Requirements and documents to open a business account in France

Snapshot

To open a business account in France you usually need a registered French entity with 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. A new company also provides the share capital deposit certificate.

Registration: SIREN or SIRET number and a Kbis extract that proves the company is registered
Company documents: Articles of association for a company, plus the share capital deposit certificate for a new company
Identity: Passport or national identity document and proof of address for directors and beneficial owners
Most providers: Several business accounts

Fees and features as of 12 February 2026Last reviewed 12 February 2026

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

To open a business account in France you usually need a registered French entity with 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 12 February 2026, a new company also provides the share capital deposit certificate. The exact list varies by provider, so confirm the current requirements before you apply.

What documents you need in France

French providers run anti money laundering checks, so they ask for documents that prove the business exists, who owns and controls it, and where it is based. The core set is the registration identifiers, the company documents, identity for the people behind the business, and proof of address. The detail varies between neobanks and traditional banks, so confirm the current list with the provider.

Business registration documents

Most providers ask for the SIREN number, the SIRET number for the establishment, and a Kbis extract that proves the company is registered. A company such as a SAS or SARL also provides the articles of association, and a new company provides the share capital deposit certificate. As of 12 February 2026, a sole trader such as a micro entrepreneur provides the SIRET number and proof of registration. Confirm the current documents with the provider.

Identity and address documents

Providers verify the identity of directors, legal representatives and beneficial owners, usually with a valid passport or national identity document and proof of address. As of 12 February 2026, they also ask for proof of a registered office in France and may ask about the ownership structure and the nature of the business. Confirm the current identity requirements with the provider.

The documents to prepare

Before you apply for a business account in France, prepare these items, as of 12 February 2026. Verify with the provider

The SIREN or SIRET number, a Kbis extract, and the articles of association for a company.
Identity documents and proof of address for directors, legal representatives and beneficial owners.
Proof of a registered office in France and, for a new company, the share capital deposit certificate.

How to prepare your application

Gather the registration documents, including the SIREN or SIRET number and the Kbis extract.
Collect identity and address documents for all directors, representatives and beneficial owners.
Confirm the current document list and any extra requirements with the provider before you apply.

Compare business accounts available in France

These providers accept business customers in France. Fees and eligibility shown as of 12 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about business banking in France

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

Usually 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 12 February 2026 the exact list varies by provider. Confirm the current requirements before you apply.

What is a Kbis extract?

It is the official document that proves a French company is registered, showing details such as the company name, registered office and legal representative. As of 12 February 2026, most providers ask for a recent Kbis extract when you open a business account. Confirm the accepted age of the document with the provider.

Do I need the articles of association?

For a company such as a SAS or SARL, usually yes. As of 12 February 2026, providers commonly ask for the articles of association along with the Kbis extract. A sole trader such as a micro entrepreneur does not have articles of association, so the document list is shorter. Confirm with the provider.

Do I need a share capital deposit certificate?

For a new company, usually yes. As of 12 February 2026, you deposit the share capital and receive a deposit certificate before registration, and some neobanks such as Qonto offer this online. Confirm the current steps with the provider and a qualified adviser.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 12 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Requirements and documents in France