Can I open a bank account in the UK while living in Germany? (2024)

FAQs

Can I open a bank account in the UK while living in Germany? ›

Generally speaking, you need to be officially resident in the UK in order to open a UK bank account, but you don't have to be a UK citizen.

If you want to open a UK bank account without proof of UK address, then the only online banks that may accept your application will be Monese and Revolut (although these will still require proof of residency in the EU/EEA or another country).

Documents Needed to Open a UK Bank Account for Non-Residents

To open a bank account, you will need identification. As a non-resident, opening a UK bank account will require a passport, drivers' license, but your bank may also request other documents, particularly one that shows your current address.

Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in the UK, provided that they have the requisite proof of identity and a proof of address (often asked for by traditional banks).

To open a UK bank account, you'll need two documents: one to prove your identity and one to prove your address. This applies both in-branch and online. Proving your identity is simple. You just need your passport, driving licence or identity card (if you're an EU national).

If you have no proof of where you live, you could use a temporary address. You could provide a letter from a hostel, refuge or the council. Ask the bank if they can be more flexible with their checks and try another bank if the staff aren't very helpful.

A non-resident bank account can make managing your money overseas easier. A non-resident bank account is an account you can open in a central location based in a country or territory you don't currently live in. These accounts are also referred to as Offshore Bank Accounts or Offshore Accounts.

If you're looking to open a bank account, you can do so within minutes online. However, it's important to understand the information needed to complete your application and ensure you will be accepted for the account of your choice.

Can I have a US bank account if I live in the UK? ›

No. Most big traditional US banks will require non-residents to apply for an account in person. That means you have to travel to the US and walk into a bank branch to set up your account.

The bank that moves with you

We'll help you every time you move, so that you can successfully set up your new life abroad. Whether you're moving to work outside the UK or moving abroad, we offer a range of international banking services to suit your needs.

In the UK the The Daily Mail, The Guardian, The Times and The Daily Telegraph to name a few, have all detailed how banks including Lloyds, Barclays and even the Queen's bankers Coutts, will be closing expat accounts and withdrawing services.

You can open an overseas account if you're an HSBC One, Jade or Premier customer. The annual account and monthly maintenance fees are also waived. For staff- or phone-assisted account openings, certain charges may apply.

You can use either a bank or money transfer company to transfer money from Germany. It should take 1-3 days for your money to arrive in the UK. There are two costs: transfer fees and exchange rates. Banks tend to charge high fees and worse exchange rates.

Does Lloyds offer savings accounts to customers who live outside of the UK? No, however Lloyds Banking Group offers international banking services, including a range of savings products, to overseas customers through Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc.

Yes, virtual business addresses are legal. In the UK, you can use any address for your business, as long as it is: (1) tied to a physical address and (2) located in the same country that your business is registered in.

To open a bank account you usually have to fill in an application form. Often, you can do this in a branch or online, and sometimes you can also do this over the phone. You will also have to provide proof of your identity including your full name, date of birth and address.

Can I have a Halifax bank account if I live abroad? ›

Does the Halifax offer savings accounts to customers who live outside the UK? No, however Lloyds Banking Group offers international banking services, including a range of savings products, to overseas customers through Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc.

Some UK banks, such as HSBC and Barclays, will allow you to open a UK bank account even if you're still living overseas. This can be useful if you want to get it all sorted before your moving date.

You can use your valid, full UK photocard driving licence to confirm both your address and identity. If you don't live in the UK, you must always present a passport or national identity card.

As a non-resident, you should contact a Swiss bank and ask for an application form. You will be given the required documents and an account manager to help you with the process.

Can a foreigner open a bank account in the UK? Foreigners can open a traditional bank account in the UK as long as they have proof of the address, which sometimes it's hard to get. Good news is that there are companies like Monzo or Monese which offer UK bank accounts, even without proof of the address.

Global bank Barclays are set to close bank accounts belonging to expats in certain countries if they don't deposit £100,000 into their account. The news came to light as the bank has sent letters to a number of British expat most at risk from the account closures in certain countries.

You can open a Barclays Bank Account straight from our app¹ – it's simple, safe and secure. All you need to do is enter your details and upload your ID to prove it's you. We'll also run a quick credit check. If you'd prefer, you can stay in your browser and apply using our online form.

Which is the best online bank in UK? ›

If you are moving overseas permanently, you will need to eventually set up an account with a local bank. But if you are only there temporarily (which can still mean several years) and you are maintaining a US address, you may be able to get by using your stateside bank, depending on your banking needs.

Bottom line: Yes, you can keep your bank account if you move abroad. But, you need to check first with your bank to make sure that you aren't blindsided by account restrictions or unexpected fees when you do. That said, relying on your home bank account may not be the best option when living abroad.

It's 100% legal for US citizens to have foreign bank accounts. You just need to tell the IRS and report it properly. In fact, we've found hundreds of banks still willing to accept US clients.

Your Expat account provides a place for your money to grow in a convenient, central location. It connects to your home account, for financial commitments in your home country, and to your local accounts, for everyday expenses in the country you've moved to.

NatWest Bank (Delaware), N.A. was also formed in 1995. It engaged principally in consumer lending on a nationwide basis, offering a full range of services including credit cards, lines of credit, installment loans, student loans and home equity loans. NatWest Services, Inc.

Basically, the retraction of services is because each bank must now set up as a new legal entity in each European country they wish to operate in. The numbers of expat customers may mean that it is simply not cost effective for them to do this.

If you're still living outside the UK, you'll need to do the following before we close your account: Make other arrangements for your savings and current account needs. If we've let you know that your cash ISA is closing, you must transfer it to another UK bank or building society, or close your account.

If you are a UK tax resident and you hold an account in another country then HMRC will receive information about you. This will include details about account balances and sums paid to accounts (for example, interest and dividends, or from the sale of investments).

Which bank is HSBC bank in USA? ›

HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is a national bank chartered under the National Bank Act, and thus is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), a part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The company has 159 branch locations. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. HSBC USA Inc.

Citibank. Citibank® has a network of branches and offices in 95 countries globally⁸. Depending on where you're headed you may be able to open a Citibank offshore account once you've arrived at your destination — or you might choose to open an account at a local Citibank before you leave.

Bank Account: Can you keep your German bank account when leaving Germany? Yes, you can. And you should certainly keep it at least a few months until after you have left Germany since you will still need it for some transactions after you leave (e.g., your last electricity bill, your deposit from your landlord, etc.).

So, the answer to the question, “can I keep my UK bank account if I move abroad?”, is yes. Keeping your UK bank account open after moving overseas is the first option and there are a couple of reasons why you might choose to do this.

You must declare cash of £10,000 or more to UK customs if you're carrying it between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and a country outside the UK. If you're travelling as a family or group with more than £10,000 in total (even if individuals are carrying less than that) you still need to make a declaration.

Though UK banks primarily serve citizens and residents of the United Kingdom, you can access the UK banking system even if you reside outside of the country. By doing so, you'll be able to take advantage of the country's robust network of banking services.