Most foreign banks require you to visit in person, but some online-only banks and a few traditional banks will open accounts remotely

Opening a bank account from outside a country is harder than opening one inside it, because banks need to verify who you are and where your money comes from. A video call with a notary, a mailed passport copy, or a visit to a branch are the common ways banks handle this. A few banks — mostly digital-only operations and some that specifically serve expats — will complete the entire process online without requiring you to travel.

The real barrier is not the process itself but the documentation. Banks outside the United States need proof of your identity, proof of your address, and often proof of your income or the source of your funds. If you are moving to a country, you may not yet have a local address. If you are opening an account remotely while living elsewhere, you need documents that prove who you are to someone who has never met you.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks that accept remote applications require a video call with a notary or bank representative to verify your identity in real time.
  • You will need a valid passport, proof of your current address (usually a utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes proof of income or employment.
  • Digital-only banks and banks that serve expats are more likely to complete the entire process online than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
  • Opening an account takes between one and four weeks once you have submitted all documents, depending on the bank and the country.
  • Some countries require a local tax identification number or residency status before a bank will open an account, which may take longer than the banking process itself.

What documents you will need before you start

Every bank will ask for proof of identity and proof of address. A valid passport works for identity in almost every country. For address, banks want a recent document — usually from the last three months — that shows your name and where you live. A utility bill, internet bill, bank statement, or rental agreement all work. If you do not have a local address yet, some banks will accept a temporary address like a hotel or an Airbnb booking confirmation, though this may delay approval.

Many banks also ask for proof of income or employment. This can be a recent payslip, a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or a tax return from the previous year. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, a bank statement showing regular deposits or a letter from your accountant may work instead. Some banks skip this step if you are opening a basic account with a low initial deposit.

A few countries require additional documents before any bank will open an account. If you are moving to the country, you may need a residence permit or visa. If you are opening an account as a non-resident, you may need a tax identification number from that country. Check the specific country's requirements before you choose a bank, because these documents can take weeks or months to obtain.

Digital-only banks that accept remote account openings

Banks that exist only online — with no physical branches — tend to have simpler remote processes because they have no choice but to verify customers remotely. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers multi-currency accounts in many countries and completes verification through a video call. Revolut operates in Europe and some other regions and opens accounts through its app with identity verification via video. N26 is a German digital bank that serves customers across Europe and some other countries, also using video verification.

These banks are fastest because they have built their entire system around remote verification. The process usually takes a few days once you have submitted your documents. However, they are not traditional banks — they do not offer the same range of services as a full-service bank, and some countries restrict what they can do. Check whether the bank operates in your specific country before you start, because availability varies widely.

Traditional banks that open accounts for expats or non-residents

Some established banks have specific programs for people moving to the country or living abroad. HSBC, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and ING all have expat or international customer programs that allow remote account opening. These banks usually require a video call with a bank representative or a notary to verify your identity. The process is slower than digital-only banks — typically two to four weeks — but you get access to a full range of banking services.

To find out whether a bank in your target country has an expat program, visit the bank's website and look for sections labeled "expat banking", "international customers", or "relocating to [country]". Call the international customer service line directly rather than visiting a local branch, because branch staff may not know about remote opening options. Some banks will also open accounts if you have a relative or employer in the country who can sponsor your process.

The video verification process and what to expect

When a bank asks for a video call, they are verifying that you are the person in your passport photo and that you actually exist. The call usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You will be asked to show your passport to the camera, answer questions about your identity and the source of your funds, and sometimes sign documents on camera. Have your passport, proof of address, and any employment letters ready before the call.

Some banks use a notary service instead of their own staff. In this case, you will schedule a video call with a licensed notary who will verify your identity and witness your signature on banking documents. This is common in countries with strict financial regulations. The notary charges a fee — usually between 50 and 150 euros or equivalent — which the bank may or may not reimburse.

After the video call, the bank will review your documents and make a decision. This can take anywhere from one day to two weeks. You will receive an email confirming whether your account has been opened, and instructions on how to log in and set up your account online.

Timing: how long the whole process takes

If you have all your documents ready and the bank is responsive, opening an account can take as little as one week. More realistically, plan for two to four weeks from the day you submit your process to the day your account is active. Digital-only banks are usually faster — three to seven days. Traditional banks are slower, especially if they need to verify documents with your employer or if there are questions about the source of your funds.

The longest delays happen when you are missing a document or when the bank needs clarification. If your proof of address is older than three months, or if your employment letter does not match the information you provided, the bank will ask you to resubmit. Each resubmission can add one to two weeks. Start the process as early as possible if you have a moving date in mind.

What to do if the bank rejects your process

Banks reject remote applications most often because of unclear identity verification, unclear source of funds, or because the applicant does not meet the country's residency or tax requirements. If your process is rejected, the bank will usually tell you why. If the reason is a missing or unclear document, you can resubmit and try again.

If the bank says you do not meet residency requirements, you may need to obtain a residence permit or visa first. If the bank says they cannot verify the source of your funds, you may need to provide additional documentation — such as a letter from your employer, a business registration document, or a tax return. Some banks will reconsider if you provide clearer evidence.

If multiple banks reject you, the problem may be that you do not yet meet the country's requirements for opening an account as a non-resident. In this case, you may need to open an account in person once you arrive, or use a digital-only bank that has fewer restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account in a country where I do not live and do not have a visa?

Some digital-only banks and banks with international programs will open accounts for non-residents without a visa. However, many countries require proof of residency or a tax identification number before any bank will open an account. Check the specific country's banking regulations and the bank's requirements before you explore.

What if I do not have a proof of address in the country where I want to open the account?

Some banks will accept a temporary address like a hotel booking, an Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from someone in the country saying you can use their address. Others will not. If you cannot provide any local address, a digital-only bank or an expat-focused bank is more likely to work with you than a traditional bank.

Do I need to visit the country in person at any point?

Not if you use a digital-only bank or a bank with a full remote process. However, some traditional banks require an in-person visit to a branch within a certain time after opening the account — usually within 30 days — to complete the process. Check the bank's policy before you explore.

How much money do I need to deposit to open an account?

This varies by bank and country. Some digital-only banks have no minimum deposit. Traditional banks often require a minimum opening deposit, which can range from 100 to 1,000 euros or equivalent. Check the bank's website or call their international customer service to find out.

What happens if the bank asks about the source of my money?

Banks ask this to comply with anti-money-laundering regulations. Be honest and provide documentation. If your money comes from employment, provide a payslip or employment letter. If it comes from savings, provide a bank statement. If it comes from a business, provide business registration documents or tax returns. The clearer your documentation, the faster the process.