What you need to open an account abroad

Opening a bank account in another country requires you to be physically present in that country or to work with a bank that accepts remote applications — and the second option is rare. Most banks will not open an account for a non-resident without an in-person visit, a local address, and proof of identity issued by that country's government.

The practical path depends on why you need the account. If you are moving to another country permanently or for work, you will open an account after you arrive, using your passport and a local address (often a rental agreement or utility bill). If you are opening an account as a non-resident — to hold money abroad, to manage a business, or to receive payments — you face much stricter requirements and higher fees.

Banks in most countries will ask for: a valid passport, proof of address in that country, proof of income or employment, and sometimes a tax identification number. Some will also run a background check and ask why you want the account. The process typically takes one to four weeks after you submit documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks require you to visit in person and provide a local address; remote account opening for non-residents is uncommon and usually limited to specific account types.
  • You will need a valid passport, proof of local address, and often proof of income; requirements vary significantly by country and by bank.
  • Banks in some countries (the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia) are more accessible to non-residents than others; banks in many developing nations will refuse non-resident accounts entirely.
  • Opening an account as a non-resident typically costs more in fees and takes longer than opening one as a new resident.
  • International money transfer services and multi-currency accounts may be a faster alternative if you only need to hold or move money, not access local banking services.

In-person account opening as a new resident

If you are relocating to another country, the easiest time to open a bank account is within your first few weeks of arrival. At that point, you have a passport, a local address (lease, utility bill, or letter from your employer), and you can walk into a branch.

Most banks in developed countries will open a basic checking or savings account on the spot or within a few days. Bring your passport, proof of address, and proof of employment if you have it. Some banks will also accept a reference from your employer or a letter from your previous bank. The account is usually free or costs a small monthly fee; you can use it to receive salary deposits and pay bills immediately.

If you do not yet have a local address, some banks will accept a temporary one (a hotel, an Airbnb, or a friend's address) and let you update it later. Others will not. Call ahead or visit a branch to ask; policies vary by bank and by country.

Remote account opening for non-residents

Very few banks will open an account for a non-resident without an in-person visit. The exceptions are usually digital banks, banks that specialize in expat clients, and banks in countries with large diaspora populations.

Digital banks like Wise, Revolut, and N26 can open accounts remotely for non-residents in many countries, but these are not traditional bank accounts — they are multi-currency wallets or payment accounts. They let you hold money, make transfers, and receive deposits, but they do not offer loans, investment services, or the full range of a traditional bank. Fees are typically lower, and the process takes one to three days.

Some traditional banks in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia will open accounts for non-residents if you have a local phone number, a local address (even a temporary one), and proof of identity. A few will do this entirely online; most will require a video call with a staff member. The process takes one to two weeks, and monthly fees are higher than for residents.

Banks in most other countries will refuse non-resident accounts or will require you to visit in person. If you are a citizen of that country living abroad, you may have better luck; some banks offer accounts for diaspora members or returning nationals.

What happens after you submit your documents

Once you submit your application and documents, the bank will verify your identity, check your address, and often run a background check. This takes three to ten business days. Some banks will also contact your employer or previous bank to confirm your information.

If the bank approves your account, it will send you login credentials, a debit card, and sometimes a welcome packet with your account number and routing information. Debit cards usually arrive within one to two weeks; if you need one urgently, ask whether the bank can issue a temporary card or let you use a digital wallet in the meantime.

If the bank denies your application, it will usually tell you why — often because your address could not be verified, your income could not be confirmed, or a background check flagged something. You can ask the bank to reconsider, provide additional documents, or try a different bank.

Costs and fees for non-resident accounts

Non-resident accounts cost more than resident accounts. Monthly maintenance fees range from $5 to $25 depending on the country and bank. Some banks charge a one-time opening fee of $50 to $200. International transfers usually cost $15 to $50 per transaction, and currency conversion fees are typically 1 to 3 percent of the amount transferred.

Digital payment accounts (Wise, Revolut, N26) have lower fees — often no monthly charge and transfer fees of 1 to 2 percent — but they do not offer the full services of a traditional bank. If you only need to hold money and make transfers, they are usually cheaper. If you need a loan, a credit card, or investment services, a traditional bank account is necessary.

Some banks waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance (often $5,000 to $25,000) or if you receive regular deposits. Ask about these options when you apply.

Which countries make it easier or harder

Banks in English-speaking countries with large expat populations — the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States — are generally more willing to open accounts for non-residents, though they still prefer in-person visits. Many will accept remote applications if you have a local phone number and address.

Banks in Western Europe (Germany, France, Spain) will open accounts for EU residents and citizens of other EU countries more easily than for non-EU non-residents. Non-residents from outside the EU face stricter requirements and higher fees.

Banks in many developing countries will refuse non-resident accounts entirely, citing regulatory restrictions or money-laundering concerns. If you need a bank account in such a country, your best option is to visit in person or to use a digital payment service that operates there.

Tax treaties and reporting requirements also vary by country. Some countries require non-residents to report their accounts to their home country's tax authority. Before you open an account, research the tax implications for your citizenship and residency status.

Alternatives to a traditional bank account

If opening a traditional bank account is not practical, several alternatives can serve similar purposes. Multi-currency accounts (Wise, OFX, Remitly) let you hold money in multiple currencies and make transfers without a traditional bank account. Payment platforms (PayPal, Stripe, Square) let you receive payments and hold money, though they charge higher fees for withdrawals. Money transfer services (Western Union, MoneyGram) let you send and receive money without an account, though fees are high.

If you need to receive salary or regular payments, a multi-currency account is usually the cheapest option. If you need to pay bills or access local banking services, you will need a traditional account — which means either visiting in person or waiting until you relocate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account in another country without visiting?

Most traditional banks require an in-person visit. Digital banks and payment platforms can open accounts remotely in many countries, but these are not full bank accounts — they are wallets or payment services. If you need a traditional account, you will likely need to visit in person or wait until you move to that country.

What documents do I need to open an account as a non-resident?

You will need a valid passport, proof of a local address (lease, utility bill, or letter from an employer), and often proof of income (pay stub, tax return, or letter from your employer). Some banks also ask for a tax identification number or a reference from your previous bank. Requirements vary by country and bank.

How long does it take to open an account in another country?

If you visit in person, a basic account can open the same day or within a few days. If you apply remotely, it takes one to four weeks. Digital payment accounts usually open within one to three days. The timeline depends on how quickly the bank can verify your identity and address.

Will I have to pay taxes on a bank account in another country?

That depends on your citizenship and residency status. Many countries require their citizens to report foreign bank accounts to their tax authority. The United States, for example, requires citizens to report accounts over $10,000. Research the tax rules for your country before you open an account.

What is the difference between a digital payment account and a traditional bank account?

A digital payment account lets you hold money, make transfers, and receive deposits, but it does not offer loans, credit cards, or investment services. A traditional bank account offers all of these. Digital accounts are cheaper and faster to open, but they are not a full replacement for a bank account if you need credit or other banking services.