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Ask HN: Is it possible to open a bank account in a different country?
Hello, I'd like to know if it's possible to open a bank account in a different country without visiting that country? I'd like to somehow get an IBAN to receive money but not use the banking system of my country.
- tiborsaas 4y agoYou can use Wise for this purpose, strictly speaking it's not a bank account, but you can have a unique IBAN and transfer funds to your local account or keep it there. As a disclosure, I work there.
- mtmail 4y agoYes, we have accounts in two other countries (one Europe, one is the US) using Wise. Works well for sending, receiving or just letting the money wait in the account. The setup requires uploading a copy of the passport etc but that's similar to any other bank.
- spapas82 4y agoThat's very interesting thank you. Is it possible to "spend" directly my funds from wise? For example by getting a debit card ?
- ananiochita 4y agoFrom a quick look at the Wise site, I gather your services can't be used in Japan ?
- maurits 4y agoYou could have a look at Revolut.
- spapas82 4y agoThank you for the suggestion!
- multimedial 4y agoA bit intricate, but you should be able to open a bank account in Estonia. They offer digital citizenship, so-called e-residency (https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/ https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/) and for 350€ you can open a company there. I reckon it should also be possible to open a bank account there over the internet once you got your citizenship e-card?
- multimedial 4y agoFrom a google search: „ Yes, Estonia has a system that enables you to open a bank account without residency and as an e-resident, and you can start the process online. Generally speaking, it is often possible to open an account with only your passport - depending on the country of your origin and the bank you chose.“ (Source: https://www.b2bpay.co/how-open-bank-account-estonia https://www.b2bpay.co/how-open-bank-account-estonia)
- multimedial 4y agoOk, so it seems i was too optimistic: „ Upon registering a company in Estonia, you can apply for opening a bank account in Estonia, if you have partners in Estonia/employees living in Estonia/carry out activities in Estonia. If the intended activity of the company is not related to Estonia, you will not be able to open a bank account in Estonia. If you want to open an account with an Estonian bank, the company has to start its activities, in full or in part, on the territory of Estonia“ (source: https://www.estonia-company.ee/management-of-bank-accounts-via-the-internet/ https://www.estonia-company.ee/management-of-bank-accounts-v...)
- spapas82 4y agoYou mean Estonia ? I had heard of that but never completed the process; I'll definitely give it a look. Thank you
- brudgers 4y agoThe traditional method is to pay your lawyer and accountant to set up what you need.