Your Free Guide: Where to Open Bank Accounts in Europe
Download this FREE printable guide to start opening personal bank accounts with the best banks in Europe.

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Banking in Europe
Banking in Europe is one of the most sought-after banking options in the world. Here you will be able to find a full spectrum of international accounts for foreigners, non-residents, foreign companies, and offshore structures. This is true whether you’re considering Western European banks or Eastern European banks.
If you’re looking to open a bank account in Europe, select the type of account you’re interested in and use our free resources, featured articles, and expert insights to start opening accounts today.
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Banking in Europe
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European Banking Articles

Euro IBAN Account Opening: Start Here
Euro IBAN account options include banks from across Europe. Many of these banks cater to foreign & non-residents, while also allowing for remote opening.
Click here to read our featured European banking article that shares everything you need to know about Euro IBAN account opening.
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European Bank Account Opening
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Banking in Europe 101
To properly navigate account opening in Europe, it’s important to be clear about your goals, the type of account you’d like to open, and the specific countries you’re considering. This will enable you to find the best European bank for you and determine whether or not you will be able to meet their account opening requirements.
We’ve compiled an overview of the different account types, deposit requirements, and jurisdictions below. But before diving in, here are a few things that anyone considering banking in Europe should be aware of.
Key Takeaways
- Europe has account opening options for everyone
- Remote account opening is possible
- Account opening requirements depend on the bank, client profile, & country
- High-risk industries and sources of wealth are accepted
- Choosing the right country is critical to successfully opening accounts
- Knowing specifically which account you want will speed up the account opening process
Navigating European Banking Options
For anyone looking at banking in Europe, there are four key options to consider. These include non-resident, private, business, and offshore banking. We’ve broken down each of these account types below.
Once you decide which type of account you want to open, you can use the European content hubs at the top of this page to unlock free resources, guides, and articles to help inform your approach to account opening.
Non-Resident Accounts in Europe
These are your standard personal international bank accounts. The required deposit to open a non-resident personal account ranges from $300 to $500,000 for remote opening.
Non-resident banking hubs in Europe include Austria, Cyprus, Isle of Man, Jersey, Lithuania (digital only), Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.
Private Bank Accounts in Europe
Private banking is for high-net-worth individuals looking for more personalized services and/or wealth management. Deposit requirements for these accounts range from $100,000 to $3,000,000 for traditional private banking. Digital “private banking” options can be accessed starting at $10,000.
Private banking hubs in Europe for non-residents include Andorra, Austria, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, and Switzerland.
Business Bank Accounts in Europe
Business bank accounts in Europe give access to lower cost SEPA transfers and often come with the ability to hold deposits in multiple currencies. Deposit requirements range dramatically from $0 to $1,000,000 depending on the jurisdiction, industry, and purpose of the account.
Business banking hubs in Europe include Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Guernsey, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.
Offshore Bank Accounts in Europe
Offshore banking refers to banking jurisdictions that specifically cater to non-residents. Deposit requirements for these accounts range anywhere from $3,000 to $3,000,000, depending on the jurisdiction and purpose of the account.
Offshore banking hubs in Europe mirror those offering private banking services to non-residents, including Andorra, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, and Switzerland.
Note: In each of the content hubs above, we provide a further breakdown of the available jurisdictions, their account opening requirements, and other special considerations.
Start Opening European Accounts
If you would like to get started banking in Europe, you can continue to use our country-specific articles and free resources below.
Or if you’re ready to start opening bank accounts today, we can help you get started in one of two ways…
First, we’ve created a comprehensive account opening platform called GlobalBanks IQ – it provides all of the tools you need to navigate account opening in Europe – including 100% remote opening options across the continent.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more hands on approach, there’s also GlobalBanks Insider.
GlobalBanks Insider is a done-for-you solution that leverages our team’s expertise to give you direct one-on-one support and personalized introductions to the banks of your choice in Europe.
MEMBER ACCESS
GlobalBanks IQ provides instant access to everything you need to open European Bank Accounts in top banking jurisdictions!
- Choose banks in minutes with our international banking database
- Open accounts with detailed step-by-step instructions
- Handle banker questions easily with detailed conversation scripts
- Meet bank requirements (e.g. local address) with proven solutions
- Unlock exclusive offers from the best banks in our member reports
- Receive lists of banks that accept high-risk & offshore businesses
- Plus much more!
Looking for a different type of account?
We can help you make informed decisions about personal, business, & private banking across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Click here to learn more.
Free Resources
Free Resources: Banking in Europe
Below you’ll find our archive of free resources to assist with account opening.
This includes detailed articles to help you open accounts in top banking hubs in Europe and free guides explaining how to navigate challenges for specific client types.

