The 3 steps

1. Passport/Visa
2. EDF¹ with your name
   • And if you don’t have one you’ll need an Attestation d’Hebergement².
3. Choose bank

Justificatif de domicile in other words is a utility bill. Unlike in the states where it’s possible to use a variety of bills as proof of address, here in France this justificatif de domicile is really asking for your EDF (national energy provider) account with your name on it.

The French love their paperwork and if you’re in the position to change your mailing address for your US bank to your French adresse do it! It’s definitely not mandatory but will help make your case when you go to submit your paperwork.

The best way forward however is to have a native-French speaker accompany you on meeting your potential banker. The royal flush that will most definitely secure you an account. Not in the cards? Try striking a balance when communicating that you are serious, assertive yet not pushy.

EDF provides the justificatif de domicile to customers on-demand and can be accessed easily via their website.

Attestation d’Hebergement

But, let’s take a step back and say you aren’t an EDF customer yet. As a non-resident there’s the option of providing an attestation d’hebergement to serve as your justificatif de domicile. This will however involve another person – think of your current landlord or sublandlord that has already provided you accommodation. And if that’s not an option and you’re in Nîmes, contact me! This person will need to draft a letter saying you are staying with them and they will need to give you a copy of their passport/ID and utilities bill (EDF).

What’s a securité civile assurance?

Ok, so now you’re on your way to have your account finalized. Don’t be shocked if you are advised by your new banking rep to include their securité civile assurance as it’s illegal to not have one. You can account for ~EUR 50/year. Just so you know, it’s to protect you from the so-called hazards of life. Some classic examples, if your dog bites someone you’re covered for the victim’s medical expenses, or if you’re riding your bike and you hit someone, it’s covered.

Choosing a Bank – brick and mortar or mobile?

No matter which you choose in France they will charge you a fee to hold an account with them. It shouldn’t be more than EUR 5/month for debit, for credit ~ EUR 10/month.

Try the largest banks first – Crédit Agricole, Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Banque Populaire, Caisse d’Epargne, etc. Good Luck! There’s a likelihood the first bank might be reluctant to open one for you depending on your banker, keep at it and you will succeed.

For mobile banking, I recently helped an American/Indian couple open an account at Bunq. It took about a week to setup and all of the paperwork was done online.

If you want to discuss in more detail your new chapter in France or banking and real estate needs, feel free to give me a call, or email.

chandler@lesterrassesimmobilier.fr

+1 (423) 488 1063

+33 (0)7 89 05 64 06

1. EDF – the main provider of electricity in France, another large one is ENGIE. ↩︎
2. Attestation d’Hebergement – here is a template that I used to write mine. (link) ↩︎