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Chapter 5 of 15

Opening a bank account

BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, Boursorama, online banks

Summary

A French bank account (compte bancaire) is essential for daily life in France. You need one for rent, salary payments, utilities, taxes, and health insurance. France has both traditional banks with branches and online banks. Opening an account as a foreigner requires specific documents, and the process varies by bank.

Why a French account?

  • Rent: Landlords almost always require a French IBAN for automatic debit
  • Salary: Employers pay to a French IBAN
  • Utilities: EDF, Engie, water companies — all via prélèvement automatique (direct debit)
  • Taxes: The impôts (tax authority) works with French IBANs
  • Daily use: Cheques (yes, they're still widely used in France!) are only available from a French bank

Traditional banks

BNP Paribas

  • Type: France's largest bank, internationally oriented
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Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)

    The French residence permit. EU citizens do not need to apply for a carte de séjour but can obtain one as proof of residence rights. Non-EU citizens must apply for one.

  • Carte Vitale (Health Card)

    The French health card that gives you access to the healthcare system. Medical costs are directly reimbursed with this card. Apply at the CPAM after your PUMA registration.

  • CPAM (Primary Health Insurance Fund)

    The local health insurance institution. Here you register for French health insurance, apply for your Carte Vitale and submit claims.

  • CAF (Family Benefits Fund)

    The French family benefits agency: child benefit, housing assistance (APL), living allowance. If you live and work in France, you are entitled to many of these benefits.

  • Impôt sur le Revenu (Income Tax)

    The French income tax. Progressive rates from 0% to 45%. Calculated per "foyer fiscal" (household). Since 2019 the tax is withheld directly from your salary.

  • Mairie (Town Hall)

    The French town hall. Here you handle registration, marriages, and request various documents. Every village and city has a mairie.

  • Sécurité Sociale (Social Security)

    The French social security system. Covers healthcare, pensions, family benefits and unemployment. Your numéro de sécurité sociale (15 digits) is your key to the system.

  • OFII (French Immigration Office)

    The French immigration office. Non-EU citizens must validate their visa and activate their residence permit here after arriving in France.

  • PUMA (Universal Health Coverage)

    The French universal health coverage system. Everyone who lives stably in France (3+ months) is entitled to PUMA coverage, regardless of employment status.

  • Taxe d'Habitation (Residence Tax)

    A local tax on your main residence. Largely abolished for main residences since 2023, but still applies to second homes.

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