How to open a bank account in Ireland as a UK non-resident

Decided to move to Ireland from the UK? Great choice. From lively pubs to beautiful scenery, a vibrant culture and bustling, friendly cities, Ireland truly has something for everyone.

As a bonus, opening a bank account is relatively straightforward, which is one less thing to worry about while you plan your move.

Read on for the full lowdown on how to open a bank account in Ireland as a foreigner, including what documents you should have ready and the Irish banks you can choose from.

We’ll also show you a smart alternative to a bank account 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 manage pounds, euros (EUR) and 40+ other currencies with low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates. You can even get your own EUR IBAN and SWIFT/BIC code to receive money in and from Ireland like a local.

Plus, you’ll get dedicated support and volume discounts when sending large amounts. On a £50,000 transfer, you could save up to £1,000 with Wise vs your bank.

➡️ Learn more about the Wise account

How to open a bank account in Ireland as a non-resident?

It is possible to open a bank account in Ireland as a non-resident, but it depends on the bank or provider. Some banks offer non-resident accounts, including Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks (AIB).

You still need to provide some key documents, which we’ll look at below. It’s likely that you’ll have to visit Ireland in person, although some Irish banks now offer online and remote account opening.

Do you need a bank account in Ireland?

It’s not mandatory to have a local bank account when living in Ireland, and

you may be able to manage without one for a short time.

You can make use of international accounts in euros (EUR), along with multi-currency solutions such as the Wise account to send, spend and receive money.

But you might find that day-to-day life is more difficult and complicated. For example, you’ll find it tricky to pay your bills, buy property or get a mortgage - or get paid by your employer if you’re working.

Can you use your UK bank account in Ireland?

You might be tempted to keep using your UK account while in Ireland, so you can avoid the hassle of dealing with foreign banks. But is it actually possible?

It all depends on who you bank with in the UK.

Major UK banks such as Barclays only let you keep your account when moving overseas if you’re only away for less than 6 months, or if you’re a UK Crown employee.¹

Other banks such as Santander will service existing accounts when the holder moves abroad, but it isn’t possible to open a new one unless you’re a permanent UK resident.²

So if you’re a Santander customer, you should in theory be able to continue using your UK account once you move to Ireland. The only drawback is that the bank doesn’t operate there, so you may struggle with access to ATMs and branches.

Another important thing to bear in mind is the currency. If you’re using a UK bank account, it’ll likely be denominated in GBP. You’ll be spending in EUR while in Ireland, so you could lose out when it comes to currency exchange.

So, it could be a better idea to close down your UK account and get a fresh start when you arrive in Ireland. Alternatively, you could look into UK banks such as HSBC which offer expat accounts.

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

Yes, you can open a bank account in Ireland as a new arrival from the UK. There are no rules preventing foreign citizens opening bank accounts there, and most banks are pretty welcoming to expats. This is one of the many reasons it’s such a good country to move to.

Can you open an Irish bank account online as an expat from the UK?

Many Irish banks offer online and in-app account opening, but you’ll usually need to be an Irish resident with a local address.

While some banks do accept applications from non-residents, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to open an Irish bank account online from the UK - you’ll need to pay at least one visit to a branch in Ireland in person.

Can you open an account as an international student?

Most of the major Irish banks offer dedicated accounts for students and young people.

The common feature of these accounts is that they’re free of charge, and many are linked to convenient mobile banking apps.

Examples include:

• PTSB Student Account
• AIB Student Plus Account
• Bank of Ireland Third Level Current Account.

Wise – A smart, transparent way to manage your EUR

Looking for a convenient, low-cost way to manage your money in Ireland and internationally?

The Wise account, from the money services provider Wise, offers a modern alternative. It’s an international account for sending, spending and converting money in 40+ currencies – including euros (EUR) and British Pounds (GBP).

Get paid like a local in Ireland by getting your own EUR IBAN and SWIFT/BIC code. This allows you to receive a salary, pension, or domestic bank transfers (SEPA) directly into your account without international fees. You can even set up Direct Debits to pay for your Irish utility bills, gym memberships, or phone contracts automatically.

You’ll get the mid-market exchange rate (close to what you can see on Google) for all of your foreign currency transactions, with no hidden markups and low, transparent fees.

You can also get a Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7 to spend in Ireland and 150+ countries worldwide. For added convenience, simply connect it to digital wallets like Google or Apple Pay.

✅ 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.

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

The process of opening a bank account in Ireland can vary from bank to bank, and so can the documents required.

But generally speaking, you’ll need to have the following ready:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of address

Proof of identity

Your passport, driving licence or national identity card (if you’re an EU citizen) are all valid forms of photo ID.

Proof of address

In order to prove your address, you will need to produce one of the following documents:³

• A recent utility bill (less than 6 months old)
• A recent bank statement (less than 6 months old)
• Official correspondence from a government department or authority.

A really important point to note is that for any proof of address documents, you must provide certified copies.³ This is a copy which has been signed by a chartered or certified public accountant, public notary, solicitor, elected government official or embassy/consular staff member.

