French Riviera Realty assists clients with selecting a suitable bank, preparing the required documentation and completing the account-opening process for both individuals and companies.

Important: Bank requirements regarding non-resident clients, minimum assets and supporting documentation may change. Before submitting an application, we verify the current requirements applicable to each client’s individual circumstances.

How to Open a Bank Account in France

1. Selecting a Bank

We identify suitable banks based on the purpose of the account, the client’s status and the proposed ownership structure.

2. Preparing the Documents

We prepare the list of required documents and arrange translations and apostilles where necessary.

3. Application Review

We submit the application file to the bank and coordinate communication throughout the review process until a decision is received.

4. Meeting with the Bank

Following approval, the client signs the required documentation and receives their bank account details.

Banks in France

BNP Paribas

One of Europe’s largest banking groups, with an international presence and a comprehensive range of services for private and corporate clients.

Indicative conditions: Based on the information currently available to us, opening a personal account requires a deposit starting from €10,000. For an SCI, the company director is also required to maintain a personal account with a deposit starting from €10,000.

Documents:

• Proof of address, such as a recent electricity or gas bill;
• Bank reference letter;
• Passport;
• French long-stay visa and OFII registration, or a European residence permit;
• Marriage and birth certificates;
• Proof of ownership of property in France.

For companies: Documentation is required for each shareholder. The company’s articles of association and a recent official registration extract or equivalent corporate document, generally issued within the last three months, are also required.

Banque Populaire Méditerranée

A regional cooperative bank within the Banque Populaire group, serving private clients, entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the Mediterranean region.

Indicative conditions: Based on the information currently available to us, clients are required to subscribe to bank shares starting from €2,500. For a company account, the director is also required to maintain a separate personal account and subscribe to bank shares.

Documents:

• Proof of address;
• Bank statements for the last three months;
• Tax returns for the last two years;
• Passport;
• French long-stay visa and OFII registration, or a European residence permit;
• Marriage and birth certificates;
• Proof of ownership of property in France.

For companies: Documentation is required for each shareholder, together with the company’s articles of association and a recent official registration extract or equivalent corporate document, generally issued within the last three months.

CIC

A major French banking group with an extensive national network, providing services to private individuals, professionals and companies.

Documents:

• Tax return for the most recent year;
• Bank statements for the last three months;
• Proof of address issued within the last three months;
• Passport;
• French long-stay visa and OFII registration, or a European residence permit;
• Proof of ownership of property in France.

For companies: Documentation is required for each shareholder, together with the company’s articles of association and a recent official registration extract or equivalent corporate document, generally issued within the last three months.

La Banque Postale

A French retail bank with an extensive nationwide network offering everyday banking, savings and other financial services.

Documents:

• Attestation de titulaire de contrat for the electricity supply at the client’s address in France;
• Passport;
• French long-stay visa and OFII registration, or a European residence permit;
• Employment certificate in English;
• Proof of ownership of property in France.

Crédit Agricole

One of France’s largest banking groups. On the French Riviera, the group operates through its regional network, Crédit Agricole Provence Côte d’Azur.

Documents:

• Tax return for the most recent year;
• Bank statements for the last three months;
• Proof of address issued within the last three months;
• Passport;
• French long-stay visa and OFII registration, or a European residence permit;
• Proof of ownership of property in France.

For companies: Documentation is required for each shareholder, together with the company’s articles of association and a recent official registration extract or equivalent corporate document, generally issued within the last three months.

Opening a Bank Account in Monaco

Banks in Monaco primarily serve high-net-worth private clients, entrepreneurs and international structures. Entry requirements depend on the bank, the client’s profile and the amount of assets to be placed with the institution.

Based on the information currently available to us, an indicative starting point is approximately €500,000 in assets under management. The actual minimum requirement may be higher at certain banks.

CMB Monaco

A Monegasque bank specialising in private banking, investment solutions and financing, including real estate financing.

Andbank Monaco

An international private bank focused on wealth management and the preservation of private clients’ assets.

Julius Baer Monaco

The Monaco operation of the Swiss Julius Baer group, an international specialist in private wealth management.

CFM Indosuez Wealth

One of Monaco’s leading banks, part of the Crédit Agricole group and specialising in wealth management, financing and business banking services.

Société Générale Private Banking Monaco

The Monaco private banking operation of the international Société Générale group, with expertise in wealth management and financing substantial private assets.

Edmond de Rothschild Monaco

A private bank within the Edmond de Rothschild group, specialising in wealth management, investment solutions and long-term advisory services for high-net-worth clients.

Barclays Private Bank Monaco

Part of the international Barclays group, with a presence in Monaco spanning more than 100 years and offering investment, banking and lending solutions.

Typical Documents Required in Monaco

• Passport;
• French long-stay visa or European residence permit;
• Proof of current residential address;
• Evidence of income and source of funds;
• Proof of property ownership;
• Evidence of professional or business activity;
• CV including residential address, employer, position and income.

For companies: Additional corporate documentation will be required, together with a complete personal file for each shareholder and beneficial owner.

French Riviera Realty Assistance

French Riviera Realty can assist with selecting a suitable bank, confirming the latest account-opening requirements, preparing the application file and coordinating with the bank throughout the process until the account is opened.