Opening French bank account - requirements

[Rob G]

We're hoping to move to Normandy in the Autumn and will be in France for a few days beginning of August to view properties. Since we don't yet have a French bank account, we thought it might be worth taking the time to open one while we're over. This raises a couple of questions, though:

1. Can you open a French bank account without a French residential address? When I lived in France 13 years ago I seem to remember having to provide proof a French address.

2. If we want to open one while we're visiting, what documentation will we need to take with us?

Thanks,

Rob

[Michelle28]

Hi

We opened an account with CA Britline in Caen last year as we are building in Normandy.  I took my passport, utility bills etc ( from uk) and had them validated at the head office in Caen.  It is easy to find - honest! Anyway, as it was a joint account and my husband was not with me, we still had to send in details of bank balances etc.  Also we both had to have references from our own banks! A very lengthy process but it is proving very useful now so it is worth it. Although the account charges are expensive. As for owning property - I sent in 'proof of interest' in property in France. I think it was a letter re the purchase of the land. That seemed to be enough.  All in all it took a good 3 months to set up so you will need to be patient. 

Good luck

Michelle

[Ron Avery]

I thought this had been answered very recently, but the search facility appears on the blink again, However, if you go to:

http://forums.livingfrance.com/shwmessage.aspx?ForumID=279&MessageID=195747

You will get the answer to your question in the second post.