Yes, you can open a bank account online in France, but the process depends on whether you are a resident, a citizen, or neither
French banks allow online account opening, but they have different rules for residents and non-residents. If you live in France, most banks will let you complete the entire process online—uploading documents, verifying your identity, and signing electronically. If you do not live in France, your options narrow significantly. Some banks accept non-residents online; others require you to visit a branch in person or use a video call with a banker. A few banks do not accept non-residents at all.
The speed and ease of opening an account online also depends on your nationality and whether you already have a French tax number (numéro de sécurité sociale). EU citizens typically face fewer barriers than non-EU citizens. Non-residents often wait longer for approval because banks must verify your identity and address through different channels than they use for residents.
Key Takeaways
- French residents can open most accounts entirely online by uploading ID, proof of address, and signing documents electronically.
- Non-residents may be asked to verify identity by video call, in-person visit, or through a notarized document, depending on the bank.
- EU citizens generally face fewer restrictions than non-EU citizens, though some banks still require additional verification for non-residents.
- You will need a valid passport or national ID card, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or rental agreement), and sometimes a French tax number or proof of income.
- Processing time ranges from a few days for residents to two to four weeks for non-residents, depending on how quickly you return documents.
What documents you need to open an account online
Every French bank requires a valid form of ID—a passport, national ID card, or driving license. For residents, a recent utility bill, lease, or rental agreement serves as proof of address. Non-residents often need to provide the same documents but may also be asked for proof of income (a recent payslip or tax return), a letter from an employer, or a bank statement from your home country.
Some banks ask for a French tax number (numéro de sécurité sociale) before opening an account. If you do not have one yet, you can often complete the account opening first and obtain the number afterward through the French tax authority (Direction Générale des Finances Publiques). A few banks will ask for a notarized copy of your ID if you are opening an account as a non-resident; this means having your ID certified by a notary in your home country and then mailed or uploaded to the bank.
Banks also ask why you are opening the account—whether it is for salary deposits, business, or personal use. Be honest about your situation. If you are moving to France, say so. If you are a student, mention it. Banks use this information to assign the right account type and flag any potential compliance issues early.
Which French banks accept online account opening for non-residents
Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are fintech banks that accept non-residents worldwide and complete the process entirely online. Both verify identity through a video call or document upload and can open an account in minutes to hours. Neither requires you to be a French resident or citizen. Both are regulated in Europe and offer IBAN accounts, though Wise is primarily a transfer service with banking features added.
Boursorama, an online subsidiary of Société Générale, accepts non-residents but requires a video call with a banker to verify your identity. The call typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. After the call, you can complete the rest online. Processing takes three to five business days for residents and up to two weeks for non-residents.
ING France and BNP Paribas both offer online account opening but have stricter rules for non-residents. ING France may ask for a notarized ID or a video call. BNP Paribas often requires an in-person visit to a branch if you are a non-resident, though some branches may offer a video alternative—call ahead to ask. Crédit Agricole and Société Générale vary by branch; some accept non-residents online, others do not. Contact your local branch to confirm.
Traditional banks (Crédit Mutuel, La Banque Postale, Caisse d'Épargne) generally require an in-person visit for non-residents, though some branches have begun offering video verification. If you are opening an account as a non-resident, start with a fintech bank or call the branch nearest to where you will be living to ask what they accept.
The identity verification step: video call, in-person, or document upload
French banks use three methods to verify your identity when you open an account online. The first is document upload: you photograph or scan your ID and proof of address, upload them to the bank's app or website, and the bank's system checks them automatically. This is fastest and works for most residents. Non-residents are less likely to be approved through upload alone.
The second method is a video call with a banker. You book a time slot, join a video call, and show your ID to the banker on camera. They ask basic questions (your name, address, why you are opening the account) and verify that the ID matches your face. This takes 10 to 20 minutes and is common for non-residents. Boursorama and some branches of larger banks use this method.
The third method is an in-person visit to a branch. You bring your original ID and proof of address, a banker verifies them, and you sign the account agreement on paper. This is the slowest but most certain method and is what many traditional banks require for non-residents. Some banks will accept a notarized copy of your ID mailed to them instead, but this adds time and cost.
