Personal bank account abroad
Expats, students, retirees and cross-border workers often need a local account to receive a salary, pay rent or collect a pension. Here are the country guides dedicated to personal accounts.
What banks ask for
Banks check identity with a passport, address with recent proof and status with an employment contract, university enrolment or residence permit. A local or home-country tax number is almost always required, as banks automatically exchange information on non-resident accounts.
Some online banks allow opening before arrival and complete the file on site. Traditional banks more often require a branch appointment and a local address.
What to compare
Compare account fees, the card provided, currency-exchange and international transfer costs, and online access in a language you understand. Remember to declare the account in your country of tax residence.
Personal account: choose the country
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Belize
- British Virgin Islands
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guernsey
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Italy
- Japan
- Jersey
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Oman
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates – Dubai
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay