Non residents can often open a business account in Australia, but the conditions are stricter. The business usually must be registered in Australia with an Australian address, identity is verified for all directors and beneficial owners, and some banks want at least one resident director.
- Can a non resident open
- Often yes, where the business is registered in Australia with an Australian address. Some banks want a resident director.
- Typical timeline
- Often a few business days for fintech accounts, and approval can take weeks at major banks for complex structures
- Core documents
- ABN, and for a company the ACN, plus passports and identity for all directors and beneficial owners
- Most providers
- Multiple business accounts
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
What non residents can do in Australia
The key point is that an account follows a registered Australian business, not the residency of the owner. A non resident who registers a company in Australia, with an ACN, an ABN and an Australian address, can often apply. The friction is in identity verification and, at some banks, a requirement for a resident director or a signatory who can verify identity in Australia. The exact position varies, so confirm with the provider.
Register the business first
Before a non resident can open an account, the business usually needs to be registered in Australia. A company registers with ASIC for an ACN, then obtains an ABN, and maintains an Australian registered address. As of 2 February 2026, an ABN is commonly required to open a business account. A foreign company may register as a foreign company or set up an Australian subsidiary. Confirm the route and requirements with the provider and a qualified adviser.
Identity and the resident director point
All directors and beneficial owners are identity verified, often with passports and proof of address. As of 2 February 2026, some banks want at least one resident director, and some require a signatory to verify identity in Australia or at an overseas branch. Fintech accounts may onboard online for an Australian registered business. The position is unclear case by case, so verify with the provider.
What a non resident usually needs
If you are a non resident opening a business account in Australia, prepare these items, as of 2 February 2026. Verify with the provider
- An Australian registered business with an ACN, an ABN and an Australian address.
- Passports and proof of identity and address for all directors and beneficial owners.
- Confirmation of whether the bank requires a resident director or in person identity verification.
How a non resident can proceed
- Register the Australian business and obtain the ACN and ABN, with a qualified adviser where the structure is complex.
- Check each provider for any resident director or in person verification condition before applying.
- Confirm current eligibility, documents and timelines with the provider, since the position varies case by case.
Compare business accounts available in Australia
These providers serve business customers in Australia. Eligibility for non resident owners varies by provider, so confirm your case qualifies. Fees shown as of 2 February 2026. Verify current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about business banking in Australia
Can a non resident open a business account in Australia?
Does the business need to be registered in Australia?
Do non residents need to visit Australia to open an account?
How long does approval take for a non resident?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 2 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.