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BANKING

The process of opening a bank account can be complicated and time consuming. While each bank has different requirements and processes, the information outlined below is relevant to all banks in Ireland.

The information below is intended to provide basic information and to help answer your questions about banking.

For further details or advice, please contact us at Safe Home Ireland and we will explain the process of opening a bank account with your preferred bank.

ONE-TO-ONE ADVICE

Safe Home Ireland can give you tailored advice and information about moving or returning to Ireland. Our service is free and confidential.

FAQs

I WOULD LIKE TO ARRANGE FOR THE TRANSFER OF MY STATE PENSION WHEN I MOVE TO IRELAND. CAN I OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT BEFORE I MOVE BACK TO IRELAND?

No
1. To open an account in Ireland, most banks require at least 1 utility bill in the customer’s name and address in Ireland to show they are resident in the country. This can pose problems for returning emigrants as most utility bills are charged monthly leading to a delay in getting pensions/benefits transferred.

2. Proof of identity is also required. Guidance Notes to financial institutions give advice on the various forms of identity that may be used. A valid passport or driving licence are the favored options. However, if these are not available the following may be acceptable:
-Driving license or age card issued by the Gardai.
-Birth cert accompanied by a passport photograph signed by the Gardai
-Documentation issued by a Government Department showing the name of the person, together with a statement from a person of responsibility who is in a position to confirm the person’s identity- e.g solicitor, doctor, accountant, religious minister, teacher/other professional.
The final decision on what is appropriate identification rests with each individual bank. Both AIB and Bank of Ireland offer specific online resources for people considering moving /coming to Ireland. Setting up an online non-resident account in advance of a move to Ireland may make it somewhat easier to covert to a resident account on arrival in Ireland. Details of all banks operating in the Irish system can be found via;

LINK: www.consumerhelp.ie/opening-an-account

However if you are legally resident in another EU State, you may be able to open a non-resident account in Ireland.Please see HERE for additional information on that. If you open a non-resident Irish bank account online, it may make things a little easier and quicker to convert it to a resident account once you move here.