We Offer Strategic Legal Services
Open a Bank Account in France
Open your French business bank account with the assistance of our corporate lawyers and paralegals.
We handle every step — from preparing your compliance documents to liaising with the bank, submitting your application, verifying KYC requirements, and ensuring your company receives its official bank certificate (attestation de dépôt des fonds).
Have Queries ?
What is a Business Bank Account in France?
A business bank account is a mandatory financial tool for any company incorporated in France — whether you operate as an EURL, SAS, SARL, or branch office.
It ensures that all business transactions are separated from personal finances, provides transparency for the French tax authorities, and is required to deposit your share capital during incorporation.
For foreign founders or investors, opening a bank account in France can be complex due to anti-money-laundering (AML) and KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements.
FrenchCo.lawyer facilitates this process by preparing all documentation, connecting with compliant banking partners, and managing communication until your account is approved and active.
Advantages of Opening a Business Bank Account in France
Mandatory for incorporation: Required to obtain the bank certificate (attestation de dépôt des fonds) necessary for company registration.
Financial credibility: Establishes a verified and traceable financial identity in France for clients, suppliers, and authorities.
Secure fund management: Ensures separation between professional and personal finances, in compliance with French accounting and tax standards.
Gateway to other services: Access to credit facilities, company cards, merchant terminals, and online banking tools.
Compliance made simple: All transfers, capital contributions, and taxes are managed through one regulated French account.
A dedicated business account simplifies your operations and demonstrates full legitimacy to French partners and institutions.
How to Open a Business Bank Account in France?
Opening a corporate bank account in France doesn’t have to be complicated.
With FrenchCo.lawyer, the process is streamlined, fully secure, and legally compliant.
Information Collection
We gather the necessary information about your company: incorporation documents, shareholder identities, activity description, and anticipated turnover. Each file is verified to meet French and EU banking regulations.
Preparation of Compliance Documents
Our lawyers prepare the full KYC and compliance dossier, including identification of beneficial owners, corporate structure chart, and proof of business address.
Bank Selection and Application Submission
We liaise directly with our network of French and international partner banks, including traditional and fintech institutions, to identify the most suitable option based on your business type and shareholder nationality.
Review and Capital Deposit
Once the bank accepts the application, you deposit your company’s share capital into the new account. We obtain the bank certificate confirming the deposit — a mandatory document for company registration.
Account Activation and Follow-Up
After incorporation, the bank releases your funds and activates the account for daily transactions. You receive full access credentials, IBAN details, and guidance for ongoing compliance.
Why Choose FrenchCo.lawyer?
All procedures are managed by licensed French lawyers and qualified paralegals with in-depth experience in banking compliance and corporate law. We understand how French banks evaluate foreign applicants and ensure that your file meets both legal and regulatory standards from the outset — saving weeks of back-and-forth with institutions. With FrenchCo.lawyer, you gain efficiency, legal security, and a single point of contact throughout the entire process.
Have Queries ?
What We Need From You to a Open a Business Bank Account in France ?
To open your corporate bank account efficiently, please provide:
Company Documents
Draft or final bylaws, registration certificate (if existing), and details of business activity.
Shareholder & Manager Identification
Valid passport or ID, proof of address (less than three months old), and shareholding percentage.
Proof of Registered Office
Lease, domiciliation agreement, or property deed showing your company’s official address in France.
Capital Deposit Details
Amount to be deposited, source of funds, and expected banking activity.
And Then?
Once these elements are received, our legal team prepares and submits your banking application to the selected institution. We follow up with the compliance department until your bank certificate is issued and your corporate account is fully active — ready for use in France and abroad.
Open a Business Bank Account – Simple Process, Clear Budget
Flat legal fee starting from €699 excl. taxes
Additional mandatory costs: Bank fees, translation of foreign documents (if required), and courier costs.
No hidden costs, no intermediaries, no delays.
Our commitment:
No hidden banking “packages”
No third-party intermediaries
Only compliant legal assistance
Have Queries ?
Why Choose Us?
We Believe in Secure, Lawyer-Led Bank Account Opening
Fast and reliable setup: From preparing bank forms to final account activation, we coordinate every step efficiently.
Legally compliant process: Each verification and submission fully complies with French banking and AML/KYC regulations.
Protective documentation: We ensure your business records and banking details meet both legal and financial security standards.
High professional standards: All work is handled by licensed French lawyers, guaranteeing precision, confidentiality, and accountability.
Let us handle your company’s French bank account setup —
so you can focus on running and expanding your business.
Contact Us
Have Queries ?
Understanding the Opening of a Business Bank Account in France
Can a foreign entrepreneur open a business bank account in France?
Yes.
Foreign entrepreneurs—whether individuals or companies—can open a business bank account in France, even without residing in the country. French law does not restrict non-residents from holding corporate accounts, but the process involves stringent compliance checks under French and EU banking regulations.
The account can be opened for:
- A newly incorporated company (to deposit share capital before registration); or
- An existing entity (French or foreign) seeking a local payment account for its French operations.
However, each case depends on the business activity, the ownership structure, and the nationality of the shareholders or directors, as these determine KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money-Laundering) requirements.
What documents are required to open a business bank account?
Banks in France must comply with the Monetary and Financial Code (Code monétaire et financier), which imposes strict identity and anti-fraud verification.
