Top 5 Irish Business Bank Accounts for Non-EEA Residents (2025)

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Who should read this?

This article is written for non-EEA residents who have established an Irish company and need to open a business bank account. It's especially valuable for international entrepreneurs and business owners navigating the complexities of Irish banking requirements from abroad.

Key Takeaways

Wittix: Ideal for non-EEA owners needing a European IBAN; offers remote setup but may classify some businesses as high-risk with higher fees.
Satchel.eu: Provides global access to European IBANs with multi-currency support; requires detailed documentation and excludes blacklisted countries.
Wise Business: Offers low-cost, multi-currency accounts with local bank details; suitable for various business types but excludes certain industries.
Revolut Business: Features robust financial tools for EEA and US-registered companies; non-EEA residents must provide valid residency proof.
N26 Business: Best for freelancers residing in supported European countries; not available for registered companies or non-residents.
Documentation: All providers require comprehensive documentation, including personal ID, company registration, and proof of business activities.
Digital Banks: Offer flexibility and convenience for non-EEA entrepreneurs, often with faster setup and fewer geographic restrictions than traditional banks.

If you're a non-EEA resident establishing an Irish company, securing a business bank account is one of your main concerns and it can be tricky. Traditional banks definitely pose challenges, but several digital banking solutions cater to international entrepreneurs. Here's a list of some of the top options available to non-EEA residents:

Wittix

Wittix is a Lithuanian-based Electronic Money Institution (EMI) offering remote business account services, including European IBANs.

Benefits:

Fully online application process.
Supports businesses managed outside the EU.
Provides SEPA and SWIFT transfers.
Offers multi-currency accounts.

Limitations:

Monthly fees range from €99 to €250, depending on the risk profile.
Classifies European companies managed outside the EU as high-risk.
No physical branches; all services are online.

Requirements:

Completed online application form.
High-quality colored scan of your passport.
Corporate documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and any necessary licenses.
Supporting documents for clients/suppliers (e.g., invoices, contracts).
Documents for initial funding (e.g., bank statements, invoices).
Live verification process involving a photo of your ID and a selfie.

Satchel.eu

Satchel is a Lithuanian EMI providing business accounts with European IBANs, accessible worldwide.

Benefits:

Remote account opening without geographic restrictions.
Supports 38 currencies via SWIFT and SEPA.
Offers personalised customer support.
Provides payment cards for business expenses.

Limitations:

Does not accept applications from blacklisted countries.
Verification is conducted through the Ondato solution.

Requirements:

Completed online application form.
Copy of the business owner's passport or ID (only for EU/EEA citizens or residents).
Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
Detailed business description.
Corporate documents.
Supporting documents on clients/suppliers.
Documents detailing initial funding sources.‍

Wise Business

Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers multi-currency business accounts suitable for various business types, including freelancers and large enterprises.

Benefits:

Hold and transact in over 40 currencies.
Access to local account details in multiple countries.
Low, transparent fees with real exchange rates.
Integration with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks.

Limitations:

One-time setup fee (e.g., £45 in the UK).
Not suitable for businesses involved in prohibited activities (e.g., cryptocurrency, adult content).

Requirements:

Business registration details, including registered and trading addresses.
Information about the industry and online presence.
Personal details and identification of all stakeholders.
Document showing ownership or control of the company.
Verification process, which may take up to 10 working days.

Revolut Business

Overview: Revolut offers digital business accounts with various financial tools, catering to companies registered in the EEA, UK, and select other countries.

Benefits:

Multi-currency accounts with competitive exchange rates.
Integration with popular business tools.
Access to corporate cards and expense management features.

Limitations:

Company must be registered in the EEA or the US.
Applicant must reside in the EEA, UK, Switzerland, or supported territories.
Not available for certain business types (e.g., charities, cooperatives).

Requirements:

Proof of company registration and physical presence in the EEA or the US.
Personal identification documents (e.g., passport, national ID).
Proof of residency for non-citizens.
Additional business information during the application process.

N26 Business

Overview: N26 offers digital business accounts primarily for freelancers and the self-employed residing in supported European countries.

Benefits:

Quick and paperless account opening process.
Real-time notifications and expense tracking.
Free card payments worldwide.

Limitations:

Available only to residents of specific European countries.
Not suitable for registered companies; intended for sole proprietors.
Non-EU citizens require a biometric residence permit.

Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old.
Resident of a supported country (e.g., Ireland, Germany, France).
Valid form of identification.
Smartphone compatible with the N26 app.

Final Considerations

When choosing a business bank account for your Irish company as a non-EEA resident, consider:

Accessibility: Satchel and Wittix offer the most straightforward path for non-EEA residents, while N26 is limited to European residents.
Banking Needs: Consider what features are most important for your business operations (international transfers, multi-currency capabilities, merchant services).
Documentation Requirements: Prepare for extensive verification, especially as a non-resident director.
Processing Times: Digital banks typically offer faster account opening, but verification for non-EEA residents may take longer.
Fee Structure: Compare transaction fees, monthly maintenance costs, and currency exchange rates.

For non-EEA entrepreneurs with Irish companies, digital banking solutions like Satchel, Wittix, and Wise often provide more accessible options than traditional Irish banks, which typically have stricter residency requirements and may require in-person meetings. The digital options above offer the flexibility and international accessibility needed for global business operations while providing the European banking infrastructure beneficial for operating in Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can non-EEA residents open a business bank account in Ireland?

‍Yes, several digital banking platforms like Wittix, Satchel.eu, and Wise Business cater to non-EEA residents, offering remote account setup and European IBANs.

What documents are typically required to open such an account?

‍Common requirements include a valid passport, proof of address, company registration documents, detailed business description, and verification of initial funding sources.

Are there any limitations for non-EEA residents with these banks?

‍Some banks may classify non-EEA managed companies as high-risk, leading to higher fees or additional scrutiny. Additionally, certain industries may be restricted.

Which bank is best for my Irish company as a non-EEA resident?

‍The best choice depends on your specific needs. Wittix and Satchel.eu are suitable for those seeking European IBANs with global access, while Wise Business offers extensive multi-currency support.

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Incorporation

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April 2025

Top 5 Irish Business Bank Accounts for Non-EEA Residents (2025)

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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