Timeline: how long it takes to open an account online
For residents, opening an account online typically takes two to five business days from the moment you submit all documents. Fintech banks like Revolut and Wise can complete the process in hours. Boursorama usually takes three to five days. Traditional banks may take up to two weeks, especially if they need to verify your address or income.
For non-residents, expect two to four weeks. If the bank requires a video call, add three to five business days for scheduling and completing the call. If you need to mail a notarized document, add one to two weeks for postal delivery. If the bank requires an in-person visit, you will need to travel to France or find a branch in your home country (some large banks have international branches).
The timeline also depends on how quickly you return documents. If the bank asks for additional proof of income or address and you delay sending it, the process stalls. Check your email and the bank's app daily during the opening process. Some banks send verification links that expire after 24 or 48 hours.
What happens after your account is approved
Once your account is approved, the bank sends you a welcome email with your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and login credentials. You can usually access your account online immediately, but your debit card arrives by mail within five to ten business days. Until the card arrives, you can transfer money in and out using your IBAN and make online payments, but you cannot withdraw cash or pay in stores.
If you are a non-resident, the bank may place a temporary hold on your account—you can receive and send money, but large withdrawals or transfers may require additional verification. This hold usually lifts after 30 days or once you provide a French address and tax number. Some banks ask you to visit a branch in person within 90 days to complete the account setup; if you do not, they may freeze the account.
After opening, you will need to set up online banking security (a password and two-factor authentication). Most French banks use an app-based code generator or SMS verification. Keep your login details secure and do not share them with anyone, including bank staff.
Common reasons your online account opening may be rejected
Banks reject online account applications for several reasons. The most common is incomplete or unclear documents—a blurry photo of your ID, a utility bill that does not clearly show your name and address, or a lease that is not signed by both you and the landlord. If this happens, the bank will ask you to resubmit. Do not ignore the request; your application will expire if you do not respond within the timeframe given (usually 10 to 14 days).
Another reason is a mismatch between your ID and your proof of address. If your ID shows one name and your utility bill shows a different name (for example, a married name), explain this to the bank in writing. Provide a marriage certificate or name-change document if you have one.
Banks also reject applications if they cannot verify your identity through their automated system. This is more common for non-residents and for people from countries with less standardized ID formats. If this happens, ask the bank whether you can complete verification by video call or in person instead.
Finally, some banks reject applications from people with a history of fraud, money laundering, or sanctions violations. If your application is rejected for this reason, the bank will not usually tell you why. You can contact the bank to ask, but they are not required to explain. If you believe the rejection is an error, you can file a complaint with the French financial regulator (Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution, or ACPR).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a French bank account online if I do not live in France yet?
Yes. Fintech banks like Revolut and Wise accept non-residents and can open an account in hours. Traditional banks vary—some require a video call, others require an in-person visit or a notarized ID. Contact the bank you want to use and ask what they need from non-residents. If you are moving to France soon, mention your arrival date; some banks will fast-track your application.
Do I need a French address to open an account online?
No, but you need a valid address somewhere. If you do not have a French address yet, use your current address in your home country. Once you move to France and get a French address, update it with the bank. Some banks ask you to do this within 90 days; others give you longer.
What if my ID or documents are in a language other than French?
Most French banks accept documents in English and other major European languages. If your documents are in another language, ask the bank whether they need a certified translation. Some banks will accept a translation done by any bilingual person; others require a professional translator. Ask before you pay for a translation.
Can I open an account as a non-resident without a video call or in-person visit?
Fintech banks like Revolut and Wise can do this entirely through document upload and automated verification. Traditional French banks rarely accept non-residents without at least a video call. If you want to avoid a video call, choose a fintech bank or wait until you have a French address and can open an account as a resident.
What if the bank asks for a notarized document and I do not know how to get one?
A notary is a certified official who verifies and stamps documents. In most countries, you can find a notary through a local courthouse, law firm, or online notary service. The cost varies but is usually between 20 and 100 euros. Ask the bank exactly which document needs to be notarized and whether they accept electronic notarization (some do, some do not). Get this in writing before you pay for the notarization.