How to Open a Business Bank Account in France: A Guide for U.S. Entrepreneurs

France offers a valuable opportunity for American businesses aiming to expand into Europe. However, before establishing a presence, navigating local administrative processes is essential, with opening a French business bank account being an important first step. This process can be complex, particularly for non-residents, due to unique requirements that differ from those in the U.S.

This guide provides a clear roadmap for entrepreneurs on how to open a business bank account in France. We will cover the necessary steps, documentation, common challenges and modern solutions that can simplify the process for your growing business.

Why You Need a French Business Bank Account

In France, all incorporated businesses are required to have a dedicated professional bank account.¹ It’s not just a regulatory hurdle; a local French bank account is essential for operations. It allows you to:

Deposit Share Capital: You must deposit the initial share capital for your company to complete its registration as a business in France.²

Manage Business Finances: A local account is critical for day-to-day transactions, paying French employees, and handling tax obligations with French authorities.

Establish Credibility: Operating with a French bank account enhances your company's credibility and builds trust with local clients, suppliers, and partners.

Can a Foreigner Open a Bank Account in France?

Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in France as a foreign business. However, American business owners will have to go through some specific hurdles with traditional French banking institutions, which include:

In-Person Requirements: Many traditional French banks require the legal representative of the business to be physically present to open an account, which can mean costly travel for U.S.-based entrepreneurs.²

Strict Documentation: French banks have rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. This meeting is required to be in-person and allows the bank to gain insight into you and your business, and the goal is for the bank to establish who they will be working with. You will be asked to provide a business plan that details the desired direction of your business, as well as your business’ financials.¹

Language Barrier: While some international banks have English-speaking staff, many local branches conduct business primarily in French, which can complicate the application process and ongoing communication.²

Lengthy Process: The traditional route can be slow and bureaucratic, sometimes taking weeks or even months to get an account fully operational.²

With these fundamentals in mind, the next consideration is the process for establishing a business account. Below we outline how to open a French bank account for business finances through the traditional route.

Wise Business Could Help Your Company Save on Global Payments

How to Open a French Bank Account for Business: The Traditional Route

If you choose a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, the process generally follows these steps.

Step 1: Choose a Bank and Schedule an Appointment

Major banks like BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and HSBC France serve international clients. Unlike in the US, walk-in appointments to open a business account are not common practice in France. You should plan to schedule an appointment in advance.¹

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

The KYC process in France is thorough. To ensure your meeting is productive, prepare a comprehensive file with the following documents:

• Valid passports and tax identification numbers for all beneficial owners and legal representatives.²,¹ Typically, beneficial owners include anyone with a 25% or higher stake in your business.³
• Proof of address in the United States (e.g., a recent utility bill).²
• A detailed business plan and financial forecast.¹
• Your company’s Articles of Association (bylaws).¹
• An organizational chart showing the Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs).¹
• Proof of your company’s registered office address in France.¹

Step 3: Deposit Capital and Obtain Your K-bis

Once the bank approves your initial application, you will open a temporary, blocked account to deposit your company’s share capital. After the transfer is verified, the bank issues a Certificate of Blocked Capital (Attestation de blocage de capital social).¹

This certificate is essential for your lawyer or accountant to register your company with the French Chamber of Commerce.

Upon successful registration, you will receive a “K-bis,” the official document that serves as your company’s legal identity in France. With the K-bis, the bank will unblock your funds and convert the temporary account into a fully functional business finances account.¹

Modern Alternatives: Digital and International Banking Solutions

For US businesses, a more efficient route is often through digital banks or specialized financial technology providers. These platforms are designed for international operations and can bypass many of the hurdles of traditional banking.

Save Time and Money On Overseas Payments With Wise Business

Wise Business can help you save big time on international payments.

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies.

Signing up to Wise Business allows access to BatchTransfer which you can use to pay up to 1000 invoices in one go. This is perfect for small businesses that are managing a global team, saving a ton of time and hassle when making payments.

Some key features of Wise Business include:

• Mid-market rate: Get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees on international transfers

• Global Account: Send money to countries and hold multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local

• Access to BatchTransfer: Pay up to 1000 invoices in one click. Save time, money, and stress when you make 1000 payments in one click with BatchTransfer payments. Access to BatchTransfer is free with a Wise Business account

• Auto-conversions: Don't like the current currency exchange rate? Set your desired rate, and Wise sends the transfer the moment the rate is met

• Free invoicing tool: Generate and send professional invoices

• No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees: US-based businesses can open an account for free. Learn more about fees here

Use Wise Business >>

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner start a business in France?

Yes, foreigners can start a business in France. The process involves choosing a legal structure, such as an SARL (limited liability company) or SAS, registering the business, and opening a professional bank account, which is a mandatory step for capital deposit and incorporation.¹

What is a K-bis?

The K-bis is the official certificate of incorporation for a company registered in France. It is issued by the Chamber of Commerce and acts as the company’s legal identity card, proving its existence and providing key details like its registration number, address and legal representative.¹

What is the “Right to an Account” procedure?

If a bank refuses your request to open an account, you can use the “Right to an Account” (droit au compte) procedure. This involves petitioning the Banque de France (France’s central bank), which will then designate a commercial bank that must open a basic account for your business. It is typically used as a last resort due to the time it takes.¹

Sources:

1. How to Open a Business Bank Account in France | Choose Paris Region
2. Opening a Business Bank Account in France as a Non-Resident | Clevver
3. Best business bank account in France | Expatica