What type of bank account do you need

Choose the right solution — we will help identify the optimal bank, jurisdiction, and account opening format for your specific needs.

Operating account

A corporate account for a legal entity. Suitable for international transactions, working with counterparties, paying taxes, and managing business finances.
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Personal account

A foreign account for an individual. Relevant for relocation, investment activities, or holding personal funds abroad.
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Merchant Account

An account for accepting online payments. Suitable for e-commerce, SaaS, and other businesses that work with international cards.
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EMI / Payment System

An alternative to a traditional bank. Fast opening, flexible requirements, suitable for international transfers and settlements.
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Account for a foreign company

Opening an account for a non-resident structure. We take into account the jurisdiction, type of activity, and requirements of the specific bank.
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Bank Account Opening Packages
The price depends on the client type, country, and chosen financial institution.
  • Basic Package
    from €500
    • Analysis
    • Bank selection
    • Document preparation
  • Standart
    from €900
    Full Support with coordination and communication
  • Premium
    from €1,200
    Complex Jurisdictions or Merchant Accounts

Popular jurisdictions for opening an account

We work with a wide range of jurisdictions. Below are the destinations most often chosen by our clients for opening corporate and personal accounts.

Hungary

An EU country with an accessible banking system and relatively favorable requirements for non-residents. Suitable for businesses focused on the European market.
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Hong Kong

One of Asia's key financial hubs. Attractive for trading companies, holdings, and businesses with operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Why opening an account abroad on your own can be difficult

Foreign banks and payment systems apply multi‑level checks to each client. Understanding these requirements in advance is key to successfully opening an account.
  • Strict KYC checks
    Banks thoroughly examine the beneficiary’s identity, business history, and source of funds. An incomplete document package is one of the main reasons for rejection.
  • Compliance requirements
    Each bank applies its own AML and compliance policies. Failing to meet the bank’s expectations regarding structure or activity can lead to refusal.
  • Company structure analysis
    Banks scrutinize owners, directors, and related entities. Complex holding structures require additional justification.
  • Source of funds inquiries
    Proving the legal origin of assets is a mandatory requirement. Lack of the necessary documentation significantly reduces the chances of approval.
  • Dependence on activity and geography
    The same business may be accepted by one bank but rejected by another — due to industry specifics or payment geography.
  • Different requirements for banks and EMIs
    Banks and payment systems operate under different rules. Choosing the wrong type of solution is a common mistake when applying independently.

When you might need to open an account abroad

The service suits a wide range of needs — for both corporate clients and individuals.
  • International trade
    For settlements with foreign suppliers and buyers, import and export of goods and services.
  • Working with counterparties
    Receiving and sending payments in foreign currency within partner and client relationships.
  • New foreign company
    Opening an account for a newly registered non-resident structure in the chosen jurisdiction.
  • E‑commerce and online payments
    A merchant account or EMI to accept payments from clients worldwide via cards and digital wallets.
  • Investment activities
    An account for managing foreign assets, investing in international instruments, and holding capital.
  • Business relocation
    Moving operations to a new jurisdiction requires opening an account with a local or international bank.
  • Alternative to a local bank
    When available local solutions do not meet the business needs in terms of functionality or reliability.

What documents are typically requested when opening an account

Requirements vary depending on the bank, country, and type of account. We help prepare and structure documents to best meet the expectations of the specific institution.

Preliminary assessment of the documentary profile is one of the first steps in our work. This helps avoid rejection at the application stage.
  • Corporate documents
    Incorporation documents, extracts from the commercial register, certificates of registration.
  • Beneficiary information
    Passports, proof of address, details of directors and shareholders.
  • Business description
    Nature of business, target markets, client and counterparty structure.
  • Source of funds
    Financial statements, contracts, invoices, and other documents confirming the origin of assets.
  • Supporting materials
    Company website, existing contracts, commercial documents.

What can influence a bank or payment system’s decision

Opening an account is a full-scale review, not a mere submission of documents. Banks assess a combination of factors, and each one matters.
  • 📌Country of incorporation
    The company’s jurisdiction affects the level of compliance checks and the available banks.
  • 📌 Type of activity
    Certain industries are considered higher risk — this is taken into account during the application process.
  • 📌 Transparency of structure
    A clear and straightforward ownership chain significantly simplifies the compliance review.
  • 📌 Geography of operations
    The countries where payments originate and are sent influence the risk assessment.
  • 📌 Quality of documentation
    A complete, well‑structured document package significantly increases the chances of a positive decision.
  • 📌 Business logic
    The bank must understand the purpose of the transactions and the logic of the business — this is one of the key factors for approval.
  • 📌 Business history
    A track record of business activity, contracts, and real operations strengthens the applicant’s position.
  • /01 Initial consultation
    Discussing your needs, business structure, and account opening objectives.
  • /02 Determining the solution type
    Bank, EMI, or payment system — we select the appropriate format for your requirements.
  • /03 Selecting a bank or payment system
    Recommendations for specific institutions based on the client’s profile and compliance requirements.
  • /04 Document guidance
    A list of required documents, advice on their preparation and structuring.
  • /05 Application submission support
    Assistance with completing and submitting documents to the chosen institution.
  • /06 Compliance communication
    Support in responding to any additional inquiries from the bank or payment system.
  • /07 Outcome and next steps
    Support until the account is obtained, along with recommendations for further use.
How the account opening process works
The process is structured to minimize risks and make every step clear for the client.
Discussing the task
Clarifying the client’s objectives and requirements.
Analysis
Reviewing the client’s profile and business.
Solutions
Selecting the optimal banking options.
Documents
Preparing and reviewing the document package.

