What you actually need to open an account across borders
Opening a bank account in another country requires you to prove who you are, show you have a reason to bank there, and often demonstrate you have money to deposit. The exact documents and process depend on which country you're opening the account in, whether you're a resident there, and which bank you choose. Most banks will not open an account for someone who has no address, no visa, and no local tax identification number — but some will, and the difference matters.
The fastest route is usually a bank that operates in both your home country and your target country, because they already have your identity on file and can move the paperwork internally. The second-fastest is a bank in your target country that specifically serves expats or remote workers. The slowest and most document-heavy is a local bank with no international presence, which may ask for things like a local reference, proof of income, or a local phone number.
Key Takeaways
- Banks in your target country will ask for a passport, proof of address (usually a utility bill or rental agreement), and proof of income or savings, though the exact list varies by bank and country.
- An account opened remotely, before you arrive, usually requires a video call with a bank representative to verify your identity in real time.
- Some countries require a tax identification number before you can open a bank account; others issue one after you open the account.
- International transfers into a new account can take three to seven business days on the first transfer, and banks may hold the money while they verify the source.
- Opening an account in a country where you don't yet live is possible but slower than opening one after you arrive with a local address and phone number.
Documents you will need before you start
Every bank will ask for a valid passport or national ID card. Some will accept a driver's license as a secondary form of ID, but the passport is the standard. If your passport is expired, renew it before you contact any bank — most will not open an account with an expired document, even if you have a renewal process in progress.
You will also need proof of address. If you already live in the country, a utility bill, rental agreement, or government-issued mail with your name and address will work. If you don't yet live there, some banks will accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your name, position, and the address where you will be working or living. Others will ask you to provide the address once you arrive and send it in later. A few will not open an account at all until you can show a local address.
Proof of income or savings is the third piece most banks ask for. This can be a recent payslip, a letter from your employer, a bank statement from your home country account, or tax returns from the past one or two years. The bank is checking that you have a legitimate reason to hold money and that you're not a financial risk. If you're moving for a job, the employment contract or offer letter often counts as proof of income.
Opening an account before you move versus after you arrive
Opening an account remotely, before you move, is possible but comes with extra steps. The bank will ask you to verify your identity on a video call with a representative, who will check your passport against your face in real time. This call usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You'll also need to sign documents electronically, which the bank will send to you by email. Some banks use DocuSign or a similar service; others send a PDF you print, sign by hand, photograph, and email back.
The advantage of opening remotely is that your account is ready when you arrive, and you can start receiving paychecks or transfers when ready. The disadvantage is that the bank may place a hold on your account until you visit a branch in person to verify your identity a second time, or until you make your first deposit. Some banks also limit how much you can transfer into a remote account in the first 30 days.
Opening an account after you arrive is usually faster and requires fewer documents. You walk into a branch with your passport and proof of address (a lease, a utility bill, or a letter from your employer), and the process often takes 30 minutes to an hour. The bank can verify your identity on the spot, and you can deposit cash when ready if you have it. You also avoid the video call and the electronic signature process.
Tax identification numbers and residency requirements
Some countries require you to have a tax identification number (TIN) before you open a bank account. Others issue the TIN after you open the account, or don't require one at all. The rules vary significantly by country.
In the European Union, for example, banks are required to ask for a tax identification number, but they will often open an account and issue you a temporary number while you explore for a permanent one. In the United States, a non-resident can open a bank account, but the bank will ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN). If you don't have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS, which takes four to six weeks.
If you're moving to a country where you'll become a tax resident, ask the bank whether you need the TIN before opening the account or whether they can help you explore for one after. This can save you weeks of waiting.
The first deposit and initial holds
Banks often place a hold on your first deposit while they verify the source of the money. This is called source of funds verification, and it's a compliance requirement in most countries. The hold typically lasts three to seven business days, though it can be longer if the bank needs to contact your home country bank to confirm the transfer came from an account in your name.
To speed this up, include a note with your first transfer explaining where the money came from — for example, "Transfer from my personal savings account at [Bank Name], account ending in [last four digits]." If you're transferring money from an employer, include a payslip or a letter from your employer explaining the payment. The more information you provide upfront, the faster the bank can clear the hold.
