In summary…
A French tax resident must declare their bank accounts, digital asset accounts, and life insurance policies held outside of France, using form 3916 attached to tax return 2042 (boxes 8UU and 8TT). The penalty is €1,500 per undeclared account in a country with which France has a tax treaty, and €10,000 in other cases.
Your salary is paid in France, but you opened a local account upon arrival. You may also have taken out a life insurance policy there. All of this must be declared as soon as you become a French tax resident.
Here are the rules and the published amounts.
1. What is declared
The government website lists three categories of assets held outside France: bank accounts, digital asset accounts, and life insurance policies. These must be declared using form 3916, which is attached to tax return 2042 (boxes 8UU and 8TT).
2. Who must declare
Individuals who are tax residents of France and who hold a power of attorney. If your home is outside France and you are a non-resident for tax purposes, this obligation does not apply to you. See the article about the home.
3. Fines
- €1,500 per undeclared account in a State bound to France by a convention on combating tax fraud.
- €10,000 per undeclared account in other cases.
- An increase of 80 % of the duties due on the sums appearing in the undeclared accounts may replace the fine.
4. Fictional example: Claire, a civil servant abroad
Situation. Claire, a French tax resident, is posted abroad. She has opened a local current account and a savings account.
Issue. She never declared these accounts.
Strategy. She draws up the list, with opening dates, and declares them for the next campaign.
Result. Two declared accounts. As a reminder, two undeclared accounts would result in a fine of €3,000 at €1,500 per account.
This is an illustrative example; it does not reflect the situation of any particular client.
Frequently asked questions
Are life insurance contracts affected?
Yes, the administration page lists them along with bank accounts and digital asset accounts.
What should I do with an account I opened before leaving?
This applies if it is opened outside of France and you are a tax resident.
What if I forgot to declare the previous years?
Check in with us before regularizing: the process is handled on a case-by-case basis with your tax office.
Do you have accounts or contracts abroad?
We take inventory with you and prepare the list to submit to your tax office.
Are you a tax lawyer, notary or chartered accountant, and some of your clients are government employees posted abroad? We work in partnership on the investment and life insurance aspects, in conjunction with your tax analysis.
Book an appointment
A 30-minute exchange is enough to lay out your situation. Book a time slot.
Alexis Sagnier, financial and real estate investment advisor, insurance broker, AMF certified. ORIAS 13003497. Updated on 27/10/2026.
