Offshore and Onshore Difference | Banking Differences 101

In this article, we’re exploring the difference between offshore and onshore in the context of banking.

While there are obvious differences between the two, there are also more nuanced differences that everyone considering banking in international jurisdictions should be aware of.

We will discuss these differences below while also answering a number of common questions we receive on the topic.

This article is part of our free series on opening an offshore bank account, which you can access for free by clicking here.

Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to any sections that are immediately relevant to your search.

Table of Contents

1. Offshore and Onshore Difference
2. Offshore or Onshore Banking for Companies
3. Should I Open a Bank Account Offshore?
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Ready to Explore Your Options?

Offshore and Onshore Difference

The main difference between offshore banking and onshore banking is that offshore banking serves the needs of foreign non-resident individuals and legal entities while onshore banking serves the needs of resident individuals and entities. 

In other words, offshore banks cater to individuals who do not permanently reside in the same country as the bank. On the other hand, onshore banks do cater to individuals residing in the same country as the bank.

Of course, there are other differences between offshore and onshore banks as well, including their licensing requirements, the services they offer, the products that clients can access, and more.

In short, the main differences between offshore and onshore banking can be characterized as follows:

Client Profiles

• Offshore banking caters to non-residents
• Onshore banking caters to local residents

Financial Services

• Offshore financial services support the needs of international clients
• Onshore financial services are designed to support domestic banking requirements

Investment Options

• Offshore investment accounts tend to focus on investing in international markets
• Onshore investment accounts tend to focus on domestic investments and retirement accounts

Of course, there are other differences that commonly get referenced as well, including the fact that offshore accounts are opened in offshore tax havens and offer some sort of offshore banking secrecy.

But, it’s important to note that banking secrecy doesn’t exist anymore, at least not in a way that shields your information from tax authorities or government agencies. Information sharing makes it so account and account holder information is shared freely.

Likewise, while many people believe that onshore banking regulations and onshore tax regulations somehow make onshore accounts better, this is not always the case. Instead, many offshore banks offer a more sophisticated level of service, have stronger financials, and even have more competent management.

So, needless to say, there is a wide range of offshore banking advantages available through offshore accounts. This is true whether you are looking to open accounts as an individual or for companies.

Offshore or Onshore Banking for Companies

Companies engaged in international trade, operating across borders, or sending and receiving payments to and from individuals in multiple countries, may benefit from offshore bank accounts.

However, companies without any international ties, international transfer requirements, or rationale for banking outside of their home country, are likely served by onshore banking.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the options on where to open an account for an offshore and onshore company.

Where to Open an Account For an Offshore Company

An offshore company should consider opening an offshore bank account in jurisdictions where it has existing economic ties. If an offshore company does not have ties to any particular jurisdiction, then it should open accounts in a country where the owner can demonstrate ties.

Where to Open an Account For an Onshore Company

An onshore company should open bank accounts in the jurisdiction where it is registered and operates. This will not only be the easiest bank account for an onshore company to open, but it will also be the best suited to supporting the company’s local banking requirements.

Should I Open a Bank Account Offshore?

If you want to open a bank account offshore, then you should. Otherwise, if you do not have a strong reason to do so, it might not be a good fit for your needs.

With this in mind, before opening offshore accounts, you should have a clear understanding of your banking goals.

This is especially important because your reason for banking offshore can help determine which countries and banks are best.

Do You Want Our Free Non-Resident Banking Guide?

Sign up here to receive our Free Non-Resident Banking Starter Guide and weekly updates on the best account opening options available:

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are two of the most common questions we receive from people looking into the difference between offshore and onshore. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What Is the Difference Between Onshore and Offshore?

The main difference between onshore accounts and offshore accounts is that onshore accounts serve the needs of resident individuals and companies while offshore accounts serve the needs of foreign individuals and companies.

Which Is Better Offshore or Onshore?

Whether offshore or onshore is better will depend on the individual, their specific banking goals, and their client profile. In many cases, offshore accounts can offer significant advantages over banking in your home country. However, for certain individuals, they may not require an offshore bank account in order to support their objectives.

Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?

If so, you can get access to GlobalBanks IQ in just a few clicks.

GlobalBanks IQ is our flagship international account opening solution. It gives you instant access to the…

+ Expert insights on which banks to choose & why

+ Step-by-step reports to open accounts in the best banking hubs

+ GlobalBanks international bank database & detailed bank profiles

+ Tried & tested banks for high-risk, offshore, & non-resident clients

+ Plus, get YOUR most pressing bank account opening questions answered by our team!

And “yes!” GlobalBanks IQ helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open bank accounts.

In fact, GlobalBanks IQ even helps non-resident, foreign & offshore entities open bank accounts.

Use the link in our menu above to learn more about GlobalBanks IQ. Or, contact us directly with any questions!