If you’re applying for an Irish bank account as a non-resident, you may be asked to provide two proof of address documents.³

Additional documents

You might need extra paperwork if you’re applying for a specific account type - such as proof of studying if you’re applying for a student account. Some banks may also ask for employment or income details.

If you’re starting a business in Ireland and opening a company account, you’ll usually need to provide a longer list of documents - check with the bank to see what you’ll need.

Best Irish bank accounts for expats

There aren’t a huge number of banks to choose from in Ireland, but we’ll run through a few of the biggest and most popular for expats.

Bank of Ireland (BOI)

Bank of Ireland is the oldest and largest bank in Ireland. It also has one of the largest branch and ATM networks in the country. So if you’re looking for a trusted, respected name for everyday banking, BOI is a good choice.

The bank offers a range of accounts and services, including current and savings accounts, mortgages, credit cards, loans and insurance.

It has a Personal Current Account ideal for everyday banking, along with a ‘Coming to Ireland’ account for new arrivals which you can open up to 45 days before your move.

Allied Irish Banks (AIB)

AIB is one of Ireland’s most popular banks, founded in 1966 and still going strong today. It has a wide ATM and branch network, and a great digital/app banking service.

If you’re an Irish resident, you can open a current account on the AIB app in a matter of minutes. So if you’re someone who likes to bank on the move with your smartphone, AIB is a winner.

The bank offers a huge range of products and services, including current and savings accounts, mortgages, loans, investments, life insurance, credit cards, pensions and much more.

A top option for everyday banking is the AIB Personal Current Account, and there’s also a Sterling Current Account ideal for managing your money in GBP and sending money to and from the UK.

And like Bank of Ireland, AIB also has lots of account options for students, graduates and older people.

Permanent TSB (PTSB)

Part of the Irish financial services company Permanent TSB group, PTSB has its roots dating back to 1884 when it was founded as the Irish Temperance Permanent Benefit Building Society.

Today, the bank offers personal and business banking services. Its main current account is the Explore Account, another top pick for people looking for user-friendly digital banking.

In addition, PTSB has a Student Account for over 18s in full-time education.

You can also access other financial services with the bank, including mortgages, insurance and savings accounts.

Other banks and money management alternatives worth looking into

There’s only a limited number of traditional banks to choose from in Ireland, but there are other options.

This includes online-only banks, digital solutions and alternative providers. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular:

• Revolut - Revolut offers a choice of monthly plans, including a free Standard plan. All include a debit card and basic banking services, with more perks and features added the more you pay for your monthly plan.
• N26 - N26 offers an app-based current account and a choice of monthly plans. This includes a free Standard plan which comes with a virtual card.
• Money Jar - The Irish-owned money services provider offers a pay-as-you-go digital current account, managed through an app and coming with a debit card for spending.

You can also check out other non-bank alternatives, which don’t have a banking licence but offer services such as accounts, payments and cards.

This includes the money services provider Wise, which has a multi-currency account, international debit card, transfer services and handy mobile app available to use in Ireland.

What are the banking fees and costs in Ireland?

When you open a bank account anywhere in the world, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. This is especially important if you're opening an account in a new place, where banking fees and charges could be quite different from what you’re used to.

In Ireland, there are a few fees to watch out for, including fees for money transfers, debit cards and monthly maintenance fees.

These vary between banks, but take a look below for a rough idea of what costs to expect:

Is there a free Irish bank account for non-residents?

Yes, it is possible to get a free everyday bank account in Ireland. While most standard current accounts come with a monthly/quarterly maintenance fee, you can find basic bank accounts at most Irish banks which have none of these charges.

Fees are also usually waived on most student and young people’s bank accounts.

Key takeaways

• Opening an account as a non-resident is possible at major institutions like Bank of Ireland and AIB, though you will likely need to visit a branch in person as online opening is typically reserved for Irish residents.
• You must provide certified copies of your proof of address (utility bill or bank statement less than 6 months old), which must be signed by a professional such as a solicitor, notary, or chartered accountant.
• Bank of Ireland offers a specific "Coming to Ireland" account that can be started up to 45 days before you move, making it a popular choice for UK expats.
• Monthly maintenance fees are standard and generally range from €6 to €8, though basic bank accounts and student accounts often waive these charges.
• While AIB and PTSB offer highly-rated digital and mobile banking apps, you may still face "Government Stamp Duty" charges on domestic ATM withdrawals and debit card usage.
• Using a UK bank account in Ireland can be costly due to currency exchange markups (GBP to EUR) and the fact that major banks like Barclays may close accounts for those living abroad for more than 6 months.

Open a Wise Business account online

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Sources used:

1. Barclays - Living or moving outside the UK
2. Santander - Brexit and Santander UK plc
3. AIB - Personal Identification Requirements for Non-Residents
4. Bank of Ireland - Current Accounts
5. PTSB - Explore Account
6. AIB - A guide to fees and charges for Personal Accounts
7. Bank of Ireland - Transfers
8. PTSB - Fee Information Document

Sources last checked on date: 16-Mar-2026