What you can and cannot do online from outside Europe

You can open some European bank accounts entirely online from another country, but not all of them, and the process depends on which country and which bank you choose. Most major banks in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands accept online applications from non-residents, though a few still require you to visit a branch in person or be a citizen of that country. The real constraint is not the internet — it is whether the bank will take you as a customer without a local address, a local phone number, or proof that you live there.

The banks most likely to say yes are those that operate across multiple countries and already handle international customers. Smaller regional banks and some savings banks (called Sparkassen in Germany or cajas in Spain) often refuse non-residents entirely. Before you spend time on an process, you need to know whether the specific bank you are looking at will even consider you.

Key Takeaways

  • Online-only banks and large multinational banks are most likely to open accounts for people living outside Europe, while regional banks often refuse non-residents.
  • You will need to prove your identity with a passport or national ID card, and most banks now use video verification rather than mailing documents.
  • A European address is not always required, but you must have a way to receive mail and a phone number the bank can contact you on.
  • The entire process from process to receiving your card usually takes two to four weeks, though some banks are faster.
  • You may not be able to open certain account types (like investment accounts) online, even if the bank accepts you for a basic current account.

Which banks actually accept applications from outside Europe

Online-only banks are your easiest route. Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, N26, and Bunq all open accounts for non-residents in most countries and complete the entire process on your phone or computer. These are not traditional banks in the sense that they do not lend money or take deposits the way a regular bank does, but they issue debit cards, hold your money, and let you pay bills and receive transfers. If you only need basic banking — a place to hold money and make payments — these work well and are often faster than traditional banks.

Traditional banks that operate across multiple countries will sometimes open accounts for non-residents. ING (which operates in Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Belgium, and other countries) accepts online applications from people outside Europe in some of those countries. BBVA in Spain, BNP Paribas in France, and Barclays in the UK have all opened accounts for non-residents, though their policies change and vary by country. The only way to know is to start the process and see whether they ask for a local address or refuse you at the identity verification step.

Before you explore anywhere, search the bank's name plus "open account non-resident" or "open account from abroad" to see whether other people have done it recently. Bank policies shift, and a guide from two years ago may no longer be accurate.

What documents and information you will need

Every bank will ask for proof of identity. This means a passport or national ID card — a driver's license usually does not count. You will also need to prove your address, which is where things get tricky if you do not live in Europe. Most banks accept a utility bill, a rental agreement, or a government letter (like a tax notice) showing your name and current address, even if that address is outside Europe. A few banks will only accept European addresses, and you will find that out when you try to upload your documents.

You will need a phone number and an email address. The bank will use these to contact you and to send security codes when you log in. If you are moving to Europe soon, you can use your current phone number and change it later. If you plan to stay outside Europe, use the number you have now.

Some banks ask for proof of income or employment, especially if you are opening an account with a high spending limit or explore for credit. A recent payslip, a letter from your employer, or a tax return usually satisfies this. If you are self-employed or retired, a bank statement showing regular deposits or a letter from your accountant can work.

How identity verification works online

Most banks now use video verification instead of mailing documents back and forth. You read the bank's app or use their website, and at some point in the process you are asked to start a video call. A person on the other end watches you hold up your passport, checks that the photo matches your face, and asks you a few questions about the process. The whole thing takes five to ten minutes. Some banks use automated video verification where an algorithm checks your face and document instead of a person, which is faster but sometimes fails and requires you to try again.

A few banks still accept scanned or photographed documents by email or upload, but this is becoming less common. If the bank offers video verification, use it — it is usually faster and has fewer rejections than mailing physical documents.

Timeline from process to using your account

Online-only banks like Revolut and N26 can approve you and issue a virtual card (a card number you can use online when ready) within hours or a day. A physical card arrives by mail in one to two weeks. Traditional banks usually take longer: approval takes three to seven business days after you submit your documents, and the physical card arrives one to two weeks after that. In total, expect two to four weeks from process to having a card you can use in a shop.

During this time, you can usually log into your account and see your account number and routing information, which means you can receive bank transfers even before your card arrives. Some banks let you use a temporary virtual card while you wait for the physical one.

What happens if the bank asks for more information

If the bank cannot verify your identity from your documents alone, they will email or call you asking for more information. This might be a clearer photo of your passport, proof of your address, or an explanation of where your money comes from. Respond as quickly as you can — the longer you wait, the longer the whole process takes. If you do not respond within a certain time (usually two to four weeks), the bank will close your process.

If the bank rejects you, they will tell you why, though sometimes the reason is vague ("we cannot open accounts for residents of your country" or "we cannot verify your identity"). If this happens, you have two choices: ask the bank whether you can appeal or provide more information, or try a different bank. Some banks have stricter rules than others, and being rejected by one does not mean you will be rejected by all.

Limits on what you can do online

Most banks will let you open a basic current account (a checking account for everyday spending) entirely online. What they often will not let you do online is open a savings account, request a loan, or set up an investment account. If you need those things, you may have to visit a branch in person, even if you live outside Europe. Some banks will let you open the current account online and then add a savings account later through the app once you are a customer.

Credit cards are also sometimes restricted. Many banks will not issue a credit card to someone without a local address or a local credit history. A debit card is almost always available, and some banks offer a prepaid card (a card you load money onto in advance, like a gift card) as an alternative if you cannot get a debit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a European address to open an account?

Not always. Online-only banks and some large multinational banks will open accounts for people with addresses outside Europe. However, you must have a mailing address somewhere — the bank needs to send your card and important documents to you. If you are moving to Europe soon, you can use your future address if you have a lease or rental agreement. If you do not have a European address yet, use your current address outside Europe.

Can I open an account if I am not a citizen of that country?

Yes. Banks care about whether you can prove your identity and whether you are a legal resident of some country, not whether you are a citizen of the specific country where the bank is. Non-citizens open European bank accounts regularly. You will need a valid passport or national ID card and proof of your current address, wherever that is.

What if the bank's website is in a language I do not speak?

Most large European banks have English versions of their websites. Look for a language selector, usually at the top or bottom of the page. If the bank does not offer English, you can use your browser's translation feature, though the translated text is sometimes confusing. Online-only banks like Revolut and Wise operate in English across all countries.

Can I use a virtual card before my physical card arrives?

Many banks issue a virtual card number when ready after approval, which you can use to pay online or add to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You cannot use it in a physical shop until you have the physical card. Some banks do not offer virtual cards at all, so check before you explore if this matters to you.

What if I move to a different country after opening the account?

Most banks let you update your address in the app without closing the account. Tell the bank about the move as soon as you know it is happening, especially if you are moving to a country where the bank does not operate. Some banks have restrictions on which countries they serve, and moving outside that area might force you to close the account.