Some banks also limit the amount you can transfer in the first 30 days, even after the hold is lifted. This is a fraud-prevention measure. If you need to move a large sum, contact the bank before you transfer it and ask whether there's a limit, and whether you can request a higher limit by providing additional documentation.
Choosing between a traditional bank, an online bank, and a fintech account
A traditional bank with physical branches in your target country will usually require you to visit in person at some point, but they offer the widest range of services — savings accounts, loans, investment accounts, and credit cards. They also tend to have the strictest document requirements and the longest account-opening process.
An online-only bank operates entirely through an app or website and has no physical branches. They usually open accounts faster (sometimes in a single day), require fewer documents, and charge lower fees. The trade-off is that you cannot deposit cash in person, and if you need to speak to someone, you're limited to email, chat, or phone. Online banks are common in Europe and are growing in other regions.
A fintech account or digital wallet (such as Wise, Revolut, or N26) is not a bank account in the traditional sense, but it functions like one for most purposes. You can receive transfers, send money internationally, and hold multiple currencies. These accounts open in minutes and require only a passport and a photo. The downside is that they're not insured the same way a bank account is, and some employers or government agencies won't recognize them as valid bank accounts for direct deposit.
Common reasons banks reject applications and how to avoid them
Banks reject applications most often because the applicant has no local address, no proof of income, or a history of financial problems in their home country. If you don't yet have a local address, ask the bank whether you can provide one after you arrive, or whether they'll accept a temporary address (such as a hotel or an Airbnb) while you're looking for housing.
If you're self-employed or freelance, banks sometimes ask for more documentation than they would for someone with a traditional job. Bring tax returns from the past two years, bank statements showing regular income, and a letter from a client or your business explaining your income. If you're moving to take a job, bring the employment contract or offer letter — this counts as proof of income even if you haven't started yet.
If you have a history of fraud, money laundering charges, or serious financial problems in your home country, some banks will refuse to open an account. This is less common with online banks and fintech accounts, which have less stringent background checks, but it's still possible. If you're concerned about your history, contact the bank before you explore and ask what their policy is.
Timeline: what to expect from start to finish
If you're opening an account remotely before you move, expect the process to take one to three weeks. You'll contact the bank, they'll send you an process form, you'll complete it and submit documents, you'll have a video call to verify your identity, you'll sign documents electronically, and the bank will review everything. Once approved, the account opens, but you may not be able to use it fully until you visit a branch or make your first deposit.
If you're opening an account in person after you arrive, the process usually takes one to three days. You walk into a branch, complete an process, provide documents, and the bank verifies your identity on the spot. You can often use the account the same day or the next business day.
The first transfer into your new account will take three to seven business days to clear, plus an additional one to three days if the bank places a hold for source of funds verification. Plan accordingly if you need the money for rent or other when ready expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in another country if I don't have a job there yet?
Yes. Most banks will open an account for someone who is moving for a job, even if they haven't started yet. Bring your employment contract or offer letter as proof of income. If you're moving without a job lined up, you'll need to show proof of savings or income from another source, such as freelance work or investments.
What happens if the bank asks for documents I don't have?
Contact the bank and ask what alternatives they'll accept. For example, if they ask for a utility bill and you don't have one yet, ask whether a rental agreement, a letter from your employer, or a government-issued document will work instead. Different banks have different flexibility on this.
Do I need a local phone number to open a bank account?
Most banks will ask for a phone number, but they'll usually accept your home country number if you don't have a local one yet. Once you get a local number, you can update your account. Some online banks and fintech accounts don't require a phone number at all, only an email address.
Can I open multiple bank accounts in the same country?
Yes. There's no rule against holding accounts at multiple banks. Some people open one account for salary deposits and another for savings, or one at a traditional bank and another at an online bank for lower fees. Each process is separate, so you'll need to provide documents for each one.
What if my first transfer gets held by the bank?
Contact the bank and ask why the hold is in place. Usually it's source of funds verification, which takes three to seven days. You can speed this up by providing documentation showing where the money came from — a bank statement from your home country account, a payslip, or a letter from your employer. Once the bank confirms the source, they'll release the hold.