Personal Finance Bank accounts

How to open a bank account in Belgium for non-residents from France?

Soufiane Baba

04.11.25

Read time 3 minutes

Our complete guide to opening a bank account in Belgium for non-residents from France: is it possible? Which banks allow it? What’s the process? Are there easier alternatives?

For greater flexibility, you could choose a Wise account: opening it online takes just a few minutes. You’ll then have a multi-currency account where you can hold 40+ different currencies.

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Opening a bank account in Belgium for non-residents: what are the conditions?

In Belgium, each bank sets its own conditions for opening accounts for non-residents. Even if you meet the requirements, your application can still be refused without explanation.

At the very least, you’ll need to provide proof of identity and your address outside Belgium. Some banks may also ask about your connection to Belgium: do you visit for work, business, or family reasons? Depending on your answers, your request may be accepted or declined.

How to open a bank account in Belgium as a French resident?

In most cases, you won’t be able to open a non-resident account online with a Belgian bank — you’ll need to visit a branch in person.

Compare the fees charged by different banks before choosing. Pay attention to account maintenance fees, card costs, and any related insurance.

Book an appointment by phone or via the bank’s website and ask for a list of required documents.

Once there, fill out the necessary forms and make the initial deposit: your account will then be opened, and you’ll just need to wait for your bank card.

To open a non-resident account in Belgium:

Choose a bank such as CBC, ING, or Belfius.
Apply online or contact the branch directly.
Attend your appointment with all required documents.
Answer your advisor’s questions.
Once approved, your account will be opened: you’ll receive your IBAN and BIC/SWIFT code.
Wait a few days for your card to arrive, then activate it.

Your card will be usable worldwide, but keep in mind that you may incur fees when withdrawing money in France.

Opening an account in Belgium without living there: what are your options?

Traditional banks: ING, CBC, Belfius, BNP Paribas Fortis…

Traditional banks are the most straightforward option for opening a non-resident account — but also the most restrictive.

Advisors may reject your application without justification. If your link to Belgium is weak, opening an account can be very difficult.

Another drawback is the cost: you’ll have maintenance fees, annual card fees, and high charges for operations in foreign currencies.

On the other hand, traditional banks may allow you to open interest-bearing savings accounts, subject to certain conditions.

Open an account with BNP Paribas in France

BNP Paribas is part of the Global Alliance and Global Network, meaning you’ll have no withdrawal fees when using ATMs within the network. You’ll find many of these in Belgium, especially at BNP Paribas Fortis branches.¹

Because Belgium is in the Eurozone, there are also no fees for card payments in euros. By opening an account with BNP Paribas in France, you’ll enjoy the same benefits as if you held one in Belgium.¹

Cross-border accounts with French banks

If you work in Belgium but live in France, ask your bank if they offer a cross-border account. Some banks, such as BNP Paribas or Crédit Agricole, do. This could save you from opening a non-resident account in Belgium.

Depending on the bank, you could enjoy benefits like lower card fees or free withdrawals abroad.

You’ll also receive tailored advice for your specific situation — useful when managing cross-border finances.

International banking options

Instead of opening a non-resident account in Belgium, you could ask your bank about an international banking option. Some, like Société Générale, offer this.

This paid service can reduce or eliminate fees on payments and withdrawals made abroad.²

While this option is particularly useful for countries outside the Eurozone, it can still help you save on withdrawal costs.

Neobanks and payment providers

Several neobanks and payment providers allow you to hold a euro account without living in Belgium.

Options include N26, Revolut, Bunq, and Wise.

These providers are appealing because they’re usually available to anyone living in Europe, and the application process is entirely online.

Wise is especially interesting for frequent travellers, as it offers the mid-market rate on foreign currency transactions. Card payments are also fee-free if no conversion is required.

Choose Wise if you are not a resident in Belgium

Open a Wise account and get your debit card for just €7 (delivery fee), with no monthly subscription.

The account gives you an IBAN for euro transfers — incoming transfers are commission-free.

You can hold up to 40+ different currencies, and convert between them at the mid-market rate, helping you save compared to most traditional banks that apply marked-up rates.

With Wise, there’s no need to visit a branch — everything is done online in just a few minutes, from any computer or smartphone.

Open your Wise account

Sources:

Last verified on September 11, 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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