3. Opening a French Bank Account - Compte Bancaire

1. 3.1. Eligibility
2. 3.2. Types of Account
3. 3.3. Bank Charges
4. 3.4. Application to Open Account

3.1. Eligibility for French Bank Account

Whilst residents have an automatic right to a bank account, this is not the case for non-residents, although you are unlikely to find your application will be refused.

In the latter case you would open a compte non-résident.

Neither do you need to own a home in France to open a French bank account.

Most of the internet banks allow non-residents to open an account, but check with them on their residence qualification, if any.

If you want to remain discreet you can open an account using a pseudonym, provided you are resident, and provided the bank is satisfied about who you really are!

Similarly, a woman, if she so wishes, can open an account using her maiden name.

The banks are routinely required to notify the tax authority of the personal details of the account holder, although not of the sums deposited in the account.

The banks are also required to inform the tax authority of the closure of an account or change of account holder and to inform them of funds in the account of a deceased person.