How to open a bank account in Andorra for British non-residents

Andorra has many claims to fame. It’s known for world-class skiing in the shadow of the Pyrenees, of course, but also for its fascinating mix of Catalan and French culture. Millions of tourists visit each year to take advantage of the duty-free shopping in the Principality.

Plus, Andorra also has a reputation as a financial hub with attractive tax laws. The Principality offers low personal income tax rates and no wealth, inheritance or gift taxes. That point has drawn international clients to its banks for decades.

If you’re thinking of getting your own Andorran bank account, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover how to open a bank account in Andorra as a British citizen, whether you just want an offshore account or are planning on making Andorra your permanent home.

We’ll also show you an alternative from the money services provider Wise - the Wise account. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

Over 14.8 million people worldwide use Wise to send, spend and convert money in pounds, euros and 40+ more currencies – for low, transparent fees* and no-markup exchange rates close to what you can see on Google. Plus, you’ll get dedicated support and volume discounts when sending large amounts.

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How to open a bank account in Andorra as a non-resident

It’s possible to open a bank account in Andorra as a non-resident, but it isn’t as straightforward as opening one in the UK. Not all account types are open to non-residents, and the process is usually slower and more demanding.

Why not? A little background information might be useful here. After many years of consolidation, there are only three banks in Andorra today: Andbank, Creand and Morabank.¹ All three technically offer current accounts, but these products are really meant for residents or temporary workers.

If you’re not yet a resident but planning to become one, with the paperwork to prove it, you should be able to open a current account fairly easily, though rarely entirely online. You typically need to stop by a branch or contact the bank by phone or through their website to get started.

But for non-residents with no plans to become residents, things get more complicated and more expensive. In fact, none of the three banks fully spell out the details of what the requirements are for non-residents who’d like to open an account, asking you to contact them directly instead.² ³ ⁴

Why? For non-residents, these banks more typically offer private banking with minimum opening deposits in the six figures.⁵

If you’re keen to open one of those, you’ll need to reach out to the bank by phone or via an online form to make your case. And the process will be slower and more demanding than what you’re used to. You’ll likely need to show up in person at least once, go through compliance checks and, if you’re depositing a large sum, provide information on where your money came from.⁵

Do you need a bank account in Andorra?

If you plan to live in Andorra, having a bank account there will come in handy. A local current account lets you pay rent, utilities and other everyday bills without the hassle of international fees or complications from your UK bank.

Can you use your UK bank account in Andorra?

Some UK banks let you keep using your UK account even if you move to another country, but others require you to close it. So if you’re planning to move to Andorra permanently, you’ll want to check to see what your particular bank’s policies are.⁶

But if you’re simply visiting Andorra or staying there briefly, you can just keep using your UK bank cards to make purchases or withdraw money during your stay. Just keep in mind that your bank or credit card company may charge you cash withdrawal fees, currency conversion fees and exchange rate markups for foreign transactions.

Can you open a bank account in Andorra as a British expat?

So long as you are a British expat living in or planning to move permanently to Andorra, opening an everyday bank account should be quite straightforward. As a resident, you qualify for the same account types, including current accounts, offered to local residents.

If you’re a British expat living in another country, however, the only types of accounts you’re likely to qualify for are private banking accounts for investment and wealth management. These accounts usually require minimum deposits of a quarter million euros or more. If you have that kind of money, Andorra’s banks can help you benefit from the country’s tax advantages.

Can you open an account as an international student?

International students can open a bank account in Andorra if they become official residents of the Principality. After arriving in Andorra to begin your studies, you’ll need to apply for a student residence permit.⁷ Once you hold that permit, you’ll be able to open a local bank account, just like other residents of Andorra.

What documents do you need to open a bank account in Andorra?

Like anywhere else, banks in Andorra will ask to see an official ID and proof of address. But depending on your bank, your residency status and the type of account you want, the requirements can go further. Private bank accounts for non-residents, for example, often require proof of the source of your funds, while everyday current accounts for residents are usually less demanding.

Here’s what you can generally expect to provide:⁸

Proof of identity

• Valid passport
• National ID card
• Tax identification number

Proof of address

• Andorran residence permit
• Rental agreement
• Utility bill
• Bank statement

Proof of income or solvency

• Work permit or proof of application in process
• Employment contract or certificate
• Salary slips
• Company ownership documents (for business owners)
• Bank reference letter

Best bank accounts in Andorra for expats

Since there are exactly three banks in Andorra, you don’t have a huge selection to pick from. That said, each of these banks offers quite a variety of different accounts for both retail and private banking. Here’s a look at your options:

Andbank

If you’re looking for an international bank, Andbank may be your best bet in Andorra. This institution has a presence in a sprinkle of countries and principalities across Europe and the Americas, plus one outpost in the Middle East. For Andorran residents, Andbank offers an all-digital banking platform called MyAndbank that lets you open an account completely online.¹⁰

Creand

Formerly called Crèdit Andorrà, Creand rebranded in 2023 after a number of acquisitions.¹¹ It offers typical current accounts as well as specialized accounts for temporary workers, children, teens, and younger adults. Of course, Creand also has a private banking arm that promises personalized advice and specialized solutions.

Morabank

A family-owned Andorran bank with deep local roots, Morabank has been around since 1958.¹¹ It offers current accounts, including junior accounts for young people, for residents, in addition to wealth management and investment services. Online and app-based banking options are available for existing customers, though using these tools requires you to sign an additional contract at a local branch.¹²

Other banks and money management alternatives worth looking into

Opening a bank account in Andorra isn’t the only option, even if you choose to live there. You might find other solutions that work just as well, or even better, for your specific needs.

• Cross-border accounts. If you live near the Spanish or French border, opening an account in either of those countries can be practical. Banks in both countries allow non-resident accounts, though the requirements and benefits will vary by bank.
• Digital-first bank accounts. Online-only banks like Bunq, N26 and Revolut offer all-digital accounts you can open completely online and use across Europe.
• Money services providers like Wise with a multi-currency account that lets you spend, convert, send and receive money internationally

What are the banking fees and costs in Andorra?

Because Andorran banks offer everything from starter accounts for children to wealth management services for high-net-worth clients, banking fees and costs can vary quite widely. But this chart should give you a general sense of what to expect:¹³ ¹⁴ ¹⁵

Is there a free bank account in Andorra for non-residents?

No. All three banks in Andorra charge bank account fees for non-residents. And because these fees are usually for personal banking accounts, they can run well into the thousands of euros per year.¹⁴ ¹⁵ ¹⁶

Wise – an international alternative to a bank account

Before going through the process of opening a bank account in Andorra, it’s worth asking whether a Wise account might meet your needs more easily. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

It covers most everyday transaction needs and you can also use it to convert currencies or send money to and from the UK, Andorra and many other countries.

✅ Sign up with Wise for free

**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

Sources used:

Sources last checked 26-Sep-2025