To open a business account in France you normally need a registered French entity with a SIREN or SIRET number from the INSEE registry, articles of association, identity documents for the directors and beneficial owners, and proof of a registered office. Both traditional banks and neobanks such as Qonto serve France.
- Can a non resident open
- Possible but harder. Several neobanks and some banks onboard non resident owners of a French registered company. A French registered entity is normally required. Verify with the provider.
- Typical timeline
- Providers do not publish a standard timeline. Neobanks onboard online once company documents are complete. As of 11 October 2026
- Free account available
- Yes. Shine lists a free plan. Paid neobank plans start at 6 euros a month excluding VAT at Blank and 9 euros at Qonto. As of 11 October 2026
- Most providers
- several business accounts
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
How business banking works in France
France has a mix of large traditional banks and a strong set of business neobanks. Traditional banks offer branches and broader lending, while neobanks such as Qonto, Shine and Blank focus on fast online onboarding, a French IBAN, cards and bookkeeping tools. A French registered company with a SIREN or SIRET number is the usual starting point, and many providers can onboard you online once your documents are ready.
Who can open a business account
Registered French businesses, including companies such as a SARL or SAS and sole traders such as a micro entrepreneur, can open a business account. Non resident owners of a French registered company can often open an account, though identity and beneficial ownership checks are stricter and some providers ask for a registered office in France. Verify with the provider.
Traditional banks compared with neobanks
Traditional banks offer branches, in person support and broader lending, and pricing varies by bank and package. Neobanks such as Qonto, Shine and Blank offer faster online onboarding and published plans, including a free plan at Shine and paid plans from 6 euros a month excluding VAT. They focus on payments and tools rather than full branch banking and lending. As of 11 October 2026, compare the trade offs for your needs.
Requirements and documents
Requirements vary by provider, but most ask for the following before they open a French business account. Verify with the provider
- A French registered entity with a SIREN or SIRET number, plus a K bis extract or equivalent and the articles of association
- Identity documents for the directors and the beneficial owners, such as a valid passport, and proof of address
- Evidence of a registered office in France and details of the company ownership structure
How to open an account
- Register your French company and obtain your SIREN or SIRET number and K bis extract
- Choose a provider, a traditional bank for branches and lending or a neobank such as Qonto for fast online onboarding, and gather your company and identity documents
- Apply online or in branch and complete identity and beneficial ownership checks. For a SARL, SAS or SA, a certificate of deposit of the share capital is one of the registration documents, so the capital is deposited before the company is registered
Compare business accounts available in France
These providers accept business customers in France. Fees and eligibility shown as of 11 October 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about business banking in France
Can a non resident open a business account in France?
What documents do I need to open a French business account?
How long does it take to open a business account in France?
Which providers offer business accounts in France?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 11 October 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.