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 most do not. You will need a valid passport, proof of address (usually a utility bill or lease in your name), and often a tax identification number from that country. Some banks also require proof of income or employment.

The process differs sharply depending on whether you are a citizen of that country, a permanent resident, or a temporary visitor. Citizens and residents face fewer barriers. Visitors and temporary workers often hit a wall: many banks will not open accounts for people on tourist visas, and those that do may require a minimum deposit far higher than domestic customers pay.

The timeline varies. A bank in your destination country may take one to four weeks to open an account if you apply in person. Remote applications, where available, can take four to eight weeks because the bank must verify your identity and address by mail or video call.

Key Takeaways

  • You will almost always need to visit the bank in person or use a video call to open an account; most banks do not accept applications by mail alone.
  • Proof of address in the destination country is required, which means you may need to open an account after you arrive, not before.
  • Banks in many countries will not open accounts for people on tourist visas; a work visa, residency permit, or citizenship makes the process much faster.
  • Minimum deposits and monthly fees vary widely by country and bank; some countries charge nothing, others charge $10 to $30 per month.
  • You will need a tax identification number from that country, which you may have to obtain separately before or after opening the account.

In-person applications at a bank branch

Walking into a bank branch in your destination country is the fastest and most reliable route. Bring your passport, a recent utility bill or lease showing your address in that country, and your tax identification number if you already have one. The bank will verify your identity on the spot and may open the account the same day or within a few business days.

The catch: you need an address in that country first. If you just arrived and are staying in a hotel or with friends, many banks will not accept that as proof of residence. You may need to sign a lease or get a utility bill in your name before you can open an account. Some banks will accept a letter from your employer or a rental agreement instead of a utility bill, so ask what documents they accept before you visit.

Bring multiple forms of ID if you have them—a driver's license from your home country plus your passport strengthens your application. If the bank asks why you are opening an account, be straightforward: you are relocating, working there temporarily, or studying. Banks are accustomed to all three scenarios.

Remote applications and video verification

Some banks in developed countries—particularly in the UK, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe—will open accounts for people who are not yet in the country. They use video calls to verify your identity and may accept a utility bill from your home country as temporary proof of address, with the understanding that you will provide a local address once you arrive.

The process is slower. After you submit your application online, the bank will schedule a video call, usually within one to two weeks. During the call, a representative will ask you to show your passport, answer security questions, and confirm your reason for opening the account. They may also ask about your employment or source of funds. After the call, approval typically takes another two to four weeks.

Not all banks offer this option, and those that do often limit it to people from certain countries or with certain visa types. Check the bank's website or call their international customer service line before you assume they will accept a remote application.

Tax identification numbers and registration requirements

Most countries require you to have a tax identification number—called a TIN, tax ID, or national ID number—before or shortly after opening a bank account. In the United States it is a Social Security Number or ITIN. In the UK it is a National Insurance Number. In Canada it is a Social Insurance Number. In Australia it is a Tax File Number.

You may be able to obtain this number before you travel, or you may have to apply for it after you arrive. Some countries issue it automatically when you register your address with the local government; others require a separate application at a tax office. Ask the bank whether they can open an account without a tax ID and let you provide it later, or whether you must have it first.

If you are working in the country, your employer may help you obtain the tax ID or may require proof that you have applied for one. Do not assume the bank will handle this for you—in most cases, you are responsible for obtaining it yourself.

Minimum deposits and monthly fees

The cost of opening and maintaining an account varies by country and bank. Some countries—including much of Europe and Australia—have banks that charge no monthly fee and require no minimum deposit. Others charge $10 to $30 per month, or require a minimum balance of $500 to $5,000.

Banks in countries with high inflation or less developed banking infrastructure often charge higher fees. Banks in major financial centers like London, Singapore, or Toronto may charge less for basic accounts but more for accounts aimed at expatriates or high-net-worth customers.

Ask about fees before you open the account. Some banks waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Others charge for international transfers, ATM withdrawals outside their network, or currency conversion. These hidden costs can add up quickly if you are moving money between countries regularly.

What to do if you are on a tourist visa

Many banks will not open accounts for people on tourist visas because they cannot verify long-term residence or tax obligations. If you are visiting for a few weeks or months, you may not need a local bank account—a debit card from your home country and an ATM network like Cirrus or Plus will work in most countries.

If you are staying longer but have not yet obtained a work or residency visa, ask the bank whether they will open an account if you provide a letter from your employer or a lease agreement showing you will be in the country for at least six months or a year. Some banks will accept this as proof of intent to reside. Others will not budge.

Your alternative is to wait until your visa status changes. Once you have a work permit, student visa, or residency permit, most banks will open an account without hesitation. The delay is frustrating, but it is usually shorter than trying to convince a bank to make an exception.

Currency, transfers, and ongoing use

Once your account is open, you can deposit money by direct transfer from your home country bank, by wire transfer, or by depositing cash at a branch. Wire transfers typically take three to five business days and cost $15 to $50. Direct transfers between banks in the same country are usually free and take one to two business days.

If you need to move money back to your home country regularly, ask the bank about their international transfer fees and exchange rates. Some banks charge a flat fee plus a percentage of the amount transferred. Others use the mid-market exchange rate; others mark it up by 1 to 3 percent. Over time, a small difference in exchange rate can cost you hundreds of dollars.

Keep your account active even if you are not using it regularly. Some banks close accounts that have had no activity for six months to a year. If you are moving back to your home country, you can usually keep the account open for transfers or future travel, but confirm the bank's policy on dormant accounts first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account before I move to another country?

Some banks will, but most require you to be in the country or to have a local address. A few banks in the UK, Canada, and Australia accept remote applications with video verification. Contact the bank directly to ask whether they accept applications from people who are not yet in the country.

What if I do not have a local address yet?

Many banks will not open an account without proof of address in that country. You may need to sign a lease, register with the local government, or get a utility bill in your name first. Some banks accept a letter from your employer or a rental agreement as temporary proof.

Do I need a tax identification number to open an account?

Most banks require one, but some will open an account and let you provide the number later. Ask the bank before you visit. If you do not have one, you can usually obtain it from the tax office or government registration office after you arrive.

How long does it take to open an account in person?

If you walk into a branch with all required documents, the bank may open the account the same day or within a few business days. Remote applications take four to eight weeks because the bank must verify your identity and address by mail or video call.

What happens to my account if I move back to my home country?

You can usually keep the account open for transfers or future travel. Some banks close accounts that have no activity for six to twelve months, so confirm the bank's policy. You may also be able to convert it to an international account with different terms.