Open a Bank Account in France

People and tram outside a bank in France

Let us help you open a bank account in France. We make it easy with our relationships with local banks.

Opening a bank account in France is no easy task, let alone for foreigners. And thanks to FATCA, it’s most difficult for Americans. FATCA is the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, which was passed as part of the HIRE Act of 2010, that requires foreign financial institutions and certain other non-financial foreign entities to report on the foreign assets held by their U.S. account holders or be subject to withholding tax on withholdable payments. The HIRE Act also contains legislation requiring U.S. persons to report, depending on the value, their foreign financial accounts, and foreign assets.

What does this mean? Banks outside of the U.S. must spend a lot of time and money to account for and report their U.S. customers. And because of this, many banks have lost interest in U.S. customers, which makes it even more difficult for Americans to open bank accounts outside of the U.S., or get mortgages, for that matter.

Our Service Includes:

  • Advising and assisting you in opening a personal bank account or an account for an Société Civile Immobilière (SCI)
    • Includes a Carte Bleue (debit card) service, checkbook, and other basic banking needs
  • Creating a relationship for you with one of our bank representatives
  • Accompanying you to the bank appointment
View of Île Saint-Louis and Seine
Paris Courtyard with flowers

How it Works

The first step is to schedule a consultation. (We must have a consultation with you before we can help you with this service.) Then, here's how it works:

We set up an appointment for you with one of our bank representatives, at a time that is convenient, and we attend the meeting with you. You must be physically present to open a bank account. The appointment lasts about one hour and will take place in a bank in Paris or Nice. Other locations in France cannot be assured.

During the appointment, you will need to present:

  • Your valid passport
  • Your proof of domicile in your name, dated within less than 3 months (gas, electricity, or telephone bill)
  • Proof of your tax residency (e.g. income tax return)

Let us help you open a bank account in France. 

To get information about fees, or to book an appointment, visit this page.

Adrian helped us open a French bank account and selected an English speaking Notaire with whom we worked. She also advised us on the financial institution that would give us the best rate of exchange. This alone saved us thousands of dollars.

— STEVE H.

SAVE MONEY ON TRANSFERS

View of the Paris skyline with Eiffel Tower

Save money and discover the smart way to exchange currency.

get property financing

Paris Neighborhood close to the Pompidou

Take advantage of the low interest rates in France and get the financing you need.

Don't go it alone. Our team will guide you every step of the way.