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Documents required to open a bank account in France: the complete list

Soufiane Baba

11.11.25

Read time 3 minutes

What documents are needed to open a bank account in France: here is the list of documents to provide when applying, as well as additional ones that may be required depending on your situation.

At Wise, you'll need an ID and proof of address to open your account. The application process is seamless and fully online, from your computer or mobile.

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What are the necessary documents to open a bank account in France?

The mandatory documents to open a bank account are:¹

Proof of identity.
Proof of address.
Specimen of your signature.

The bank may ask for additional documents depending on your personal situation or the type of card you’re applying for.

For a joint account, the bank will request proof of identity for both account holders, as well as proof of address where they reside.

These documents are mandatory. If you do not provide them, the bank will refuse to open the account.

Documents to provide to open a bank account in France: the detailed list

Each account application must be accompanied by documents proving your identity and address.

Please note: the exact list of required documents varies depending on the bank. Check which proofs are accepted before opening an account.

Proof of identity

To prove your identity, you will need to provide an ID card or a passport with your photo. Some banks may also accept a driver’s licence (but not all).

If you are a foreign resident in France, you can provide:

Passport issued by your country’s authorities.
Residence permit.
Receipt of application for renewal of a residence card/permit, accompanied by the old card.
Temporary residence card, or secure stamp “Temporary Residence Card”.

What documents are needed if the account holder is a minor?

If you wish to open an account for a child under 18 years old, you will need to provide:

Their ID.
The child’s birth certificate extract or family record book.
The legal representative’s ID + a copy of the court order appointing the legal representative.

Proof of address

The document must confirm your address in France. Among the accepted proofs are:

Domicile certificate or contract attestation provided by a service provider: electricity, gas, water, landline or internet.
Electricity, gas, water, or phone bill dated within the last 3 months.
Latest property tax or residence tax notice.
Latest tax notice (or non-taxation notice) if the documents are in your spouse’s name.

Please note: some banks require documents dated within the last year (and not 3 months as mentioned above).

Specimen of signature

If you open the account in a branch, you’ll be asked to sign your contract by hand. The specimen signature will be used by the bank to verify your identity later.

Additional documents

Some premium cards are only available based on income. To access them, you may need to provide proof of salary.

For individuals in specific situations, additional documents may be required:

Students: student ID card.
People hosted for free by a third party: a handwritten statement from the host + their proof of identity and address.
Emancipated minors or individuals under legal protection: court order from the guardianship judge, copies of the court ruling.
Retirees and unemployed people: proof of pension/retirement payment, social benefit payments (CAF, ASSEDIC...), non-income statement, or non-taxation certificate.

If you are in a transitional situation (refugee, asylum seeker, homeless, or in the process of moving), inform the bank before opening the account. They will tell you exactly which documents are needed for your application.

What documents are needed to open a bank account online from France?

The mandatory documents to open a bank account online are the same as for an in-branch application: you’ll need to provide at least a copy of your ID card and proof of address. Documents are uploaded during the application process.

However, there’s one difference when opening an account online: your signature can be electronic rather than handwritten.

You can simply sign the contract directly from your computer or mobile. No need to print, sign by hand, scan, and send it back.

Most traditional banks now offer online account opening.

Open a Wise account easily from your mobile in France

The Wise account can be opened online from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Go to the provider’s website or download the app. Then, you’ll just need to fill out the form and provide the following documents:

ID card with photo.
Proof of address.
A photo of yourself holding your ID.

Once your documents are verified and your account is created, you can order your Wise card.

Open your Wise account

Source:

Individual bank account

Last verified on October 13, 2025

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.

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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

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