Can I open a European bank account in Finland from the internet?
November 22, 2013 4:58 AM Subscribe
I'd like to open a bank account from a bank of any EU member country, preferably opening it over the internet, and I am an American Citizen, in Finland on a tourist visa. (details inside)
I am staying in Finland for 6 to 12 months for physical therapy from surgery I had here in Finland. Finnish bank accounts seem to suck (monthly fees), and hard to get as an American on a tourist visa (maybe impossible to get?). But maybe there is another European country that will allow me to open a bank account, over the internet would be preferable, but if I had to go there in person, I would do that too (Sweden and Estonia, are the most convenient). I'm subleasing a room in a house with other Finns, and I don't have a job in Finland.
I am staying in Finland for 6 to 12 months for physical therapy from surgery I had here in Finland. Finnish bank accounts seem to suck (monthly fees), and hard to get as an American on a tourist visa (maybe impossible to get?). But maybe there is another European country that will allow me to open a bank account, over the internet would be preferable, but if I had to go there in person, I would do that too (Sweden and Estonia, are the most convenient). I'm subleasing a room in a house with other Finns, and I don't have a job in Finland.
I have a Rabobank savings account I opened over the Internet and they only do online accounts. They're Dutch I think. Im pretty sure I had to send proof of address (a mobile phone bill or something) but if you're there for a year you'll be fine with that.
posted by shelleycat at 5:55 AM on November 22, 2013
posted by shelleycat at 5:55 AM on November 22, 2013
I am staying in Finland for 6 to 12 months for physical therapy from surgery I had here in Finland.
in Finland on a tourist visa?
It seems like you need to get your visa changed into a temporary residency permit - which you will anyway need to do in order to remain in the country for more than 90 days. Once you have a residency permit then it is no problem to open a bank account - IN FINLAND. As an American passport holder you are unlikely to be permitted to open ANY account in any EU country if you cannot prove legal residency. There are strict new U.S. banking rules coming into effect in 2014 and all EU banks are a bit fearful of them and being very careful.
posted by three blind mice at 6:41 AM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
in Finland on a tourist visa?
It seems like you need to get your visa changed into a temporary residency permit - which you will anyway need to do in order to remain in the country for more than 90 days. Once you have a residency permit then it is no problem to open a bank account - IN FINLAND. As an American passport holder you are unlikely to be permitted to open ANY account in any EU country if you cannot prove legal residency. There are strict new U.S. banking rules coming into effect in 2014 and all EU banks are a bit fearful of them and being very careful.
posted by three blind mice at 6:41 AM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
For your proof of address- one easy way to get that is by buying a travel insurance policy online.... In the UK I used Tescos, it cost £5 for a months insurance and I got an immediate pdf sent to my email with my new address on it.... and insurance policies count as official documents (in the UK at least) maybe you can find a dutch version.
posted by misspony at 8:54 AM on November 22, 2013
posted by misspony at 8:54 AM on November 22, 2013
Just something to be aware of: there are reporting requirements that come with having a foreign bank account, and those new banking rules three blind mice mentioned mean that the IRS will probably find out if you don't report.
posted by Nothing at 5:20 AM on November 30, 2013
posted by Nothing at 5:20 AM on November 30, 2013
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posted by misspony at 5:27 AM on November 22, 2013