This information is for orientation only, not tax or legal advice. For investments and complex filings consult impots.gouv.fr or a professional.
Financial roadmap
Account + RIB → Prélèvements (rent, CAF) → Fiches de paie → Income declaration → Savings (optional)
Student checklist — finance
- Week 1–2: open a compte courant (traditional or online).
- RIB — Send to employer, CAF, EDF, landlord.
- Lydia / Paylib apps — P2P between students (do not replace official RIB).
- CAF — APL application after contract and NIR.
- Year-end: keep payslips; complete déclaration if required.
Current account
| Type | Examples | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional bank | BNP, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole | Branches, jeunes offers |
| Online bank | Boursorama, Fortuneo, Hello bank! | Often zero fees |
| Néobanque | Revolut, N26 | Multi-currency; check FR RIB for bail |
| Nickel, N26 | No minimum income | Alternative if classic banks refuse |
- Documents: Passport/titre, school certificate, justificatif de domicile (bail or hébergement).
- Identity check — Video or branch.
- Jeune / gratuité offer — Often 18–25 with no fees if conditions met.
- Droit au compte — If refused: appeal via Banque de France.
Everyday payments
- Virement SEPA — Transfer to IBAN (rent, bills).
- Prélèvement — Direct debit; revoke within deadlines if incorrect.
- Lydia / Paylib / Wero — Very common P2P among students.
- Carte bancaire — Contactless widespread; cash at markets/boulangeries.
CAF and rent budget
- APL / ALS — Reduces effective loyer; depends on income, zone, contract.
- Payment — Direct to RIB or offset against rent.
- Delays — Report address changes immediately on caf.fr.
Student tax matters
| Topic | Note |
|---|---|
| Tax resident | Usually if main home in France or >183 days |
| Déclaration de revenus | Mandatory if income above threshold — even part-time |
| Foreign accounts | Form 3916 if resident — penalties if omitted |
| PAS | Annual adjustment after déclaration |
Savings (basics)
- Livret A — Regulated, tax-free, legal ceiling (check rate on Banque de France).
- LDDS / LEP — Other regulated accounts if eligible.
- PEA / assurance-vie — Long horizon only; read AMF — not a student priority.
Related insurance
- Assurance habitation — Mandatory for tenants.
- Responsabilité civile — Often included in habitation or jeune bank offer.
- Mutuelle santé — CPAM complement — see Health.
International transfers
- SEPA — Free within the eurozone.
- Wise, Revolut — Useful from home country; keep proof for visa/renewal.
Official links
Sources
First months full rent - budget without aid until it arrives.
Quick reference
Paris €1,100–1,500/month; Lille/Toulouse €700–950 possible. CAF can reduce rent by €30–50 or more but for a long time.
Realistic monthly budget
- €/month
- 2026 indicative
Banking and payments
Bank/bank
BNP, Société Générale, Boursorama, Nickel. RIB for CAF and rent.
Taxes in daily life
Taxation
VAT included. Job étudiant: automatic cotisations. Non-resident: beware of short-term double taxation.
Groceries and dining
Expense
Carrefour, Lidl, marches. Daily boulangeries. Restaurant menu €12–16.
First-month checklist
First month
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Banking & payments
French IBAN
SEPA transfers, direct debits, and cards; compare student packages.
Fees
Watch FX and cash-deposit rules if you move money internationally.
Income tax
Withholding at source
Monthly PAYE adjusts via your tax rate; you still file an annual return.
Online space
Use your personal tax account for declarations and messages.
Banking & markets
Consumer affairs
Unfair trading and many consumer disputes are handled by the DGCCRF.
Post-arrival checklist
EU/EEA
- Address registration & tax filing
- Bank + mobile
- CPAM if you settle long-term
Non-EU
- Valid residence permit
- Banking aligned with your visa
- CAF if you qualify for housing aid
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.