Engagement models

We offer several engagement models — depending on how detailed support you require.
  • Consultation

    A one‑time meeting or call to discuss the task, evaluate possible options, and understand the requirements. Suitable if you need to assess the situation before making a decision.
  • Task‑based support

    Work on a specific request: selecting a bank for an already chosen format, assistance with documents, or handling a particular compliance matter.
  • Full‑service support

    Complete support from client profile analysis and solution selection through to account opening — including document preparation and communication with the bank at every stage.

Related services

Gellert Group provides comprehensive support for international business needs. Account opening is often part of a broader strategy.
  • Company registration abroad
    Establishing a legal entity in the desired jurisdiction, taking into account tax, operational, and structural objectives.
  • Tax advisory
    Assessment of tax obligations, structuring of assets and operations in line with international requirements.
  • Legal consulting
    Legal support for corporate structures, transactions, and international contractual relationships.
  • Residence permit
    Assistance with obtaining a residence permit in various jurisdictions — investment programs and other eligible grounds.
  • Business relocation
    Full-service support for moving business operations to a new country — from structuring to account opening.
  • Property purchase
    Assistance with foreign real estate transactions, including legal due diligence and financial matters.

Why clients choose Gellert Group

We do not work with a one-size-fits-all approach. Every solution is tailored to the client’s specific profile — taking into account business structure, geography of operations, and compliance requirements.
  • Understanding of international needs
    We work with real cases in corporate and private banking across different jurisdictions.
  • Different solution formats
    Bank, EMI, merchant account — we help you choose the right format, not offer a one-size-fits-all solution.
  • Attention to compliance
    We handle documentation and communication to meet the requirements of the specific institution.
  • Integrated approach
    Account, company, taxes, residence permit — we support the broader context when needed.
  • No fluff or empty promises
    We honestly assess the chances, explain the risks, and help you make an informed decision.

Partner banks

Austria
Euram Bank AG
LGT Bank Osterreich
Andorra
MORA Bank
Armenia
Unibank
Bulgaria
DSK Bank
Tokuda Bank
PostBank
Raiffeisen Bank
Hungary
Erste Bank Zrt
MagNet Bank
K&H Bank
MKB Bank Zrt
OTP Bank
Raiffeisen Bank Zrt
United Kingdom
Barclays Bank PLC
HSBC Bank PLC
Germany
Commerzbank AG
Hong Kong
ICBC Bank
Shanghai Commercial Bank
Bank of China (HK)
HSBC Bank (HK) PLC
Georgia
Bank of Georgia
Kazakhstan
Zaman Bank
Forte Bank
Jysan Bank
Cyprus
Astrobank
Hellenic Bank
Bank of Cyprus PLC
Eurobank EFG Cyprus Ltd
China
OCBC Wing Hang Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
HSBC Bank
Zhejiang Chouzhou Commercial Bank
Bank of China
Latvia
LPB Bank AS
Baltic International Bank
BlueOrange Bank AS
Lithuania
Siauliu Bankas
Liechtenstein
Bank Alpinum AG
VP Bank Liechtenstein
Bendura Bank AG
Luxembourg
East-West United Bank (EWUB)
Mauritius
Bank One
Monaco
CMB Monaco
Barclays Bank PLC
Netherlands
Bunq
UAE
Dubai Islamic Bank
FAB Bank
Emirates Islamic Bank
Mashreqbank
Emirates NBD PJSC
Noor Islamic Bank
United Arab Bank
Poland
Millenium Bank SA
Serbia
API Bank
Singapore
DBS Singapore
OCBC Bank
HSBC Bank (Singapore)
Turkey
Garanti Bankasi
Ziraat Bank
Turkiye Finans Bankasi
Montenegro
Zapad Banka AD
Switzerland
BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA
Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd
EFG (Zurich) SA
CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvetic SA
CIM Banque SA

Payment systems

Australia
Airwallex
United Kingdom
Bilderlings Рау
Emerald 24
PayPort Uk
Wise
Connectum Iimited
Revolut
35 Моnеу Club
Cyprus
Unlimint
China
LianLian Global
Lithuania
Majestic Financial
Vialet

Frequently asked questions about opening an account abroad

Answers to the questions clients most often ask before starting the process.

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