Yes, but the bank will ask for proof you live there or have a real reason to be there
You can open a bank account in another country, but you cannot do it the way you open one at home. Banks outside your home country treat you as a higher-risk customer because you are not a local resident, you may not have a tax ID in that country, and they cannot easily verify your identity through their normal channels. Most banks will require you to be physically present in the country, show a passport or national ID, and prove you have a reason to be there — either a work visa, a residence permit, proof of property ownership, or a local address.
The specific rules depend on the country's banking regulations and the individual bank's policy. Some countries make it straightforward; others have made it deliberately difficult as part of anti-money-laundering enforcement. A few countries will not open accounts for non-residents at all, or will only do so if you have a minimum deposit of several thousand dollars.
Key Takeaways
- You will need to be in the country in person to open an account; no bank will do it remotely for a non-resident.
- Bring your passport, proof of address (which can be a hotel booking or a letter from your employer), and documentation of your reason for being there.
- Some countries require a local tax ID number before you can open an account, which you must obtain from the tax authority first.
- Banks in countries with strict anti-money-laundering rules may refuse to open accounts for non-residents or require very high minimum deposits.
- If you are moving to another country permanently, opening an account before you arrive is usually not possible; plan to do it within your first week after arrival.
What documents you will need to bring
Start with your passport or national ID card. This is non-negotiable; the bank must verify your identity and record it for regulatory purposes. If your passport is expired, most banks will still accept it as long as the expiration is recent (within the last year or two), but call ahead to confirm.
Next, bring proof of your address. If you have already rented an apartment or own property in the country, bring a lease, a utility bill, or a property deed. If you have not yet moved, bring a hotel booking confirmation, an Airbnb reservation, or a letter from your employer stating your work address. Some banks will accept a letter from a friend or family member confirming you are staying with them, though this is less reliable and the bank may ask follow-up questions.
Bring documentation of why you are in the country. This might be a work visa, a residence permit, a student visa, a retirement visa, or a letter from your employer. If you are there on a tourist visa and opening an account as a tourist, be prepared to explain why you need a bank account for a short stay — some banks will refuse, or will only open a limited account that cannot receive international transfers.
Some countries require a local tax ID number before you can open an account. In the United States, this is a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). In many European countries, it is a national tax ID or a residence registration number. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain it from the tax authority first, which can take days or weeks. Ask the bank whether you need this before you visit.
How the process works in practice
Visit the bank in person during business hours. Bring all your documents. The bank will verify your identity, record your information, and ask you to sign account opening forms. They will ask for your address, your employment status, the source of your funds, and the purpose of the account. Answer honestly — banks are required to report suspicious activity, and lying on a bank form can result in account closure or legal consequences.
The bank will run a background check and may check international sanctions lists. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days. Some banks will open your account on the spot; others will tell you to come back in a few days once the checks are complete.
Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card, online banking credentials, and account details. Debit cards can take one to three weeks to arrive by mail. Online banking is usually available immediately. Ask the bank about international transfers — some banks charge high fees or have daily limits for transfers out of the country, and some require you to visit in person to set up international transfers for the first time.
Countries where it is harder or impossible
The United States has made it very difficult for non-residents to open bank accounts. Most major banks will not do it. Some smaller banks and credit unions will, but they usually require you to have a Social Security Number or ITIN, a U.S. address (which can be a friend's address or a mailbox service), and proof of employment or income. Even then, many will refuse. If you are a non-resident trying to open a U.S. account, contact smaller regional banks or ask your employer if they have a banking relationship that can help.
The United Kingdom requires a UK address to open a standard current account. If you do not have one yet, some banks will open an account if you provide a UK address where you will be living, even if you have not moved in yet. Others will not. Alternatively, some fintech banks and online-only banks have different rules and may open accounts for non-residents with a passport and proof of address outside the UK.
Australia, Canada, and New Zealand generally require you to be a resident or have a visa that permits you to stay for an extended period. Tourist visas are usually not enough. If you are moving to one of these countries, plan to open an account within your first week after arrival.
Many countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia have strict rules about non-resident accounts. Some will not open them at all. Others require very high minimum deposits (sometimes $10,000 or more) or will only open accounts for people with work visas. Research the specific country and bank before you travel.
What to do if a bank refuses you
If your first choice bank refuses, try others. Different banks have different policies, and a bank that refuses you might be the exception. Call ahead and ask whether they open accounts for non-residents before you visit in person.
If you are moving to the country permanently, ask your employer or your relocation company whether they have a banking relationship or can introduce you to a bank that works with expats. Some employers have partnerships with banks that streamline the process.
If you need a bank account urgently and cannot open one at a traditional bank, consider a fintech or online-only bank. These often have more flexible rules for non-residents, though they may not offer all the services a traditional bank does (such as cash deposits or in-person support). Examples include Wise, Revolut, and N26 in Europe, and similar services in other regions. These are not replacements for a full bank account, but they can hold money and make transfers while you work on opening a traditional account.
International transfers and fees
Once you have opened an account, ask the bank about sending money into and out of the country. International transfers are slower and more expensive than domestic ones. A transfer from your home country to your new account can take three to five business days and may cost $15 to $50 depending on the bank and the amount. Transfers out of the country can be even more expensive.
Some banks limit how much you can transfer internationally per day or per month, especially for new accounts. Ask about these limits before you need to make a transfer. If the limits are too low, you may need to visit the bank in person to request a higher limit, or you may need to make multiple transfers over time.
Consider using a money transfer service like Wise or OFX for large international transfers. These services often have better exchange rates and lower fees than banks, though they work differently and may take slightly longer. Compare the total cost (including fees and exchange rates) before you decide which route to use.
Keeping your account open if you move again
If you open an account in one country and then move to another, the bank may close your account or freeze it. Banks are required to verify that you still live in the country where you opened the account. If you move away, update your address with the bank immediately. Some banks will allow you to keep the account open as a non-resident account; others will close it.
If the bank closes your account, they will send you a notice and give you time to withdraw your money. Plan for this by not keeping all your money in one account in one country. If you are moving frequently or planning to live in multiple countries, consider keeping accounts in your home country and in each country where you spend significant time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account online without being in the country?
No. Banks require you to be physically present and to show your passport in person. Some fintech services will open accounts remotely, but these are not full bank accounts and have limits on what you can do with them. If you need a traditional bank account, you must visit in person.
What if I do not have a local address yet?
Use a hotel booking, an Airbnb reservation, or your employer's address. Some banks will also accept a letter from a friend or family member confirming you are staying with them. Call the bank first to ask what they will accept, because policies vary.
How long does it take to open an account?
The visit itself usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. The bank's background checks can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days. Some banks will give you online access immediately; others will tell you to come back in a few days. Ask when you visit.
Will I need a local tax ID number?
It depends on the country. Some countries require it; others do not. Call the bank or visit their website before you go in person. If you do need one, you will have to obtain it from the tax authority first, which can take days or weeks.
What if the bank asks about the source of my money?
Answer honestly. Banks are required to ask this as part of anti-money-laundering rules. If you are transferring money from your home country account, say so. If you are being paid by an employer in that country, say so. Lying on a bank form can result in account closure or legal consequences.