How to Open a Bank Account in Europe as a Non-EU Citizen

Once you are legally resident in an EU country you have the right to open a basic payment account, but that right does not cover other types of account, such as savings accounts (Your Europe).

This guide covers the neobank alternative, your EU right to a basic payment account once you are resident, and the documents to prepare.

The Neobank Alternative

Neobanks such as Wise, Revolut and N26 are an alternative to a branch bank. Before you rely on one, check its own terms: who can apply, which country's IBAN it issues, and whether it is a bank whose deposits are covered by a deposit guarantee scheme or an e-money institution.

The Payment Accounts Directive (PAD)

The EU's Payment Accounts Directive (2014/92/EU) gives consumers legally resident in the EU the right to open a "basic payment account", wherever in the EU they live, although some countries let banks ask you to show a genuine interest in opening one there. Each EU country must make sure that all banks, or enough banks, offer one. The account must let you:

• Pay money in and withdraw cash
• Make direct debits, credit transfers (including standing orders) and card payments, including online payments
• Use a payment card
• Bank online, where the bank offers online banking

The directive expressly covers people with no fixed address, asylum seekers, and people who have no residence permit but cannot be expelled for legal or factual reasons. A bank must refuse if opening the account would breach anti-money-laundering rules, and some countries let banks refuse if you already have a similar account there (Your Europe).

The bank must open the account or refuse within 10 business days of your complete application. If it refuses, it must tell you the specific reason in writing and free of charge, unless that would conflict with national security, public policy or anti-money-laundering rules, and tell you how to complain and how to contact the competent authority and the designated alternative dispute resolution body.

Documents to Prepare

Regardless of country, having these documents ready will smooth the process:

1. Valid passport — the non-negotiable baseline
2. Residence permit or visa — whatever document authorises your stay
3. Proof of address — rental contract, utility bill, or municipal registration certificate
4. Proof of income — employment contract, pay slips, or university enrollment letter
5. Tax identification number — if the country issues one (CPR in Denmark, personnummer in Sweden, codice fiscale in Italy)
6. Local phone number — some banks require it for two-factor authentication setup

Practical Tips

• Book an appointment in advance. Most European banks don't handle account openings well as walk-ins. Call or book online.
• Bring originals, not copies.
• Ask about English-language banking. Not all banks offer online banking in English.
• Don't close your home country account immediately. Keep it active for at least 3-6 months while you establish your European banking. You'll need it for any transfers back home and as a fallback.

The bottom line: traditional European banking as a non-EU citizen is possible but bureaucratic, and once you are legally resident in an EU country you have the right to a basic payment account.