Opening an Irish bank account for a non-resident is definitely possible. Many banks in Ireland allow non-residents to open accounts, but you will need to provide more documentation than a resident would. Additionally, most banks will require you to visit a branch in person to open an account. However, there are a few traditional and online banks in Ireland that allow non-residents to open accounts remotely.
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Why Open Irish Bank Account for Non Residents
There are a number of reasons why someone might want to open an Irish bank account as a non-resident. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- To invest in Irish property. Ireland is a popular destination for foreign investment, and having an Irish bank account can make it easier to buy property in the country.
- To start a business in Ireland. If you are planning to start a business in Ireland, having an Irish bank account will be essential.
- To receive payments from Ireland. If you are working remotely for an Irish company or if you are receiving other payments from Ireland, having an Irish bank account will make it easier to manage your finances.
- To save money in a tax-efficient environment. Ireland has a relatively favorable tax regime for non-residents, so opening an Irish bank account can be a good way to save money on taxes.
- To have access to the Eurozone. Ireland is a member of the Eurozone, so having an Irish bank account gives you access to the single currency.
Opening a Non Resident Irish Bank Account Online
You can open an online account in minutes, and you get everything you need to do your finances in Ireland. Because Ireland is part of the Euro, there are several online banks that offer euro accounts. Some of the banks that you can use include the following:
Wise
Wise is a free multicurrency virtual bank account you open to get euro and GBP account details even if you don’t live in Ireland. You can use your account to deposit, save, send, and receive money around the world cheaply. You can also use your Wise debit card to spend in multiple currencies.
To open a Wise Multicurrency Account, you can visit the Wise website or download the Wise app. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to upload a copy of your passport or other government-issued ID.
Revolut
Revolut is an online bank that operates as a fully licensed bank in Ireland since March 2022. It offers a variety of financial services, including current accounts, debit cards, and money transfers. Revolut also offers a multicurrency account, which allows you to hold and exchange multiple currencies in a single account.
It supports legal residents of the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States
To open a Revolut account, you can download the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have downloaded the app, you can create an account by providing your name, email address, and phone number. You will also need to upload a copy of your passport or other government-issued ID.
Monese
Monese is an online bank that allows you to open a multicurrency personal account and Monese business account in Ireland without proof of address. This makes it an excellent banking app for travelers and digital nomads. You can convert money into other currencies at relatively low exchange rates.
What you need to open Monese account is an email address, phone number and an ID document like your passport.
Monese is available to residents of the UK, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.
Read also: How to Open Bank Account Online in Ireland
Best Irish Banks for Non Residents
Due to its thriving economy, many banks in Ireland are offering excellent services. The following banks are a good option for you to open a bank account in Ireland without an address in Ireland.
Bank of Ireland Non Resident Account
Bank of Ireland is the largest bank in Ireland that allows non-residents to open a standard Personal Current Account. Products for the non resident account include Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, international transfers, and ATMs, all subject to a monthly maintenance fee of €6.
To open a non-resident account with Bank of Ireland, you will need to provide scanned copies of the following documents:
- Two proofs of photo ID: These can be your passport, driver’s license, or national ID card.
- One proof of address: This can be a recent household bill (such as a landline telephone, electricity, or gas bill), or a statement from your bank or financial institution. You can have your address validated by the Embassy of Ireland in your home country. Mobile phone bills are not accepted as proof of address.
You must also have your identity document and household bill certified by a solicitor or police officer. If your household bill is not in English, you must have it translated by a company that offers this service. If you intend to remain living abroad, you can contact the bank by calling +353 1 4044034.
Allied Irish Bank Non Resident Account
Allied Irish Bank (AIB) offers a personal current account for non residents. Documents needed to open a bank account in Ireland from overseas using AIB:
- Valid passport: Your current valid passport is a must-have document.
- Valid driver’s license: Your current valid driver’s license is also required.
- Valid EU national identity card: If you are an EU citizen, you can also provide your valid EU national identity card.
- Certified evidence of home address: You will need to provide original copies of any two of the following documents to prove your home address:
- Correspondence from a utility company (telephone, mobile, gas, electricity, heating, oil, waste collection)
- Correspondence from a regulated financial institution operating in your country of residence (insurance/assurance company, bank, building society, credit card company)
For customer service help regarding opening AIB from abroad, call +353 1771 5612. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am – 9pm and Saturday 9am- 6pm – except for Bank Holiday weekends.
Ulster Bank was one of the banks that allowed you to open a bank account in Ireland from abroad. However, on 21st April 2023, all Ulster Bank branches across the Republic of Ireland permanently closed.
Bank Fees in Ireland
The requirements for fees and minimum deposits vary from bank to bank in Ireland. Some banks may not charge any fees to set up an account, while others may charge a small fee. Some banks may also require a minimum deposit, but this is not always the case.
If you do need to make a minimum deposit, it is typically €1,500 or €2,500. You should also be prepared to pay a fee for your Irish debit card. This fee is typically €2.50 (US$2.80) per year, but it may vary depending on the bank. Some banks may also charge a fee to withdraw money from an ATM. This fee is typically around €2, but it may be higher depending on the bank and the ATM.
Opening a Bank Account in Ireland as a Non-Resident
Opening a bank account in Ireland from overseas is possible. Initiate the process early. Given that the application procedure might be time-consuming, commencing early is crucial. This will afford you ample time to compile the requisite paperwork and finalize the application. Prepare to furnish evidence of identity and residence. Most banks mandate proof of both identity and residence. This can be fulfilled by submitting a photocopy of your passport, driver’s license, or any valid government ID. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a utility bill or another document that verifies your current address. You need to be patient because the process may take months.
Crypto Debit Cards FAQ
Are Irish banks safe?
Irish banks are safe. The Irish banking system is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. The Central Bank of Ireland has a number of safeguards in place to protect depositors, including the Deposit Guarantee Scheme, which insures deposits up to €100,000.
Can a non resident open a bank account in Ireland?
Non-residents can generally open a bank account in Ireland. There are Irish banks and European online banks that offer banking services to non-residents, including individuals from other countries. However, the specific requirements and processes may vary from bank to bank.
