How to Open a European Bank Account Online

For those engaged in international business, traveling frequently, or relocating to the EU, the need to open an account in a European bank arises sooner or later. This is due to numerous conveniences such as receiving payments or paying for services without fees. And here comes the question: how to do it without leaving home?

It turns out that opening an account online is indeed possible. However, it is not as simple as it may seem at first glance. Some banks work only with residents. Some require a pile of documents. And there are also those where the process takes just 15 minutes — provided you know where to go and what to prepare.

From the experts at Lawrange, you will learn how to open a European bank account online as both a resident and a foreigner. We will guide you through the procedure step by step.

How Feasible Is It to Open a Bank Account in Europe Online?

According to the Your Europe portal, if you legally reside in an EU country, you have the right to open a basic payment account. Moreover, a bank cannot refuse you solely because you are not a local resident.

However, complications arise if you want to complete the entire process online. In principle, it is possible, but too many variables come into play: the specific jurisdiction, the particular bank, the type of account. Yes, many European banks now offer online applications, but some still require physical presence for identity verification or for submitting documents in person. In such cases, you still have to travel to the country where the bank is located.

So, how to open a bank account abroad entirely remotely? One option is to turn to fully digital banks operating across Europe. They usually offer a simple registration process, customer support in English, and minimal requirements.

EU Banking Choices Available to UK Residents

Opening a European bank account online was easier for UK residents before Brexit. Since then, they are no longer considered EU residents, and European banks have taken two main approaches:

• allowing account opening but with additional requirements such as proof of address, a tax number, and sometimes personal presence;
• offering special “non-resident” accounts with higher fees.

Less frequently, banks completely stop servicing UK resident clients. Despite this, access to a number of European banking services remains open to them — especially when it comes to digital banks or fintech platforms. Here are several options worth considering:

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise). Offers a multi-currency account with European bank details (IBAN), the ability to receive payments in EUR, GBP, USD, and other currencies. Registration is online, and the only documents required are a passport and proof of address.
2. Revolut. One of the most popular neobanks in Europe. Provides a European IBAN, a card, currency exchange without fees, and other financial services.
3. N26. A German digital bank that previously operated in the UK but now serves only EU residents. However, if you have dual citizenship or reside in the EU, it may be an option.
4. Monese. A UK-based mobile bank allowing accounts in GBP and EUR. Suitable for frequent travelers or people working across countries.
5. Paysera. A Lithuanian fintech company offering a European IBAN, online banking, cards, and SEPA transfers (fast and low-cost euro transfers within the EU). Registration is available for non-EU residents.

Before choosing a bank, it is advisable to check whether it supports SEPA payments, provides a European IBAN, and what documents are required for verification. Some services, such as Wise, request an ID photo and live face capture.

Opening a Non-Resident Account in Europe: Step-by-Step

“Can I open a European bank account online?” — this is a common question clients ask AA Lawrange. For non-residents, this task is indeed challenging, but still absolutely possible.

In general, the sequence of steps you will need to go through is as follows:

1. Choosing a Bank That Accepts International Clients.
2. Reviewing Eligibility and Restrictions.
3. Preparing the Necessary Paperwork.
4. Submitting an Online Application.
5. Completing Digital Identity Verification.
6. Waiting for Bank Approval.

What to do at each stage and what to pay attention to — we explain below.

Choosing a Bank That Accepts International Clients

The most important step is choosing a bank willing to work with non-residents. In Europe, not all financial institutions open accounts for foreigners, especially if you do not have a local address or residence permit.

As for specific solutions, people most often choose among the following types of banks:

• Traditional banks with international or expat programs, such as HSBC Expat or Barclays International. They are experienced in working with clients living abroad but often require a significant minimum deposit and additional documents.
• Digital banks and fintech platforms (such as Wise, Revolut, or bunq) offer multi-currency accounts, a European IBAN, and simple online registration. If you are looking for the most convenient way to learn how to open a European bank account online, this is it.
• Banks with a fully online account opening procedure, where you do not need to appear in person at a branch. Such institutions usually provide English-speaking support and clearly state requirements for non-residents.