Generally, the following documents are required:
For the company:
- Draft or final articles of association (statuts).
- Proof of registered office (lease, domiciliation contract, or ownership deed).
- Certificate of incorporation (Kbis or foreign equivalent, if applicable).
- Tax identification number or proof of registration in progress.
For shareholders and directors:
- Valid passport or ID.
- Proof of address less than three months old.
- Ownership chart showing beneficial owners (>25%).
- Tax residency certificate (for non-EU persons or entities).
The bank may request additional information on the company’s activity, expected turnover, and sources of funds.
Can a non-resident director or shareholder be the account holder?
Yes, but with specific conditions.
French law allows non-resident shareholders or managers to open or hold the company’s business account, provided they can:
- Provide a valid passport and proof of address;
- Certify the source of funds; and
- Appoint a French representative or registered agent (if required for correspondence).
For non-EU persons, banks may perform enhanced due diligence and request additional documentation (such as a tax certificate or professional reference).
If the company is entirely foreign-owned, a registered agent or lawyer in France can act as the local intermediary for compliance communications.
Can I use a foreign bank account for my French company?
Not for incorporation.
To register a company in France, the share capital must be deposited into a French-regulated financial institution or notary account, which then issues the attestation de dépôt des fonds.After incorporation, however, the company may hold foreign accounts (subject to declaration to the French tax administration) to facilitate international transactions.
Still, maintaining at least one French IBAN is recommended for VAT payments, payroll, and supplier relations.
What types of business accounts exist in France?
There are typically three categories:
- Capital deposit account (compte de dépôt de capital) — Temporary account for incorporation purposes, closed after funds are released post-registration.
- Operational current account (compte courant professionnel) — Standard account for everyday transactions, invoices, and payroll.
- Merchant or treasury accounts — Optional, for companies handling large volumes of payments or multiple currencies.
Your lawyer will advise which setup best suits your company’s size and structure.
Can the process be completed remotely?
Yes, in most cases.
Many French and European banks now accept remote account openings for foreign founders, provided that all identity, proof-of-address, and corporate documents are certified.
The procedure typically includes:
- Video or digital verification of the representative’s identity.
- Submission of notarized or apostilled documents (for non-EU applicants).
- Compliance validation by the bank’s legal department before the account is activated.
While some traditional banks still require a physical appointment, fintech and neobank options (like Qonto, Wise, or Revolut Business) allow faster remote onboarding with full legal recognition in France.
What is the “attestation de dépôt des fonds”?
The attestation de dépôt des fonds is a certificate issued by a French bank or notary confirming that the company’s share capital has been deposited in a blocked account prior to incorporation.
It serves as proof of financial establishment and is mandatory for all limited liability companies (EURL, SARL, SAS, SASU, etc.).
Once the company is registered and the Kbis extract issued, the bank releases the funds to the company’s operational account.
How long does it take to open a business bank account in France?
The timeline depends on the type of bank and the complexity of your file:
Type of Institution | Average Duration | Notes |
Traditional French banks | 2–4 weeks | Require in-person or courier verification and detailed review of foreign documents. |
Online or fintech banks | 2–7 business days | Remote onboarding; suitable for startups and small companies. |
Notary or lawyer-assisted setup | 5–10 days | Quicker issuance of the attestation de dépôt des fonds before incorporation. |
Pre-verifying all documents with your legal advisor significantly reduces waiting time.
What if a bank refuses to open an account?
If a French bank refuses to open a professional account, the company may invoke its right to a basic banking service (droit au compte) under Article L.312-1 of the Code monétaire et financier.
In that case:
- The entrepreneur applies to the Banque de France, providing proof of refusal.
- The Banque de France designates a bank that must open an account and provide basic services (deposit, withdrawal, transfer, and card).
This legal safeguard ensures that no legitimate business is denied access to essential financial infrastructure in France.
How do French banks verify the source of funds?
Under European AML directives and French financial law, banks must verify that funds originate from legitimate and traceable sources.
You may be asked to provide:
- Proof of the origin of capital (bank statements, investment agreements, or accounting records).
- Details of beneficial owners.
- Information about the nature of the business and future operations.
Failure to provide satisfactory evidence can delay or block the account opening.
Open Your French Business Bank Account
Let our French lawyers & paralegals manage every step — from compliance to activation.
More About Opening a Business Bank Account in France
Can non-residents open a French business bank account?
Yes. Non-residents and foreign-owned companies can open an account, provided all KYC and compliance documents are verified.
What documents will I need?
Typically:
ID proof, company registration documents, UBO declaration, and proof of address are required.
Can I open the account remotely?
Yes — our lawyers handle the full process with secure digital verification and communication.
How long does it take?
Depending on the bank, approval generally takes 1–3 weeks once documents are complete.
Are there specific compliance checks?
Yes. French banks follow strict AML/KYC procedures and must verify beneficial ownership before activation.
What are the typical costs?
- Banking setup fees vary by institution, but legal support ensures compliance and reduces rejection risk.
Can my existing foreign company hold the account?
Yes, provided it’s registered in France or holds a French branch/subsidiary.
Can I change the bank later?
Yes. You can switch banks anytime — our team can assist with closing and transferring funds securely.
