A non resident can open a business account in Ireland, but it is harder than for a resident. High street banks usually expect an Irish registered business and often an in person meeting, and they run enhanced checks on non resident directors and beneficial owners. There is also a separate company law point, since an Irish company generally needs an EEA resident director or a non resident directors bond.
- Possible for a non resident?
- Yes, with conditions. Expect enhanced checks and, at high street banks, often an in person meeting, as of 25 February 2026.
- Company law point
- An Irish company generally needs at least one EEA resident director, or a Section 137 non resident directors bond.
- Online providers
- Some serve EEA registered companies where the applicant resides in a supported country. Rules vary by provider.
- Main hurdles
- Proof of a verifiable address and enhanced anti money laundering checks on non resident owners.
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
Can a non resident open a business account in Ireland?
Yes, but expect more steps. Banks in Ireland apply enhanced checks where an owner, director or beneficial owner lives abroad, because verifying identity and address across borders takes more documentation. High street banks generally prefer customers with a local presence and often want the directors to attend an in person meeting, while documents issued abroad may need a certified translation. The position is workable for many non resident founders of Irish companies, but it is slower, so allow extra time. As of 25 February 2026.
The company law point on director residence
Opening a bank account is separate from forming the company, and Irish company law adds its own requirement. Under the Companies Act 2014, an Irish company generally must have at least one director resident in the European Economic Area. A company without an EEA resident director can instead put in place a Section 137 non resident directors bond, or demonstrate a real and continuous link with an activity carried on in Ireland. This affects how a non resident structures the company before banking even begins, so confirm your position with a qualified adviser and with the Companies Registration Office. As of 25 February 2026.
Online providers and their rules
Online providers set their own eligibility, and the rules usually depend on both where the company is registered and where the applicant lives. Revolut Business, for example, requires a company registered in the United Kingdom or the EEA and a person who resides in a supported country. Wise serves businesses in many countries and offers local account details in several currencies, though it is an electronic money provider rather than a bank. Because each provider draws its own map of supported countries, check the eligibility rules directly before you apply rather than assuming access. Verify with the provider
Compare business accounts available in Ireland
These providers accept business customers in Ireland, subject to their own eligibility rules for non resident owners. Fees and eligibility shown as of 25 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about non resident accounts in Ireland
Can a non resident open a business account in Ireland?
Does an Irish company need a resident director?
What makes opening harder for a non resident in Ireland?
Can a non resident use an online provider in Ireland?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 25 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.