If you are already a client of an international bank, check whether it has a branch in the country where you plan to open an account. In some cases, this can speed up the process.

Reviewing Eligibility and Restrictions

Once the bank is chosen, the next step is to review its requirements for non-residents. For example, Spanish banks formally allow them to open a European bank account online, but in practice it is often impossible without personal presence, in particular for signing documents.

In most cases, a financial institution will want to make sure that you have a connection with the country (property ownership, private business, employment, etc.). In addition, you will need to confirm your tax status and provide extra documents if you plan to use the account for business purposes. It will also be useful to know how to deposit money in a bank abroad, since a minimum deposit is usually required to activate the account.

Preparing the Necessary Paperwork

Since the account opening takes place online, you will also upload the documents online. The basic package includes:

1. Passport or ID card.
2. Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, rental contract, not older than 3 months).
3. Tax Identification Number (TIN), if the bank requests information about your tax residency for reporting purposes (e.g., under CRS).
4. Company registration documents, charter, and details of beneficiaries (if a business account is to be opened).

Additionally, an apostille may be required for documents issued outside the EU, a translation into the local language made by a certified translator, as well as a real estate purchase contract or an agreement with a local company (to confirm a business link with the country).

Submitting an Online Application

Can I open a European bank account online by submitting an application remotely? Usually yes, since digital banks and most traditional banking institutions accept applications via their websites. Accordingly, the process includes:

1. Creating an account.
2. Filling out a form with personal or business data.
3. Uploading documents.
4. Confirming agreement with the terms of service.

At this stage, consultation with a professional lawyer may be useful to ensure accuracy and consistency of your actions. The more precisely you complete the form, the faster the bank will review the application.

Completing Digital Identity Verification

To finalize registration, most banks conduct online identity verification in different ways:

• uploading a photo of your passport or ID card;
• a video selfie or a short video call with a bank representative;
• address confirmation via a document or geolocation.

This stage is mandatory to comply with banking regulations and to protect against fraud. Open a European bank account online in an institution that does not support digital identification without physical presence is impossible.

Waiting for Bank Approval

After submitting the application, internal checks are carried out. Compliance control at a foreign bank includes:

• confirming (or rejecting) that your profile meets the bank’s requirements;
• verifying that you are not on sanctions lists;
• assessing risks related to the source of money, country of residence, or type of activity (KYC/AML check).

Digital banks with automated verification systems make decisions within a few hours. Traditional banks require more time (up to several weeks if manual document checks are needed). If you plan to actively use the account (e.g., making regular transfers), keep this in mind when choosing a bank.

Documents Commonly Required by European Banks

The list of documents is not fixed and depends on jurisdiction, type of bank, and your status (resident, student, entrepreneur). However, most institutions request similar documents that are repeated across countries. They usually ask for:

1. Government-Issued ID (e.g., passport).
2. Proof of Address (utility bill, tenancy agreement).
3. Residency Permits or Visa Documents.
4. Employment or Income Evidence.
5. Student Enrollment Confirmation (for student accounts).
6. Business Documentation (for company accounts).

Collecting such a package will definitely speed up the processing of your application. However, even with this list, there are nuances, so let’s dive deeper into the paperwork.

Government-Issued ID (e.g., passport)

Yes, a valid passport or ID card is the first thing 99% of banks ask for. If the bank is digital, it is enough to upload a scan or photo of the document, and sometimes to take a selfie or live face capture for identity confirmation.

Proof of Address (utility bill, tenancy agreement)

A utility bill for electricity, water, or internet, a rental contract, or a bank statement with your address – all of this convinces the bank that you have provided a valid residential address. Moreover, the place of residence also determines your tax residency, which directly affects how the bank will report your account in international systems such as CRS.

Some banks accept only addresses within EU countries. That is, if you have not moved yet, opening an account may be impossible. In that case, it is better to consider digital banks, since they often work with clients outside the EU.

