If you’re wondering, “Can I open a bank account in another country?” the answer is typically yes. Whether you are pursuing life as a digital nomad, studying abroad for a semester or two, or traveling with friends or your significant other for a few months, you’re going to need access to funds.
If you keep your American bank account, you’re likely to face a slew of foreign transaction fees, which can really take their toll on your finances.
Fortunately, opening a bank account in a foreign country is totally possible — and totally legal, as long as you’re not doing so for tax evasion purposes. However, it may take a few more steps than opening a domestic account would. Read on to learn the details.
What is Banking Abroad?
Banking abroad is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: It involves opening a bank account in a country that is not your primary or official country of residence or citizenship.
If you’re an American, this means opening a bank account in any other country, whether it’s Canada or Cambodia. Of course, some countries — such as, famously, Switzerland or the Cayman Islands — are specifically known for what are called offshore bank accounts, thanks to incentives such as high levels of financial privacy and serious deposit protections. These features can and have attracted the attention of high-net-worth individuals over the years.
But opening a foreign bank account isn’t reserved only for the ultra-rich. Regular, everyday individuals may benefit from banking abroad in certain circumstances. If you are wondering if you can open a bank account overseas because you’ll be spending the bulk of your time there, you probably can.
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Is Banking Abroad Legal?
Banking abroad is legal if you’re doing so for the right reasons.
Most of us associate banking abroad with nefarious activities like money laundering or tax evasion, which are, of course, illegal — and could result in large fines or even imprisonment.
But if you’re living in or earning legitimate wages in a foreign country, opening an account there is totally legitimate. It’s also likely your best bet for avoiding excessive foreign transaction fees. It will also reduce or eliminate the hassle of having to deal with a customer service team based in a very different time zone.
Some people also open offshore bank accounts for investment purposes. If this interests you, it’s worth enlisting the help of a financial professional to ensure you’re staying above-board. Foreign investments or offshore banking for tax purposes can be quite complex.
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How to Legally Bank Abroad
In order to legally open a checking account in a foreign country, you’ll usually need to verify quite a lot of personal information for the bank. This is so all the parties involved can confirm you’re banking in a foreign country for legal reasons and not engaging in illicit activities, such as tax evasion or money laundering. You will probably have to share some details with US officials, too.
So what does all that mean for you as someone interested in opening a foreign bank account?
Paperwork — potentially lots of paperwork, though it may not be that complex.
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Requirements to Open a Bank Account Abroad
The specific documentation you’ll need to provide to open a foreign bank account will depend on a lot of factors. Among the variables that may impact exactly what you’ll need to provide: The specific bank you choose, the regulations of the target country, how much money you’re planning to deposit or hold in the account, and more.
Generally speaking, though, you can plan to provide the following:
• Proof of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license
• Proof of residence, such as a utility bill
• Up to a year of bank statements from your current bank account in the US
• Paystubs or a statement from your employer
• Documentation relevant to investments or business transactions, such as sales contracts
Keep in mind that these documents may need to be notarized by a third party or sent through the local consulate for the target country in order to be deemed official. The bank will give you explicit instructions on all required documentation and may also ask for a written statement of purpose for opening the account.
Don’t overlook the home team either. The US government is likely to have its own questions about your activities. If the value of your account abroad will be more than $10,000, you’ll need to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
Note: Interest earned on monies held in foreign savings accounts are usually still taxable here at home. Always consult with a professional if you have questions about your tax liability.
Pros and Cons of Offshore Banking
So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of offshore banking? When does opening a foreign bank account make sense? Take a closer look.
Pros
First, the upsides of opening a bank account in another country.
• An offshore bank account can help you avoid foreign transaction fees if you’re living or doing business in a foreign country.
• Having a bank account in a foreign country you’re living in can also make it easier to perform basic daily banking tasks without having to navigate overseas phone calls.
• Offshore banking can have some legitimate tax incentives — though in order to take advantage of these legally, you’ll probably need to consult a tax professional.
Cons
Now, the disadvantages:
• Opening a foreign bank account can be a relatively arduous process, with a lot of paperwork and verification involved.
• Foreign banking can have unforeseen taxation consequences — for example, interest earned overseas may still be taxable at home.
• You may need to file additional paperwork with the IRS if your foreign account will be valued at over $10,000.
Here’s how these pros and cons stack up side by side.
| Pros of Opening a Foreign Bank Account | Cons of Opening a Foreign Bank Account |
|---|---|
| Helps you avoid foreign transaction fees if you’re living or doing business abroad | Complicated process involving a lot of paperwork |
| Easier to conduct day-to-day banking while abroad | Tax considerations; for instance, interest earned may be taxable in the U.S. |
| There may be tax benefits to having a foreign account | If your account is worth over $10,000, you likely need to file extra paperwork with the IRS |
The Takeaway
The answer to the question, “Can I open a bank account in a foreign country?” is likely to be a big yes. Gathering and submitting the right documentation may take a while, but it can ease your time abroad tremendously. It can help you spend more time reveling in the local culture than wrangling your personal finances.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use banking alternative here in the US, consider your options to find the right fit.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
What countries allow foreigners to open bank accounts?
Most countries will allow foreign nationals to open a bank account on their shores as long as they can provide proof of legal residence in that country (and other necessary documentation). Some countries make it easier than others to open a foreign bank account, however.
Can I open a bank account in another country without being a citizen?
Yes, but you will likely need to provide extra documentation to verify your identity, place of residence, and the legal purpose of the account.
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