Open a Bank Account Without a Local Address in Europe

Why traditional banks require a local address

European banks are required by anti-money laundering (AML) regulations to verify the identity and residence of their customers. For traditional banks, proof of address — a utility bill, lease agreement or official government letter — is the standard way to satisfy this requirement. Without it, most high-street banks will simply refuse to open an account.

For expats, this creates an impossible situation: you need a bank account to rent an apartment, but you need an apartment to get a bank account.

Which banks accept you without a local address

Several digital banks have developed alternative verification processes that satisfy AML requirements without requiring proof of local address. The best options are:

• bunq — The only fully licensed EU bank (Dutch banking licence) that lets you open an account without a local address. Full deposit guarantee up to €100,000. From €3.99/month.
• Revolut — E-money institution. Open without any local address, works in 160+ countries. Free Standard plan. No deposit guarantee, but funds are safeguarded in segregated accounts.
• Wise — E-money institution. Open without a local address. Belgian IBAN, real exchange rates. No deposit guarantee. Free to open (card costs ~€7 once).
• Monese — E-money institution, specifically designed for people without a local address or credit history. Free Simple plan. UK and EU accounts available.
• Nickel — Open at a local tobacconist in France, Belgium, Spain or Portugal with just an ID. No address required. €20/year.

What documents they actually need

While these banks don't require proof of address, they do still need to verify your identity. Typically you will need:

• A valid passport or national ID card (EU/EEA nationals can use their national ID)
• A selfie or short video for biometric verification
• A phone number (for SMS verification)
• An email address

No utility bills, no lease agreements, no local registration certificates. The entire process is done via the app and takes 5–15 minutes.

Step-by-step guide

1. Download the app (Revolut, Wise, or bunq) on your smartphone before you travel.
2. Start the onboarding process. Enter your mobile number and email address.
3. Verify your identity. Upload a clear photo of your passport or ID card. Take a selfie — the app uses biometric matching to confirm it's you.
4. Account approved. For most applicants this takes under 10 minutes. You will receive a virtual card immediately.
5. Order a physical card if needed. This takes 3–7 business days to arrive by post. Provide your local address or temporary address (hotel, Airbnb, friend's address) for delivery.

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive a salary to these accounts? Yes. All of these banks provide a SEPA-compatible IBAN that can receive salary payments, SEPA transfers, and direct debits.

Is my money safe? bunq offers full deposit guarantee up to €100,000. Revolut, Wise and Monese safeguard funds in segregated accounts at major banks — this is a regulatory requirement and provides a reasonable level of protection, but it is not the same as deposit insurance.

Will I need to update my address later? Yes, once you have a local address you should update it in the app. Some banks may require this to continue using the account or to access certain features.

Can non-EU citizens use these banks? Yes. All of the above accept passport holders from most countries worldwide, not just EU/EEA nationals.