How do I open a bank account in France for a foreign student?

Studely
December 4, 2025

Whether you are a student coming to study in France or a foreign student already there, opening a bank account offers many advantages. These assets are the ease of financial transactions, the receipt of payments, the payment of current expenses, and even access to online banking services.
However, before opening a bank account in France, you must follow a few steps and gather the necessary documents.

The steps to open a bank account in France as a foreign student

To open a bank account in France as a foreign student, here are the main steps to follow:
How to choose the best bank in France?
There are a lot of different banks in France, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that's right for you. Some banks offer special student accounts with reduced fees and other benefits.
It is therefore important to choose the bank whose offers are advantageous. With that, compare the services offered such as the costs of the withdrawal card, international transfers, and cash withdrawals abroad. Be sure to review student account requirements.

  • Preparing the necessary documents

  • Like any bank, to open a bank account in France, the foreign student must provide the necessary documents:

    • Your passport or identity card
    • Your student visa or residence permit
    • A proof of residence, a certificate of accommodation or a rental contract in France
    • Proof of enrollment in a French university
    • PS: this list is not exhaustive.
    • Meet at the bank
    • After completing the previous two steps, contact the bank for an appointment. The meeting can be physical or virtual.
    • Fill out the forms
    • Under the supervision of the bank advisor, you will fill out the form to create your bank account. Be sure to provide accurate information.
    • Make an initial deposit
    • This step depends on the financial institutions. Some banks may require the customer to make an initial deposit into the new account created.
    • Receive your banking information
    • Once all the formalities have been completed, you will receive the banking information (RIB, debit card, online access) from your newly created account. It's important to note that some banks may charge foreign transaction fees for international payments. If you plan on making frequent international payments, be sure to choose a bank that doesn't charge these fees.

    Choosing a Studely payment account


    Opening a payment account allows you to easily manage your tuition fees, book student accommodation, pay for your plane ticket and pay your rent. Opening such an account is generally as easy as opening a traditional bank account.
    Studely's payment account is even more convenient, as it can be opened online even before the student drops off their luggage in France.
    For more information on opening a Studely payment account, see This article.
    Opening a bank account in France is a relatively simple process. By following the steps above, you can easily set up your finances and start studying in France.


    Additional tips:

  • If you don't speak French, you might want to bring a translator with you to the bank.
  • Be sure to inquire about bank fees, including ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and monthly maintenance fees.
  • If you have questions, ask bank staff for help.
  • Studely
    December 4, 2025
    The company STUDELY, whose head office is located at 12 rue des Bateliers — 92110 Clichy, registered with the NANTERRE RCS under number 820 541 449, exploiting the trade name and the STUDELY brand as a payment service provider for OuiTrust. OuiTrust is the commercial name of Harmoniie SAS, whose head office is located at 1 Rue de la Bourse, 75002 Paris, France. Harmoniie SAS is an electronic money institution approved by the French supervisory authority, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), under the approval number 17478.To find out more about the entity that provides your services, please contact customer service.