logo
 flag

Opening a Bank Account in the United Kingdom

How Non-residents Can Open a Bank Account in England

England is one of the most developed countries not only in Europe but in the world. It is a historic place where modern laws are closely intertwined with centuries-old traditions. The local banking system is also distinguished by stability and a high level of development. It is no surprise that many companies and individuals strive to open a bank account in the UK — this allows reliable protection of financial assets, global payments, and stable international business operations.

Steps

01

Choosing a UK Bank

First, choose the desired bank, considering reliability, fees, and client segment preferences. Submit applications to multiple banks to increase the chances of account approval.

02

Preparing Documents

Prepare company incorporation documents, personal documents of participants, and complete banking forms. Accurate form completion and presentation of information are crucial.

03

Submitting the Application

Submit all documents to the bank. The bank may request additional documents or clarification. Responses must be accurate and timely. Application review may incur fees.

04

Verification

Banks usually require visiting a branch for verification. In some cases, verification may be done online.

05

Receiving Access and Account Details

Once the account is approved, the bank provides account details and access. Activation may require a minimum deposit, from which an account opening fee may be deducted (if applicable).

Documents Required to Open a Bank Account in England as a Non-resident

To open a bank account in England, it is necessary to clarify the required documents in advance and comply with the bank’s requirements. Individuals typically provide:

  • Passport of the account beneficiary and, if applicable, the account manager;
  • Proof of residence not older than 3 months;
  • Resume/CV;
  • Taxpayer registration certificate.

Companies wishing to open an account in the UK usually need:

  • Company registration documents;
  • Articles of association or corporate charter;
  • Power of attorney for account opening and management if not specified in the company’s founding documents. This must be notarized and apostilled;
  • Document confirming current company status;
  • Description of company activities.

These may not be all required documents; banks may request additional proofs or certifications, as each institution operates individually.

Bank Accounts in England: Choosing a Financial Institution

Opening a bank account in England is not only necessary for business but also prestigious. The government exercises strict oversight of financial institutions. Despite the good reputation of all UK banks, a few have distinguished themselves over decades. Examples include:

  • CitiBank – personal accounts only; minimum balance requirement: £150,000.
  • Coutts & Co – investment, savings, and current accounts; minimum balance: £750,000.
  • Barclays Bank PLC – minimum balance: £3,000,000; specializes in savings and current accounts.
  • Lloyds Bank PLC – personal and corporate accounts; no minimum balance; accounts managed via internet banking.
  • HSBC Bank PLC – offers deposits, loans, including mortgages; Visa and MasterCard; no minimum balance requirement.

More information on opening accounts in specific UK banks is available on Incluence Limited’s website. Consider general features of most institutions:

  • No Russian-speaking staff;
  • Minimum balance requirements exist in most banks;
  • Internet banking available;
  • Account opening typically requires personal presence or a representative.

Steps to Open a Bank Account in England

Start by clarifying conditions, choosing a suitable program, and reviewing fees. Collect documents according to bank requirements; the package must comply strictly with instructions. Opening a UK bank account has become complex due to strict non-resident verification.

To open and maintain a UK bank account long-term, strict rules must be followed. Incluence Limited experts can handle all interactions with UK banks, from document collection to ongoing support.

For an initial consultation, contact us anytime via the website’s online form or listed contacts.

Free initial consultation on legal issues, related to the daily activities of the business

Additional services

flag

Open a Bank Account in Poland

Incluence specialists offer one of the ways to protect your capital — opening a bank account in Europe. This is not only a reliable but also a convenient option, as it makes it easier for entrepreneurs to cooperate with a variety of partner companies.

learn more
flag

Open a Bank Account in Cyprus

The opportunity to open an account in Cyprus attracts entrepreneurs from different countries due to convenient services — most local banks offer cooperation with Russian-speaking staff and a wide range of additional options. Registration of a new client and processing of documents for opening an account are completed quickly, while the service fees are relatively low compared to other international banks.

learn more
flag

Open a Bank Account in Turkey

Since Turkey is not a member of the European Union, local credit and financial institutions are quite loyal. They work with all individuals, including non-residents and companies, even organizations from offshore jurisdictions.

learn more

Frequently Asked Questions:

To successfully open a UK bank account, the company must be registered in a country supported by UK banks, have a positive reputation, participants not listed in sanctions, and operate in a sector compliant with bank policy.
We select banks based on company registration country, residency of directors/beneficiaries, projected turnover, required currencies, and payment regions. Bank reputation and fees are also considered. Contact our specialists to choose the optimal bank.
Submit KYC and AML forms, company incorporation documents, and personal documents of directors and beneficiaries. Banks may request contracts with partners and other information. Having a UK resident as part of the company increases chances.
UK bank accounts must be opened with a personal visit.

Cookie

This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience.