What you need before you start
Opening a bank account from outside the United States depends on which country you're in, what your citizenship is, and whether you're a resident or a citizen of that country. Most banks will not open an account for a non-resident foreigner online. You will almost always need to visit a branch in person, bring original documents, and often prove you have a reason to be there — a job offer, a lease, a visa, or proof of residency.
The documents banks ask for vary widely, but nearly all require a passport, proof of address in that country, and proof of income or funds. Some countries require a tax identification number before you can open an account. Others require a local phone number or a reference from an existing customer. A few require you to have a visa or residency permit already in hand.
The process is slowest in countries with strict anti-money-laundering rules — the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. It is often faster in countries with less regulated banking systems, though those accounts may have higher fees and lower security. Plan for two to four weeks from your first visit to having a working account, though some banks take longer.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require you to visit a branch in person with your passport, proof of address in that country, and proof of income or funds.
- Non-residents face stricter requirements than residents or citizens; some banks will not open accounts for non-residents at all.
- The country you're in matters more than the bank you choose — regulatory requirements vary dramatically by nation.
- Online-only banks and fintech services sometimes accept non-residents with fewer documents, but they often have lower transaction limits and higher fees.
- If you cannot visit in person, some countries allow you to open an account remotely if you have a job offer or residency visa from that country.
Opening an account as a non-resident in major countries
United Kingdom: Most high street banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds) require proof of UK residency or a UK job offer. You will need your passport, proof of address (a utility bill or tenancy agreement), and proof of income. If you have a job offer, bring the employment contract. The process takes one to three weeks. Some banks offer accounts specifically for expats and overseas workers; ask about these when you call ahead.
Canada: The Big Five banks (Royal Bank, TD, Bank of Nova Scotia, BMO, CIBC) require either a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or a job offer. Non-residents can sometimes open accounts online if they have a Canadian job offer or a Canadian phone number. Bring your passport and proof of address from your home country. Processing takes two to four weeks.
Australia: Banks require an Australian Tax File Number (TFN), which you must obtain from the Australian Taxation Office before opening an account. You will need your passport, proof of address in Australia, and proof of income. Most banks require you to visit a branch in person. Processing takes two to three weeks after you have the TFN.
European Union countries: Requirements vary by country and bank. Germany and France generally require proof of residency or employment. Spain and Portugal are more flexible with non-residents if you have a job contract or a lease. You will always need your passport and proof of address. Some EU banks accept applications by post if you provide notarized copies of your documents.
Mexico: Banks are more flexible with non-residents than in the US or Canada. You will need your passport, proof of address (a utility bill or lease), and proof of income. Some banks accept applications online if you have a Mexican phone number. Processing takes one to two weeks.
Documents you will need to bring
| Document | Why the bank needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Identity verification and residency status | Required by every bank. Must be valid for at least six months. |
| Proof of address in that country | Anti-money-laundering compliance | Utility bill, lease, or government letter. Usually dated within the last three months. |
| Proof of income | Fraud prevention and account type information | Recent pay stub, employment contract, or bank statement from your home country. |
| Tax identification number | Required by law in some countries | Australia (TFN), Canada (SIN), Mexico (RFC). You may need to obtain this before opening the account. |
| Employment contract or job offer | Proof of residency intent for non-residents | Required by some banks if you do not yet have a lease or utility bill in your name. |
| Notarized documents | Verification of foreign documents | Some countries require notarized copies of your passport or proof of address. Ask the bank before you visit. |
Opening an account remotely if you cannot visit in person
Most banks will not open accounts for non-residents without an in-person visit. However, some options exist if travel is not possible. Online-only banks and fintech services in the UK (Wise, Revolut, N26), Canada (Tangerine, EQ Bank), and Australia (Up, Macquarie) sometimes accept non-residents with fewer documents. These accounts usually have lower transaction limits, higher fees, and fewer services than traditional bank accounts.
If you have a job offer or a residency visa, some traditional banks will open an account by post or video call. You will need to send notarized copies of your documents and may need to provide a reference from your employer or a local contact. Processing takes four to six weeks and costs more in notarization fees.
Another option is to open an account in your home country that has branches in the country where you are moving. HSBC, for example, has branches in over 60 countries and sometimes allows account holders to transfer their account when they relocate. Ask your current bank whether they have this service before you move.
Fees and account minimums
International bank accounts often cost more than domestic ones. Monthly maintenance fees range from zero to $15 USD depending on the bank and country. Wire transfer fees are usually $15 to $50 per transfer. ATM withdrawals outside the bank's network cost $2 to $5 per transaction. Some banks charge a foreign exchange fee of 1 to 3 percent when you convert currency.
Minimum opening deposits vary. Some banks require $500 to $1,000 USD to open an account. Others have no minimum. Online-only banks and fintech services usually have lower minimums or none at all, but charge higher per-transaction fees.
Ask the bank for a full fee schedule before you open the account. Many banks have different account tiers — basic, premium, and business — with different fees and minimums. A basic account for non-residents is usually cheaper than a premium account, but may have lower transaction limits.
What to do after your account is open
Once your account is open, set up online banking immediately and change your password. Most banks require you to visit the branch again to activate certain features, such as wire transfers or international payments. Ask about this when you open the account so you know what to expect.
If you need to receive money from the United States, ask your bank for your SWIFT code and IBAN (International Bank Account Number). These are the routing numbers for international transfers. Write them down and keep them safe. You will need to give these to anyone sending you money from abroad.
If you plan to send money back to the United States, compare your bank's wire transfer fees with services like Wise or OFX. These services often charge less than banks for international transfers, especially for smaller amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in a country where I don't have a visa?
Most banks will not open accounts for tourists or people on visitor visas. If you are on a tourist visa, you will need to either obtain a work visa or residency permit first, or wait until you arrive and have proof of address. Some online-only banks accept applications from tourists, but with lower limits and higher fees.
What if the bank asks for a tax identification number I don't have yet?
Ask the bank whether you can open the account and obtain the number afterward, or whether you must have it before opening. In Australia, you must have a Tax File Number before opening an account. In Canada and Mexico, you can sometimes open an account and obtain the number within 30 days. Call the bank's international customer service line before you visit.
Can I open an account if I'm self-employed or a freelancer?
Yes, but you will need to prove your income differently. Bring bank statements from your home country showing regular deposits, or a letter from a client confirming you work for them. Some banks ask for tax returns or invoices. Self-employed people sometimes face higher scrutiny, so bring more documentation than you think you need.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Debit cards usually arrive within two to four weeks of opening the account. Some banks issue a temporary card at the branch that you can use immediately. Ask about this when you open your account. If you need a card urgently, some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee.
What happens to my account if I move to a different country?
Most banks allow you to keep your account open even if you move. However, some banks close accounts if you change your address to a country where they do not operate. Contact your bank before you move to confirm your account will remain active. You may need to update your address and proof of residency.