To open a bank account in France, you can contact the bank of your choice.
Student associations (e.g. BDE) have agreements with local banks and can help you open an account.
BANK
ACCOUNT
Important!
You must have a bank account in France in order to receive reimbursements of healthcare costs by French Health Insurance (CPAM) and payment of your housing assistance (APL) by the Family Allowance Fund (CAF).
Documents to provide:
This list is for information purposes only and may vary depending on the bank you choose.
- Identity document (for EU citizens) or passport with valid visa (for citizens of non-EU countries)
- Proof of residence (certificate from the CROUS, rent receipt, gas or electricity bill, housing insurance certificate, etc.)
- Certificate of registration, student card or university admission letter
If a bank refuses to open you a bank account!
A bank may refuse to open a bank account for you. In this case, it must provide you with a letter of refusal (“lettre de refus”):
- specifying the reason for the refusal
- and informing you of the possibility of referring the matter to the Banque de France to benefit from the procedure known as the ‘right to have a bank account’ (“le droit au compte“)
The Banque de France then nominates a bank:
- close to your place of residence or the place of your choice
- which must open an account for you with basic banking services
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