Opening a Bank Account in Luxembourg as a Non-Resident from France: Everything You Need to Know

Your guide to opening a bank account in Luxembourg while living in France — how to do it, what documents you’ll need, and what alternatives exist to traditional banks.

Wise offers a flexible and low-cost alternative: the Wise account, which gives you a card and, most importantly, an IBAN that allows you to receive and send payments from France or Luxembourg without hidden fees.

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Opening a bank account in Luxembourg for non-residents living in France: What you need to know

If you live in France and work in Luxembourg — or are planning to — you may need a Luxembourgish account to receive your salary.

To open a current account in Luxembourg, you simply need to be an adult and legally responsible.

Accounts are denominated in euros, and you’ll receive a Luxembourgish IBAN. This allows you to make SEPA transfers between France and Luxembourg without additional fees.

If you have your salary paid into your Luxembourgish account (known as domiciling your income), you may also gain access to savings accounts and other financial products.

Luxembourg is in the SEPA zone and uses the euro, which means transfers between Luxembourg and France are generally free and fast.

Please note: under European tax transparency rules, Luxembourgish banks share customer information with the tax authorities in your country of residence — in this case, France.

You must therefore declare any Luxembourg bank account to the French tax authorities. Failure to do so can lead to fines.

Documents required to open your account in Luxembourg from France

The exact list of documents varies depending on the bank. You may be asked for:

• Proof of identity: passport, national ID card, or driver’s licence.
• Employment contract or recent payslip (for example, from your employer in Luxembourg).
• Proof of address less than 3 months old: certificate of residence in France, utility bill, or home insurance certificate.
• Tax identification number: French or Luxembourgish. Some banks accept French residents, while others require Luxembourg tax residency.

In France, your tax identification number (NIF) has 13 digits and is also known as the SPI number (Simplification des Procédures d’Imposition). It’s assigned when you are registered with the French tax administration.

In Belgium, the equivalent is the NN (Numéro National), consisting of 11 digits. It appears on your identity card or social security card.

Non-resident account in Luxembourg: Is it really mandatory for French residents?

It depends on your situation. If your Luxembourg employer requires a local account to pay your salary, you’ll need to open one in Luxembourg.

However, if your employer can pay you into a French or international account, you don’t necessarily need a local account.

Having a Luxembourgish account can still be useful if you spend most of your time working in Luxembourg and want to withdraw cash locally without fees. If you mostly live and spend in France, an online account may be more convenient.

If your employer doesn’t require a local bank and you mainly use your card for everyday purchases, an international online account (such as Wise) can be a good alternative.

Opening an online bank account in Luxembourg for non-residents from France: How to do it?

Some Luxembourgish banks and online providers allow you to open an account entirely online from France.

Visit the bank’s website, choose the account you’re interested in, and start the registration process.

After completing the form, upload the requested documents and confirm your application. You might be contacted by an advisor for verification.

Please note: for online applications, you may be asked for a second proof of identity or to make a verification transfer from your French bank account.

To open an online account in Luxembourg from France:

• Choose a bank that accepts French residents.
• Select the account offer you prefer.
• Complete the online registration form.
• Upload the required documents (ID, proof of address in France, etc.).
• Confirm your request.
• Clarify any details with a bank advisor if needed.
• Wait for your debit card to arrive by post.

Luxembourg banks for non-residents: What are the options for people living in France?

In Luxembourg, banks generally fall into three categories:

• Network banks: These have extensive branch and ATM networks across Luxembourg (e.g. Banque de Luxembourg). Many are subsidiaries of foreign banks such as BNP Paribas, ING, BCP, or Raiffeisen.
• Regional banks: Smaller institutions serving specific areas. They may not have many ATMs, and withdrawals can incur fees unless they have agreements with other banks.
• Online banks accessible from abroad: A wide choice of European providers, such as Wise. There are no purely Luxembourgish-only online banks apart from digital services offered by traditional institutions.

Network bank, regional bank, or online bank: Which should French residents choose?

Your choice depends on your needs — whether your salary is paid in Luxembourg and how often you need to withdraw cash locally.

Luxembourg online bank for non-residents in France

Choosing an online account is a smart option if you live in France but work or receive income in Luxembourg.

With Wise, for example, you’ll receive a European IBAN that allows your employer to pay your salary from Luxembourg to France without international transfer fees.

This kind of account is ideal for everyday life — card payments in euros are usually free, and you can manage everything from your phone.

However, withdrawals may be subject to limits or small fees depending on the provider or plan you choose.

Open a Wise account from France before working in Luxembourg

With the Wise account, you get an IBAN that functions like a Luxembourgish account, allowing you to send and receive SEPA transfers easily between France and Luxembourg.

The Wise debit card (available for a €7 delivery fee) lets you make free payments in euros across the SEPA area, as long as there’s no currency conversion involved.

Registration is quick and easy from France — you don’t need a payslip or social security number to open your account.

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This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.