How to open a business account in France

Snapshot

To open a business account in France you usually register the company, obtain a SIREN or SIRET number from the INSEE registry, deposit any required share capital and receive the deposit certificate, then verify the identity of directors and beneficial owners. Neobanks can onboard online, while traditional banks can take longer.

Core documents: SIREN or SIRET number, Kbis extract, articles of association, and identity for directors and beneficial owners
Typical timeline: Often about one to three weeks once documents are complete, faster with some neobanks
Can a non resident open: Possible for a French registered company, sometimes with stricter checks. Verify with the provider.
Most providers: Several business accounts

Fees and features as of 13 February 2026Last reviewed 13 February 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Opening a business account in France generally means registering your company and obtaining a SIREN or SIRET number from the INSEE registry, depositing share capital for a company such as a SAS or SARL, then verifying the identity of directors and beneficial owners. As of 13 February 2026, neobanks such as Qonto, Shine and Blank can onboard online, while traditional banks may take longer. Confirm current requirements with the provider.

The steps to open a business account in France

The process follows a familiar order. Register the company and obtain its identifiers, deposit any required share capital, choose an account that fits how you trade, prepare the documents, then complete identity verification. The detail and the timeline vary between neobanks and traditional banks, so confirm the current process with the provider you choose.

Register the company and obtain identifiers

A company such as a SAS or SARL registers and receives a SIREN number, with a SIRET number for each establishment, plus a Kbis extract that proves registration. A sole trader such as a micro entrepreneur registers and receives a SIRET number. As of 13 February 2026, a SIREN or SIRET number is commonly required to open a business account, so set this up first. Verify the requirement with the provider.

Deposit share capital where required

To incorporate a company such as a SAS or SARL, you usually deposit the share capital and receive a deposit certificate before registration is completed. As of 13 February 2026, some neobanks such as Qonto offer this capital deposit online and issue the certificate. The amount and process vary by company form, so confirm the current steps with the provider and a qualified adviser.

Prepare documents and verify identity

Gather the Kbis extract, the articles of association, the SIREN or SIRET number, and identity for directors and beneficial owners, plus proof of a registered office. Providers run anti money laundering checks. As of 13 February 2026, neobank onboarding is usually online, while a traditional bank may ask for more steps. Confirm the current document list with the provider.

What you usually need to apply

Before you apply for a business account in France, prepare these items, as of 13 February 2026. Verify with the provider

Your SIREN or SIRET number, a Kbis extract and, for a company, the articles of association.
Identity documents for directors, beneficial owners and account signatories.
Proof of a registered office in France and, for a new company, the share capital deposit certificate.

How to open the account

Register the company and obtain the SIREN or SIRET number and the Kbis extract before you apply.
Deposit any required share capital and obtain the deposit certificate, then choose an account that matches your transactions and currencies.
Complete the application and identity checks, then confirm the current requirements and timeline with the provider.

Compare business accounts available in France

These providers accept business customers in France and onboard online. Fees and eligibility shown as of 13 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about business banking in France

What do I need to open a business account in France?

You usually need a SIREN or SIRET number, a Kbis extract, the articles of association for a company, identity documents for directors and beneficial owners, and proof of a registered office. As of 13 February 2026 the exact list varies by provider. Confirm the current requirements with the provider before you apply.

How long does it take to open a business account in France?

Often about one to three weeks once your company documents are complete, and faster with some neobanks that onboard online. As of 13 February 2026 timelines vary by provider and company form. Confirm with the provider.

Do I need to deposit share capital first?

To incorporate a company such as a SAS or SARL you usually deposit the share capital and receive a deposit certificate before registration. As of 13 February 2026, some neobanks such as Qonto offer this online. Confirm the current steps with the provider and a qualified adviser.

Can I open a business account online in France?

Yes. As of 13 February 2026, neobanks such as Qonto, Shine and Blank onboard online, and cross border providers such as Wise Business and Revolut Business also apply online. Confirm the current process with the provider.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 13 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.