Building Society Roll Number | UK Banking Basics


What Is a Sole Trader? | UK Banking Basics

IBAN LT: How to Send IBAN Transfers to Lithuania


Recipients Meaning in Banking: Sending Money 101

Sort Code on Card: UK Bank Sort Codes 101

Best Business Bank Accounts: How to Choose

Best Online Banks UK: Choosing the Best Option


Current Account Interest Rate [Bank Account Guide]

How to Improve Credit Score [UK Credit Score Guide]

Best Children’s Savings Account [Banking for Kids 101]

Best Joint Bank Accounts [Opening a Joint Account]

How to Cancel a Direct Debit [Banking 101]

Business Credit Cards [UK Company Options]

How Long Does a BACS Payment Take? [UK Transfers 101]

Best Card to Use Abroad [UK Travel Credit Cards]

Apply for UTR Number Online [UK Tax Identification]

Building Society Reference Number [Free Guide]

Can I Get Euros From the Post Office Without Ordering?

Tax Identification Number [UK Residents & Companies]

Send Money to India From UK [UK to India Transfers]

Best Savings Account Ireland [Unlock High Interest]

Bank Address From Sort Code | UK Banking Sort Codes


Best Business Bank Account UK [UK Business Banking]

Bank Account With Overdraft | Are You Eligible?

What Is an ISA Account?

Send Money to Pakistan From UK [Transfers to Pakistan]

Send Money to Sri Lanka From UK [Transfers to Sri Lanka]

Send Money to Canada From UK [Sending to Canada 101]

Send Money to Australia From UK: UK to Australia Transfer

Send Money to USA From UK [How to Send Money From the UK]

Best Current Account Ireland | Banking in Ireland

Best Bank in Ireland [Ireland Banking Guide]

No Credit Check Bank Account UK [UK Banking]

Switch Business Bank Account [UK Business Banking]

How Long Does a Bank Transfer Take Between Different Banks?

Opening a Bank Account in Ireland [Start Here]

UK Bank Account For Non Residents [UK Banking Options]

Difference Between Bank and Building Society [UK Banking]

Does Ireland Use the Euro? [Payment Options]

Does Switzerland Use the Euro? [Banking in Switzerland]

Virtual Credit Card UK [UK Credit Card Options]

Expat Mortgages UK [UK Banking]

Why Can’t I Buy Egyptian Pounds in UK? [Surprise Answer]

How Long Is a Cheque Valid for in UK? [UK Banking]

Direct Debit Indemnity Claim [UK Banking]

Difference Between a Standing Order and Direct Debit

Moving to Portugal From UK [Portuguese Visa + Banking]

Stripe Fees UK: Breakdown for Small UK Businesses

Jersey Companies Registry [Jersey 101]

Isle of Man Company Registry [Isle of Man 101]

Is Open Banking Safe? [UK & European Banking 101]

Controlled Disbursement Account [Business Banking 101]

ISA v Savings Account [UK Banking 101]

Guaranteed Bank Account With Overdraft UK [UK Banking]

Crypto Merchant Account [Cryptocurrency Business Banking]

Do Banks Process Payments on Bank Holidays? [UK Holiday]

Money Market Account [UK Banking 101]

How Long Can a Bank Legally Freeze Your Account: UK Banks

Cayman Island Trust [Trusts in the Cayman Islands]

How to Get Money off a Virtual Visa Card [Step-by-Step]

Standing Orders vs Direct Debits [What You Need to Know]

My Husband Won’t Let Me See His Bank Account [Next Steps]

Free Offshore Bank Account [No Deposit Offshore Banking]

Bank Accounts the IRS Can’t Touch [Privacy 101]

Business Bank Account Closure Letter [Step-by-Step Guide]

Business Bank Account Netherlands [Company Bank Account]

Crypto-Friendly Banks in Europe [Cryptocurrency Guide]

Best Online Bank for Expats [European Online Banks]

What Is a Commercial Entity? [Business Banking Guide]

Benefits of Incorporating in Georgia [European Business]

Incorporation of a Cyprus Company

Certificate of Incumbency Meaning [Business Banking]

Open a Greek Bank Account Online [Banking in Greece]

Irish Banks Deposit Guarantee Scheme: Deposits in Ireland

Advantages of Telephone Banking – Telephone Banking Dead?

UK Crypto Friendly Banks | Open With UK Banks?

Coop Bank Mortgages: Alternative Financing

Bank Asking for Source of Funds UK [Depositing Money]

What Is a Bank or Building Society Number? [UK Banking]

Can I Deposit Euros in My UK Bank Account?

Which Banks Allow Cryptocurrency Purchases: Finding Banks

Reasons Bank Will Not Cash Check [Banks Cashing Check]

Bank Account for Gambling Company [Business Accounts]

Does a Limited Company Need a Business Bank Account?

Business Bank Account Non UK Resident [UK Banks]

How to Pay International Employees [Start Here]

Bank Account for International Students UK: Bank Accounts

Can I Open a Bank Account in Luxembourg?

Open IBAN Account Online [Start Here]

Virtual Company Bank Account [Corporate Bank Accounts]

UK Company Formation with Bank Account [Company Banking]

Business Bank Account Jersey [How to Open Bank Accounts]

Get UK Credit Card: Non-Resident UK Credit Cards

Best Digital Nomad Debit Cards in Europe

Opening Bank Account in Denmark [Read First]
