A corporate account for a legal entity. Suitable for international transactions, working with counterparties, paying taxes, and managing business finances.
An EU country with an accessible banking system and relatively favorable requirements for non-residents. Suitable for businesses focused on the European market.
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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Haven’t found the right solution?
If you haven’t yet decided on a bank, payment system, or country — that’s perfectly fine. Tell us about your needs, and we’ll help you find the optimal option based on your profile and goals.
A consultation allows you to assess the available options, compliance requirements, and the likelihood of approval before the process even begins.
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.
What is included in account opening support
We manage the entire process — from the initial assessment of your situation to obtaining the account and providing recommendations on next steps.
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
Contact our bank account specialist who can help tailor a customized solution to your specific needs
Frequently asked questions about opening an account abroad
Answers to the questions clients most often ask before starting the process.
Yes, many banks and payment systems allow remote account opening. The possibility depends on the jurisdiction, the bank, and the type of client. We clarify this in advance when selecting a solution.
A standard package includes corporate documents, information on beneficiaries and directors, a business description, and proof of the source of funds. The exact list depends on the bank and the country.
A rejection does not mean that a solution is impossible. We help analyze the reason, adjust the profile, or consider alternative options — another bank, an EMI, or a different jurisdiction.
Timeframes range from a few days with payment systems to several weeks with traditional banks. It depends on the institution, the completeness of the documents, and the complexity of the profile.
Banks offer a full range of financial services and operate under strict regulation. EMIs are more flexible structures with simplified opening requirements, but they have limited functionality compared to banks.
Yes, but requirements for newly registered companies may be stricter. It is important to properly prepare the business description and substantiate the business logic of the operations.
We assess this as part of the initial consultation. Certain activities may be restricted in some banks but are accepted by other institutions or alternative solution formats.
That is exactly what the consultation is for. We help select a suitable jurisdiction and account format based on your business objectives and operational needs.
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