Do you need a French bank account to set up a company?
A dedicated business bank account is required to deposit share capital when forming most French company types, and the bank issues a certificate confirming the deposit before registration can be completed. Sole trader and micro-entrepreneur activity has a lighter requirement, generally needing only a separate account once turnover passes a set level.
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How it works
Founders deposit the share capital with a bank, a notary or a similar authorised body, which issues the deposit certificate needed for the company registration file. The account is then unblocked for company use once the registration is confirmed by the commercial registry.
Commonly mixed up with
A personal account used for business transactions is sometimes assumed to satisfy company formation rules. Capital deposit for most company forms specifically requires an account opened in the company's name or through an authorised depositary.
Do you need a French bank account to set up a company?
| Knowledge, Paris | Business and finance |
|---|---|
| Short answer | A dedicated business bank account is required to deposit share capital when forming most French company types, and the bank issues a certificate confirming the deposit before registration can be completed. Sole trader and micro-entrepreneur activity has a lighter requirement, generally needing only a separate account once turnover passes a set level. |
| How it works | Founders deposit the share capital with a bank, a notary or a similar authorised body, which issues the deposit certificate needed for the company registration file. The account is then unblocked for company use once the registration is confirmed by the commercial registry. |
| Commonly mixed up with | A personal account used for business transactions is sometimes assumed to satisfy company formation rules. Capital deposit for most company forms specifically requires an account opened in the company's name or through an authorised depositary. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Can a foreign founder open the account remotely?
- Some banks allow remote account opening, while others require an in-person step.
- Is a dedicated account required for micro-entrepreneurs?
- A separate account becomes mandatory once turnover exceeds a threshold set by the authorities.
- What is a capital deposit certificate?
- It is proof issued by the depositary that founders paid in the share capital before registration.
- Can capital be deposited with a notary instead of a bank?
- Yes, a notary or the Caisse des Dépôts can also act as depositary.
- Where is the process described?
- Service-public.fr publishes the steps for company formation, including capital deposit.
Sources
More in this track
- SAS or SARL in France: what is the difference?
- What are the SIREN and SIRET numbers for a French company?
- When does a business register for VAT in France?
- How does corporate tax work for a French company?
- What does registering as an employer in France involve?
- What is micro-entrepreneur status in France?
- EURL or SASU for a single founder in France: what is the difference?
- What social contributions does a French employer pay?
- Branch or subsidiary in France: what is the difference for a foreign company?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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