Law

How to Open a Bank Account as an Immigrant in UK

Relocating to the UK means taking into consideration all the aspects as for any kind of transfer. You need to apply for a job, if you don’t have something established already, you must sign a lease agreement for your rented house, or you need to search for a school if you have kids with you. Besides these things, an immigrant in the UK needs to open a bank account, in order to receive the salary or any other income and to make all sorts of transactions. In this matter, you can receive suitable guidance and information from our immigration solicitors in London. Our team can help you with UK residence card formalities or British citizenship applications.

Short Facts
Who can open a bank account in the UK? EU, non-EU/EEA, and Swiss citizens who relocate to the UK
Required documents – residence permit,
– ID/passport,
– lease agreement/ utility bill
Is a UK visa required for opening a bank account in the UK? Yes, some banks might solicit your UK visa.
Required letter from employer/universities Might be solicited by the bank.
Can I open a bank account online in the UK? (YES/NO) YES
Checks and reviews Made by the bank
Available currencies British pounds mainly.
Bank accounts in USD and EUR currencies are also available.
Types of cards Credit and debit cards
Are savings accounts available in the UK for immigrants? (YES/NO) YES
Digital banks in the UK Available options for foreigners with residency in the UK
Banking services available in the UK – money transfers,
– currency exchange,
– mobile apps,
– loans,
– payments, etc.
Can I open a bank account before relocation to the UK? Yes, many important banks in the UK provide international bank accounts.
Well-known banks in the UK – Lloyds Bank,
– HSBC UK,
– Barclays Bank, etc.
Features of the banking system in the UK – most powerful and appreciated in the world,
– very competitive
Working with our UK immigration lawyers We can assist foreigners in opening bank accounts in the UK by managing   all the procedures and legal formalities. Contact us before or after   relocation to benefit from our personalized services.

Conditions to open a bank account in the UK

Although people think it is difficult to open a bank account in the UK, it is quite the opposite. There are numerous financial entities in the country that offer the possibility to open a bank account with only a few documents like a valid passport and an identification card from your home country. A copy of a utility bill will also be necessary when opening a bank account in the UK. Depending on the bank, you may be required to provide additional information or documentation, such as business registration documents or a reference letter from another bank. Most people choose a bank that is close to their home, in case they need to make quick withdrawals or deposits. Such financial services are also available on the online platforms of the banks, but complete details can be received when opening the account. Usually, the account is ready on the day you submit the papers, as for the card, this can be issued within a few days. It is good to know that some banks will ask for a letter of payment confirmation from your employer in the UK, but for more details talk to our London immigration lawyer.

We remind that people interested in moving to the UK should solicit assistance in visa matters and all aspects related to immigration to this country from our UK immigration lawyer. Our specialist can offer support for obtaining a residence permit in UK. If you satisfy the requirements, submit an online application, and show up for a biometrics session, you can get a residency in UK. Without a residence permit, you are not permitted to stay in the UK either temporarily or permanently. Depending on the precise method, there are significant pricing variations for UK residency cards. From less than £100 to several thousand pounds, these costs might vary. As part of your application, you could also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge cost.

Important banks in the UK

Barclays is a well-known bank in the United Kingdom, followed by Nationwide Building Society, HSBC, and Santander. These have been in operation for more than a century. The banking sector in the UK is quite developed, being one of the most appreciated in the world. Banks like ABN Amro, Aldemore Bank, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland, Bank of London, Clydesdale Bank, Duncan Lawrie, Harrods Bank, Lloyds, and the Royal Bank of Scotland are offering excellent conditions to all customers, no matter if they are local or from abroad. Immigrants in the UK are ensured that complete privacy and respect are provided by all kinds of financial institutions in the country. UK banks also offer basic accounts available for people with a poor credit history. The following services come with the type of account you choose to open in the UK. More details can be offered by our UK immigration lawyer:

  • a standard account;
  • cash card or debit card;
  • overdraft facility;
  • user for the online platform.

Contact our team of immigration solicitors in London for extra details about how to open a bank account in the UK or for obtaining a UK residence card or British citizenship. You can rely on the support of our London immigration lawyer.

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