How to Open a Bank Account Abroad as a Foreigner: Country-by-Country Guide 2026
Exact requirements, documents, and insider tips for opening local bank accounts in Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Thailand, Mexico, and 5 more countries — from people who've done it.
Quick answer
To open a bank account abroad as a foreigner, you generally need: passport + visa, local taxpayer ID (NIF in Portugal, NIE in Spain, CIN/attestation in Morocco, etc.), proof of local address, and sometimes proof of income or employment. The easiest countries for expat banking: Portugal (NIF + address = enough for Millennium BCP), Georgia (passport only for TBC Bank), and Mexico (passport + CURP). Hardest: Germany (requires registered address), Switzerland (high minimum deposits). Fintech alternatives (Wise, N26, Revolut) work without local documentation in most countries.
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Easiest to Open
Wise Account (No Local Bank Needed)
What banks usually ask for
Requirements vary by country and bank, but most ask for a similar set of documents. Prepare them before your appointment to avoid repeated visits.
- Valid passport
- Residence permit or visa
- Proof of local address (rental contract or utility bill)
- Local tax identification number, if the country uses one
- Proof of income or employment contract
- Your home-country tax number (banks collect it for international reporting)
The chicken-and-egg problem
Many expats need a bank account to rent a flat, but need a rental contract to open a bank account. Solutions include temporary accommodation that provides an address letter, employer letters, or starting with a digital bank or multi-currency account while you wait.
Traditional banks vs digital banks
Traditional banks are often required for mortgages, some visas and local salaries, but onboarding can be slow and paperwork-heavy. Digital banks and fintech apps open quickly online, though not all countries' landlords and employers accept them, and some services need a local bank.
Country differences to expect
In some EU countries, residents have a legal right to a basic payment account, which helps newcomers. Elsewhere, banks may require residence permits, local tax numbers or in-person visits. Check the requirements of two or three banks in your city before you move, as policies differ even within the same country.
US citizens: extra checks
Because of FATCA reporting, some banks limit accounts for US citizens or ask for additional forms. Larger banks with international operations are usually more comfortable with American customers.
Step-by-step plan
A simple order of operations helps.
- Open a multi-currency account before you move
- Arrange temporary accommodation that can confirm your address
- Get your local tax number and residence registration
- Book a bank appointment with all documents
- Switch salary and bills to the local account once open
Also Recommended
Revolut (Bank Alternative)
Questions we get asked
Can a foreigner open a bank account abroad?
Yes — most countries allow foreigners to open bank accounts, but requirements vary significantly. EU countries generally require a local tax ID (obtained free at the tax office). Morocco requires an attestation de résidence and CIN or passport. Thailand requires a Non-B visa in some banks. The easiest approach: start with a fintech account (Wise, Revolut, N26) that works everywhere, then open a local account once you have your local tax ID and address proof.
How do I open a bank account in Morocco as a foreigner?
To open a bank account in Morocco (CIH Bank, Banque Populaire, or BMCE): bring your passport, Attestation de Résidence from your landlord (certified by the local Moqaddem), and a recent bank statement from your home country. Some branches require proof of income (work contract or freelance invoice). English-speaking staff are more common at Attijariwafa Bank and BMCE Bank in Casablanca and Marrakech city centers. The process takes 1–3 days. Monthly fees: 30–50 MAD/month.
What is a local tax ID and how do I get one as an expat?
A local tax ID is a government-assigned number for tax tracking — required for most banking, employment, and property transactions. How to get one: Portugal (NIF): Tax office (Finanças) with passport + proof of address, same day, free. Spain (NIE): Police station or consulate, appointment required, 3–7 days, €10 fee. Morocco (ICE/RC): For businesses; individuals use their CIN or passport. Thailand (Tax ID): Revenue Department with work permit, 1–3 days. Most countries allow non-residents to get a tax ID for investment or banking purposes without needing full residency.
What banks are best for expats in Portugal?
Best banks for expats in Portugal: Millennium BCP (largest network, English-speaking staff in Lisbon/Porto branches, app in English) for basic banking. ActivoBank (all-digital, no fees, excellent app, €0 monthly) for free banking. Revolut and N26 as digital-only alternatives with no Portuguese bureaucracy. For mortgages and investment: Caixa Geral de Depósitos and Santander Portugal offer expat-specific products. To open: get your NIF first (30 minutes at any Finanças office), then bring passport + NIF + proof of address.
How do I prove address as an expat to open a bank account?
Address proof options accepted by most foreign banks: signed rental contract (most reliable), utility bill in your name (electricity, water, internet), letter from landlord (in local language, notarized if required), hotel invoice for short-stay situations, or letter from your employer on company letterhead. If you live in a furnished apartment and utilities are in the landlord's name, ask them for a certificat d'hébergement or Attestation de Résidence. Fintech accounts (Wise, Revolut) accept a simple selfie with your passport — no local address needed.
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