Another important point: How to open a European bank account online if the country where you live is listed as a high-risk jurisdiction? In principle, the procedure is the same, but it may take longer due to additional mandatory checks.

Residency Permits or Visa Documents

If you are not a citizen of the country where you plan to open an account, the bank will almost always ask you to confirm that you have legal grounds to stay there. For this, you need to provide a visa, work permit, or residence permit.

For traditional banks that strictly follow the rules, this is mandatory. Digital banks are more flexible, but they also use such checks (especially if the client opens an account and intends to use local services related to finance).

Employment or Income Evidence

Banks want to understand from which sources money comes to you. Depending on the situation, you may be asked to provide:

• a certificate from the place of work or a copy of the employment contract;
• a bank statement showing regular inflows;
• a tax declaration or another document confirming your income.

Do not think that the bank suspects you of something if it requests such documents. This is a standard part of the check, which helps to assess your financial stability.

Student Enrolment Confirmation (for student accounts)

Confirming student status is not difficult. It is enough to provide a student card and obtain from the dean’s office a letter from the university confirming enrolment, as well as a copy of the tuition contract or proof of payment.

Some banks have separate tariffs for students, such as reduced fees, free service, or bonuses. To take advantage of them, check with the bank in advance which exact documents are required.

Business Documentation (for company accounts)

If the account is opened for a legal entity, the bank will require proof that your business has official status and a transparent structure. These may include:

1. Certificate of registration or extract from the state register.
2. Founding documents (charter, decision on establishment).
3. Information about ultimate beneficiaries.
4. Description of the business model or a short business plan (mandatory if the company is new or operates in a specific field).

Digital banks usually have a simplified procedure, but they still conduct a basic check.

Easiest European Countries for Opening a Bank Account

The process of opening investment and savings accounts in foreign banks varies depending on the jurisdiction. In some places personal presence is required, in others everything can be done online if you have the necessary documents. To avoid getting lost among requirements and nuances, we compared four countries most often chosen by non-residents.

In any case, the main conclusion is the same: if you want to open an account quickly and without trips, look at digital banks. If you plan to live or work in the EU, then prepare documents and check the requirements of the specific country.

Legal Support by Lawrange

There are many nuances that are easy to miss without experience, especially if you are a non-resident or opening an account for business. How to open a European bank account online quickly and safely? The best solution is to contact professionals from AA Lawrange.

Our team helps you go through this path without hassle:

• We know how banks in the EU work, which documents are needed, how to submit an application so that it is not rejected.
• We will advise which banks open accounts remotely, which only with a local address, and how to bypass this.
• We work with digital banks, traditional institutions, fintech platforms.

Shall we start with a free consultation? You will tell us what you plan – we will explain how to do it correctly.

Conclusion

So, can I open a European bank account online without trips, without queues, without unnecessary documents? Yes, it is possible. But only if you know where to start and do not waste time on banks that will still ask you to come in person.

The easiest option is digital banks. They work with non-residents, have English-language support, do not require a local address, and open accounts within a few hours. But even here it is important to prepare the right documents: passport, proof of address, tax number, and for business – company registration data.

With traditional banks it is more complicated. Often physical presence, residence registration, proof of income are required. But if you plan to live or work in the EU, it may be more beneficial in the long term.

In any case, opening an account is a legal process. And if you want minimum problems and maximum results, it is worth contacting specialists who know how it works.

FAQ

How long does it usually take to get approval for an EU bank account?

Digital banks make decisions within a few hours after submitting the application. Traditional banks may check documents manually, so the time increases (from several days to weeks). The time depends on the type of account, the country, and the quality of submitted documents.

Do all European banks require proof of address within the EU?

Most traditional banks require proof of a local address, especially for personal accounts. Some digital banks work with clients from outside the EU and do not always request an address in Europe. It all depends on the policy of a particular bank.

Which European Banks Accept Online Applications from Non-Residents?

Online applications from non-residents are accepted by Wise, Revolut, Monese, Paysera, bunq, and other digital banks. Traditional ones rarely work with non-residents remotely.

Book a consultation