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.
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.
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Your Questions Answered
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.