if anything else is needed

Required information and documents

Documentary requirements vary between providers, so again it’s important to check first. Examples of what you may be asked to provide are:

• Proof of identity (pièce d’identité), for example a passport or official photo ID
• Proof of address (justificatif de domicile), for example utility bill, bank statement, or official document
• Evidence of income, for example payslips or employment contract (needed for some accounts)
• French tax identification number (numéro fiscal) if you have one

Do non‑residents need a French bank account or IBAN?

Legally, you don’t need a local bank account in France. You can carry out most regular activities using a foreign account or a global digital provider such as Wise. Under Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) rules, an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) issued in any participating country should be accepted for EUR payments and transfers on the same terms as a national IBAN.

If you want EUR account details (IBAN) for SEPA payments, you can open a Wise account online here.

In principle, any SEPA IBAN should be accepted for EUR payments. In practice, some organizations (for example utilities, telecoms, employers, or landlords) may still incorrectly ask for an FR IBAN. This is known as IBAN discrimination and is illegal under EU law—complain to the organization in writing first, then escalate via their mediator/complaints process and you can also report suspected non‑compliance to the ACPR (Banque de France channels).

How to move your money to France

If you’re relocating to France, you can move money using a few common methods:

• Bank transfer: Send money from your home bank to a French (or SEPA) account using the recipient’s IBAN (and sometimes a BIC/SWIFT code). SEPA EUR transfers are usually low-cost; international transfers from outside the Eurozone can take longer and cost more.
• Money transfer provider: Digital transfer services can offer transparent fees and competitive exchange rates, and may be useful if you don’t yet have a French bank account.
• Multicurrency account: Lets you hold and convert multiple currencies in one place, receive EUR, and make card payments—helpful if you’re managing money across borders.

Bottom line: opening a French bank account as a non‑resident

The right option depends on costs, access, and cross‑border features. Compare providers and check eligibility. If you need to start making EUR payments before you arrive, a multicurrency account with EUR account details (IBAN) can be a practical alternative—although it won’t necessarily provide a French (FR) IBAN.

Useful resources

• Wise – multicurrency account for France (accessed 22 Mar 2026)
• Revolut – standard account for France (accessed 22 Mar 2026)
• BNP Paribas – international account (accessed 22 Mar 2026)
• Credit Agricole Britline – landing page (accessed 22 Mar 2026)
• Credit Agricole Britline – fees for personal customers (accessed 22 Mar 2026)

This guide is for general information only and isn’t financial advice. Features, availability, and fees can change. Always check the provider’s official pages before applying.