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 online without visiting a branch in person. However, they still need to verify who you are — and that verification step works differently depending on whether you're already in Ireland, moving to Ireland, or living abroad. Some banks can do the whole thing through video call or by post. Others require you to visit a branch at some point, even if you start online.
The banks that make this easiest are the ones that have invested in remote verification technology. These include Bank of Ireland, AIB (Allied Irish Banks), Revolut Ireland, and N26 Ireland. Smaller banks and credit unions often require an in-person visit, at least for the final step.
Key Takeaways
- You can begin an Irish bank account process online with most major banks, but identity verification usually requires either a video call, a visit to a branch, or documents sent by post.
- If you live outside Ireland, you will need an Irish address (yours, a family member's, or a business address) and a valid passport or national ID card to open an account.
- Banks verify your identity differently: some use video calls with staff, others accept scanned documents, and some still require you to appear in person at a branch.
- The whole process from process to receiving your card and PIN usually takes two to four weeks if done entirely remotely, or one to two weeks if you visit a branch.
- You will need proof of address (a utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter) even if you're opening the account online.
What you need before you start
Have these documents ready before you open your browser. You'll need a valid passport or national ID card — a driver's license alone is not enough for Irish banks. The document must not be expired, and the photo must be clear enough to match your face.
You also need proof of your current address. This means a utility bill (electricity, gas, water, or broadband), a rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or an official letter from a government body — something dated within the last three months. If you're moving to Ireland and don't have an Irish address yet, you can use your current address abroad, or ask a family member or employer in Ireland if you can use theirs temporarily.
Finally, you'll need your tax identification number. If you're Irish or an EU citizen, this is your Personal Public Service Number (PPS). If you're not an Irish resident yet, you may not have one — the bank will tell you what to do instead, usually asking you to declare that you don't have one and will get one later.
How the online process actually works
Start on the bank's website and look for "Open an Account" or "New Customer". You'll fill in your name, date of birth, contact details, and address. The form will ask what type of account you want — usually a current account (the everyday one) is the default.
After you submit the form, the bank sends you an email or texts you a link to complete identity verification. This is where the process splits depending on the bank. Some banks, like Revolut Ireland and N26 Ireland, use video verification: you book a time slot, call in via video, and show your passport to a staff member who watches you in real time. This usually happens within 24 hours and takes about five minutes.
Other banks, including Bank of Ireland and AIB, may accept scanned documents instead. You photograph both sides of your passport and your proof of address, upload them through the bank's app or website, and wait for staff to review them. This can take a few days to a week.
Some branches still require an in-person visit for final verification, even if you've done everything else online. If this is the case, the bank will tell you which branch to visit and what to bring. You don't need an appointment at most branches — you can walk in during opening hours.
Timeline from process to using your account
If you do everything remotely (video or document upload), expect the whole process to take two to four weeks. The bank needs time to review your documents, set up your account in their system, print your card, and post it to you. During this time, you may be able to use a temporary card number for online payments, but you won't have a physical card or PIN.
If you visit a branch for verification, the timeline shrinks to one to two weeks. The staff member can verify you on the spot, and the card is usually posted within a few days.
Once your card arrives, you'll receive a PIN by separate post (banks never send the PIN with the card). Only after you have both can you use an ATM or pay in shops.
Which banks accept online applications from abroad
Bank of Ireland accepts online applications from people living outside Ireland, but requires either a video call or a visit to a branch for verification. They ask for an Irish address — if you don't have one, you can use a family member's or a business address.
AIB also accepts online applications from abroad and uses document upload for verification. They're generally faster than Bank of Ireland for remote customers.
Revolut Ireland and N26 Ireland are designed for online-first customers and use video verification. Both can open accounts for people anywhere in the world, though they have restrictions on which countries they serve. Both are faster than traditional banks — usually one to two weeks from process to card arrival.
Smaller banks and credit unions typically require an in-person visit to a branch. If you're moving to Ireland and can visit in person, this is often the quickest route — you can walk out with a temporary card the same day.
What happens if you don't have an Irish address yet
You have three options. First, use your current address abroad — most banks accept this, though they may ask follow-up questions about when you're moving to Ireland. Second, ask a family member, friend, or employer in Ireland if you can use their address temporarily. The bank will send your card there, and you can collect it or have it forwarded. Third, use a business address if you're moving for work — your employer's address usually works.
Once you move to Ireland and have a permanent address, contact the bank and update your details. This is important for tax purposes and for receiving statements.
Common reasons applications are delayed or refused
The most common reason for delay is unclear documents. If your passport photo is blurry, or your proof of address is cut off at the edges, the bank will ask you to resubmit. Take photos in good light, make sure all four corners of the document are visible, and check that the text is readable before you upload.
The second reason is a mismatch between the name on your documents and the name you entered in the process. If you've changed your name, use the name on your current passport, and be ready to explain the change if the bank asks.
Banks also refuse accounts if they can't verify your identity at all — for example, if your passport is expired or if you're from a country the bank has restrictions on. If this happens, the bank will tell you why and whether you can appeal or try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an Irish bank account if I don't live in Ireland yet?
Yes. You need a valid passport, proof of your current address, and either an Irish address (yours, a family member's, or a business address) or permission to use your address abroad. Most major banks accept applications from people planning to move to Ireland.
Do I need an Irish tax number to open an account?
If you have a Personal Public Service Number (PPS), the bank will ask for it. If you don't have one yet, tell the bank that, and they'll let you open the account anyway — you can provide the number later once you've registered with the Irish tax office.
What if the bank asks me to visit a branch but I live abroad?
Contact the bank and ask if they can do verification by video call or document upload instead. If they insist on a branch visit, you have two choices: visit when you're next in Ireland, or try a different bank that offers remote verification.
How long does video verification take?
The call itself is usually five to ten minutes. You book a time slot online, and the bank calls you at that time. You'll show your passport and answer a few questions to confirm your identity.
Will my card be posted to an address abroad?
Yes, if that's the address on your account. However, international post can be slow and unreliable. If you're moving to Ireland soon, it's faster to give the bank an Irish address and collect the card when you arrive, or have a family member collect it for you.