Yes, you can open an Irish bank account online, but the process depends on where you live and which bank you choose

Most Irish banks let you start an account application online, but they handle the final steps differently. Some banks complete the entire process remotely if you're an Irish citizen or resident. Others require you to visit a branch in person, even if you begin online. A few banks work with video verification or send documents by post. The key difference is whether the bank considers you a non-resident — someone without an Irish address — because that changes which verification methods they'll accept.

If you're already in Ireland with a residential address, opening online is straightforward: most banks finish the process in days. If you're abroad, the timeline stretches to weeks, and your options narrow to banks that specifically support international applicants or have remote verification systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Irish banks that accept online applications from abroad include Bank of Ireland, AIB, and Revolut Ireland, though each has different residency requirements and verification methods.
  • You will need proof of identity (passport or national ID), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes proof of Irish tax residency or a PPS number.
  • Non-residents opening accounts from outside Ireland typically wait two to four weeks because banks must verify your identity through post or video rather than in-branch.
  • Some banks require you to have an Irish address before opening; others accept a temporary address or allow you to update it later once you arrive.
  • Digital banks like Revolut and N26 often have faster online processes for non-residents, but they offer fewer services than traditional banks.

Which Irish banks accept online applications from abroad

Bank of Ireland and AIB (Allied Irish Banks) are the two largest retail banks in Ireland. Both accept online applications from non-residents, but both require you to complete identity verification by post or video call before the account opens. Bank of Ireland's process typically takes two to three weeks for non-residents; AIB's takes similar time. Neither bank will open an account for someone with no connection to Ireland — you usually need an Irish tax number (PPS), Irish citizenship, or proof of work or study in Ireland.

Revolut Ireland and N26 are digital banks that operate across Europe. Both let you open an account entirely online from abroad, with verification completed through their apps using your passport and a selfie. Revolut Ireland accounts open within days. However, these are payment accounts or basic current accounts, not full-service banks — they don't offer mortgages, investment services, or some business features that traditional banks do.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a borderless account that works for non-residents and opens online in minutes, but it's designed for international transfers and multi-currency holding, not as a primary Irish bank account. An Post Money, the postal service's banking arm, accepts online applications and has branches nationwide, but their online process is slower and requires more paperwork than digital banks.

Documents you'll need to provide

Every Irish bank requires proof of identity and proof of address. For identity, you'll need a valid passport or national ID card — a driver's license alone is not enough. The document must not be expired, and the bank will verify it against their systems or ask you to upload a clear photo of both sides.

For proof of address, Irish banks accept a utility bill (electricity, gas, water, or broadband) or a bank statement dated within the last three months. If you're abroad and don't have an Irish address yet, some banks let you use your current foreign address temporarily and update it once you move to Ireland. Others won't open the account without an Irish address on file. Ask the bank directly before you start the application.

If you're applying as a non-resident or non-citizen, the bank may also ask for a PPS number (Personal Public Service number, Ireland's tax ID) or proof that you work or study in Ireland. If you don't have a PPS yet, you can request one from the Department of Social Protection, though this adds weeks to the timeline. Some banks will open your account and ask you to provide the PPS within 30 days of opening.

How the online application process works for non-residents

Start by visiting the bank's website and selecting "Open an Account" or "Apply Online." You'll enter your personal details, contact information, and the type of account you want (usually a current account for everyday use). The bank will ask where you live and whether you have an Irish address. Be honest here — saying you're in Ireland when you're not will delay your application when verification fails.

Next, you'll upload or photograph your identity document and proof of address. Make sure the images are clear, well-lit, and show all four corners of the document. Blurry or cropped photos cause rejections and delays. Some banks, like Revolut, verify these instantly through their app; others send them to a manual review team, which takes one to three business days.

If the bank requires video verification, they'll email you a link to book a time slot. A staff member will call you via video, ask you to show your ID and proof of address on camera, and ask basic questions about your application. This call usually lasts five to ten minutes. After the call, the bank processes your application, which typically takes another five to ten business days.

Once approved, the bank will send your account details by email or post. If they're mailing a debit card or security information, add another week to the timeline. Digital banks like Revolut send your card details instantly and let you use the account immediately through their app.

Timeline: how long it takes to open an account from abroad

If you're applying from outside Ireland to a digital bank like Revolut or N26, expect your account to be ready within one to three business days. You can use it immediately through the app, though a physical card takes five to seven business days to arrive by post.

If you're applying to Bank of Ireland or AIB from abroad, the process takes two to four weeks. This includes time for document review (three to five business days), video verification (one to two business days if you book quickly), and final processing (five to ten business days). If the bank requests additional documents or clarification, add another week.

If you're applying from within Ireland with an Irish address, most banks open your account within three to five business days. Some branches offer same-day opening if you apply in person, but online applications still follow the standard timeline.

What to do if you don't have an Irish address yet

If you're moving to Ireland but haven't secured housing, contact the bank before you apply and ask whether they'll accept a temporary address — your workplace, a friend's address, or a hostel. Some banks will; others won't open the account without a permanent residential address. If they won't, you have two options: wait until you have an Irish address, or open a digital bank account first (which doesn't require an Irish address) and switch to a traditional bank once you've moved.

Another option is to ask your employer or educational institution for a letter confirming your move to Ireland. Some banks accept this as proof of intent and will open your account with a future Irish address, letting you update the address once you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an Irish bank account if I'm not an Irish citizen?

Yes. Bank of Ireland, AIB, and digital banks accept non-citizens, but you'll usually need proof of residency in Ireland, a work or study visa, or a PPS number. If you're moving to Ireland for work or study, bring your employment letter or student enrollment confirmation — most banks accept these as proof of connection to Ireland.

Do I need a PPS number to open an account?

Not always. Digital banks like Revolut don't require a PPS number. Traditional banks like Bank of Ireland and AIB may ask for one, but many will open your account and give you 30 days to provide it. If you don't have a PPS yet, apply for one through the Department of Social Protection — it takes two to four weeks.

What if my online application is rejected?

The most common reasons are unclear identity documents, proof of address older than three months, or no Irish connection. Contact the bank's customer service and ask why you were rejected. They'll usually tell you what's missing and let you reapply once you've provided it. If the bank won't give you a reason, try a different bank.

Can I use a foreign address as my proof of address?

Most Irish banks won't accept a foreign address for opening an account, but some digital banks will. Ask the bank directly before you upload documents. If they won't accept your current address, update your application once you have an Irish address, or open a digital bank account first and switch later.

Which bank is fastest for opening an account from abroad?

Revolut Ireland is the fastest — accounts open within one to three business days entirely online. Bank of Ireland and AIB take two to four weeks because they require manual verification. If speed is your priority and you only need basic payment services, a digital bank is your best option.