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The Daily Insight

Can you open a UK bank account if you live abroad?

Author

Emma Johnson

Updated on March 02, 2026

Most banks will require your personal, physical presence, to open a bank account. That means, even if you are a UK citizen and live abroad, or if you have never been to the UK, you must come to open the account.

Can I have a UK bank account if I live abroad after Brexit?

I’m an EU citizen living in the EU; will I still be able to have an HSBC UK Bank Account after Brexit? Yes, you’ll still have access to all your existing accounts as you currently do, provided you use them at least once every 12 months.

Does Starling need proof of address?

If you are required to provide proof of address, we can accept documents such as: UK Bank Statement with current address. Utility Bill with current address. Council Tax letter with current address.

Can I open a nationwide account if I live abroad?

Your bank account in an EU or EEA country must already be open and in the same name as your Nationwide account. If it’s a joint account and so is your Nationwide account then both names need to match on both accounts.

What will happen to my UK bank account after Brexit?

some EU/EEA countries won’t allow UK banks to continue providing accounts to residents. some banks will be closing accounts for people who are EU/EEA residents. some banks will continue to serve EU/EEA residents with existing accounts, but won’t allow new accounts.

Which UK banks allow expat accounts?

What are the best UK bank accounts for British expats and émigrés?

  • Wise (formerly known as TransferWise).
  • Starling.
  • Revolut.
  • N26.

Is Starling a Visa or Mastercard?

A personal account with Starling Bank provides you with a contactless Mastercard debit card.

How do I get a UK bank account from abroad?

How to open a bank account in the UK as an expat

  1. Passport/valid photo ID.
  2. A recent utility bill (less than three months old) or council tax bill.
  3. A recent bank or credit card statement.
  4. Proof of studying in the UK (if applying for a student account)
  5. Proof of employment (some banks may ask for this)

Do I need to notify Nationwide when going abroad?

How do I tell Nationwide that I’m going abroad? There’s no need to inform Nationwide of your plans to travel. If their fraud team are concerned about any unusual spending, they’ll get in touch with you – just make sure your contact details are all up to date.

Does Nationwide have a euro account?

However, beginning in summer 2017, Nationwide International ceased operations and started the process of closing customer accounts, including all euro accounts. But if you want to be able to send, receive and hold money in euros, you still have options.

How do I open a UK bank account overseas?

There are four options for banking overseas: 1 Stick with your UK bank account and draw out money overseas. 2 Get a local bank account in your destination country. 3 Get an offshore bank account. 4 Get a UK bank account specifically designed for expats living abroad.

Can a non-UK resident open a bank account in the UK?

If this is of interest, you will need to visit a branch when you are next in the UK, and bring ID with you. It would be sensible to call and make an appointment in advance. There are some non-high-street providers, such as State Bank of India UK and Al Rayan Bank, that may offer some accounts for non-UK residents.

Do British expats want to keep their bank accounts in the UK?

We received a positive response from the 120 British expatriates chosen to complete a Shelter Offshore survey into their banking habits…and the number one overriding conclusion that can be drawn from the answers we received is that most Brits want to keep their current account in the UK open even if they move abroad permanently.

Why is it so hard to get a bank account in UK?

Because you’re new to the UK, you have a limited credit history and not much documentation. Some banks are strict with their requirements, so opening a bank account with them will be difficult. It’s usually easier to open an account with one of the UK’s largest banks – Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC or NatWest.