Yes, you can open a bank account in Canada without being a resident, but the process and your options depend on why you need the account and which bank you choose

Non-residents can open bank accounts at most Canadian banks, but you will face different requirements than someone with a Canadian address. The main barrier is not your residency status — it is proving who you are and where your money comes from, because Canadian banks must follow anti-money-laundering rules that explore to all customers, resident or not.

The easiest path is usually a bank that has branches in your home country or that specializes in serving people who live abroad. Some banks will open accounts remotely if you have a Canadian phone number, a Canadian address you can use (even temporarily), or a Canadian employer. Others require you to visit a branch in person.

What you can do with the account may also be limited. Some banks restrict non-residents to basic savings accounts and will not offer credit products like loans or credit cards. Others have no restrictions at all. The specific rules depend on the bank and on your citizenship.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major Canadian banks will open accounts for non-residents, but you must provide proof of identity and proof that your money comes from a legitimate source.
  • Banks that operate in your home country or that have online services for non-residents are usually faster than trying to open an account at a branch you cannot visit.
  • You will need either a Canadian address, a Canadian phone number, or proof of a Canadian employer to open an account remotely at most banks.
  • Non-residents may face restrictions on the types of accounts available and the services the bank will offer, such as credit products or investment accounts.
  • The process typically takes one to four weeks once you submit all required documents, depending on the bank and how quickly you provide proof of identity.

What documents you will need to bring or send

Every Canadian bank will ask for a government-issued photo ID — a passport, national ID card, or driver's license. If your ID is not in English or French, bring the original plus a certified translation. A certified translation means a professional translator has confirmed the translation is accurate and signed it; you can find translators through your country's Canadian embassy or through a local translation service.

You will also need to prove your address. If you live outside Canada, a utility bill, lease, or government document showing your home address works. The document should be dated within the last three months. If you are using a Canadian address temporarily (a friend's house, a short-term rental, a workplace), bring a letter from the person or organization confirming you can use that address and stating the dates you can use it.

Most banks will ask where your money comes from. This is not about how much money you have — it is about showing the source is legitimate. A recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, a tax return, or a bank statement from your home country showing regular deposits all work. If you are self-employed, bring invoices or a business registration document.

Some banks may ask additional questions if you are opening the account for a business purpose or if you plan to move large amounts of money regularly. Be prepared to explain what you will use the account for.

Banks that make it easier for non-residents

RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) and TD (Toronto-Dominion) both have international banking services and branches in many countries. If you bank with either of them in your home country, opening a Canadian account is often simpler — the bank already has your information and can transfer it between countries. Contact the international banking department of your home branch to ask about opening a Canadian account.

Scotiabank operates in the Caribbean and parts of Latin America, and has similar cross-border services. If you are in one of those regions, this may be your fastest option.

Tangerine and EQ Bank are online-only banks that do not require you to visit a branch. Both will open accounts for non-residents if you have a Canadian phone number and a Canadian address (even a temporary one). The process is entirely online and usually takes a few days.

If none of these options work for you, call the main customer service line of any major bank and ask to speak with someone in the international or non-resident banking department. They can tell you whether that specific bank will open an account for your situation and what documents they need.

Opening an account in person versus remotely

If you can visit Canada, opening an account in person at a branch is usually the fastest and simplest route. Bring your passport, proof of your home address, and proof of income. A teller can verify your identity on the spot, and the account is often open the same day or within a few business days.

If you cannot visit Canada, you will need to work with the bank's remote or international department. This process is slower — typically one to four weeks — because the bank must verify your identity and documents by mail or email. You will usually upload scans of your documents through the bank's website or send them by email to a specific department. Some banks will also accept documents sent by courier if you want a record of delivery.

A few banks offer video verification, where you show your ID to a bank employee over a video call. This is faster than mailing documents and is becoming more common, but not all banks offer it yet. Ask when you first contact the bank.

What happens if you do not have a Canadian address

If you do not have a Canadian address and cannot get one temporarily, you have two options. First, you can use your home address and explain to the bank that you are a non-resident. Most banks will accept this, though it may slow down the process slightly. Second, you can use a mail forwarding service or a friend's address, but you must be honest about it — do not claim an address as your own if it is not.

Some banks will not open accounts without a Canadian address, but these are the exception. If one bank says no, try another. The major banks (RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC) all have non-resident banking options, even if the process takes longer.

Restrictions on non-resident accounts

A basic savings or chequing account usually has no restrictions — you can deposit money, withdraw it, and transfer it the same way a resident can. However, some banks will not offer credit products (credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages) to non-residents, or will only offer them if you have a Canadian co-signer or a Canadian job.

Investment accounts and registered accounts (like RRSPs, which are retirement accounts) have more complex rules for non-residents. If you plan to invest money or open a retirement account, ask the bank about non-resident rules before you open the account. You may need to work with a specific department or may need to become a resident first.

Currency is another consideration. If you deposit money in a currency other than Canadian dollars, the bank will convert it, and you will pay a conversion fee. Some banks offer better rates than others. Ask about the exchange rate and fee before you deposit.

Keeping your account open if you move

Once your account is open, you can keep it open even if you move to a different country or if you move to Canada and become a resident. You do not need to close it and reopen it. However, if you move to Canada, you should tell the bank your new address so they have current information on file.

If you move to certain countries that Canada has financial restrictions with, the bank may freeze your account or ask you to close it. This is rare and usually only happens with countries under international sanctions. If you are moving to an unusual location, call the bank and ask whether they can keep your account open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Canadian Social Insurance Number to open a bank account?

No. A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is for people who work or pay taxes in Canada. Non-residents do not need one to open a basic bank account. However, if you plan to earn income in Canada or invest money, you may need to get a SIN later. Ask the bank whether they need one for your specific situation.

Can I open an account if I am not a Canadian citizen?

Yes. Banks care about your residency status and your identity, not your citizenship. You can open an account with a passport or national ID from any country. The process is the same whether you are a citizen of another country or a permanent resident of Canada.

How long does it take to open an account remotely?

One to four weeks is typical, depending on the bank and how quickly you send documents. Online-only banks like Tangerine are usually faster (a few days to a week). Banks that require manual verification are slower. Video verification can speed up the process to one to two weeks.

What if the bank rejects my documents?

The bank will tell you which documents are not acceptable and ask you to send different ones. Common reasons for rejection are that the ID is expired, the address proof is too old, or the translation is not certified. Fix the issue and resubmit. If you cannot get the documents the bank wants, try a different bank — their requirements may be less strict.

Can I open a joint account with someone who lives in Canada?

Yes, though the process is more complex. Both account holders must provide ID and proof of address. If one person is in Canada and one is abroad, you may need to visit a branch together or have the Canadian resident visit the branch with a power of attorney document signed by the non-resident. Ask the bank about their specific process for joint accounts with non-residents.