How to open a bank account in any country in Europe as a temporary visitor

Olayoyin Olorunmota

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As a person who loves travelling, very few destinations are as satisfying as Europe. Over 40 countries, each with its own symbolic history. There is no shortage of places to visit. Even other temporary visitors who are in Europe for work always have good tales to tell. Regardless of the reason for visiting, one thing becomes clear quickly: having access to a proper bank account makes everything easier.

A slight problem, though, is that opening a bank account as a non-resident can be difficult.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be. In fact, with the right tools and platforms, you can open an account in Europe without living there and manage your money in multiple currencies while you’re at it.

Here, you’ll learn how to open a bank account in Europe as a temporary visitor and how Grey offers you a faster, borderless alternative to traditional banks.

Also read: Best money transfer platforms for remote workers in Europe

Why travellers and freelancers need European bank accounts

When you’re in Europe temporarily, having a local or multi-currency bank account is convenient and practical.

You can:

  • Get paid by EU-based clients without dealing with poor exchange rates
  • Avoid high fees on international card transactions and ATM withdrawals
  • Settle bills and expenses in local currencies like EUR or GBP
  • Use European platforms that require local bank details (like Amazon, Airbnb, or freelance marketplaces)

The right bank account helps you look professional, stay organised, and cut unnecessary costs while you're on the move.

Also read: Best countries to work in Europe

Can non-residents open bank accounts in Europe?

In short: yes, but it depends on the country and the bank.

Traditional banks often have strict residency rules and require things like utility bills, local tax numbers, or proof of employment. That’s not ideal if you’re just visiting or working remotely.

However, digital banks and fintech platforms are rewriting the rules. They’re faster, more flexible, and often don’t require you to be physically present or have a permanent EU address. This makes them perfect for freelancers, digital nomads, or short-term travellers.

How can Grey help?

Let’s be honest: if you’re not planning to live in Europe long-term, going through tax ID applications or in-person interviews at a local bank just to get paid in EUR isn’t worth the stress.

That’s where Grey comes in.

Grey offers multi-currency accounts (USD, EUR, and GBP) that work seamlessly for freelancers, travellers, and remote workers, irrespective of location. You don’t need an EU address. You don’t need to set foot in a bank. You just sign up online and start receiving payments like a local.

Here’s what you get:

  • EUR, USD, and GBP accounts with IBAN/SWIFT details
  • Low-fee currency conversions at real-time rates
  • Instant transfers between currencies
  • Direct deposits from clients, marketplaces, and employers
  • A modern, secure dashboard to manage everything on the go

Also read: How freelancers in Europe can efficiently manage foreign currencies

How to open a Grey account as a temporary visitor

Setting up your Grey account is easy and takes just a few minutes:

1. Sign up online or via the Grey app

Visit grey.co or download the Grey app from your store.

2. Complete your KYC (identity verification)

Upload a valid ID (passport or national card), proof of address (this can be from your home country), and a quick selfie. That’s it.

3. Request your virtual accounts

Once verified, you can request your EUR accounts immediately. These come with all the bank details you need for international transactions.

4. Start receiving payments

Share your account details with clients, platforms, or even your business account. You can hold multiple currencies and convert to your local currency whenever you want — at better rates than most banks.

Also read: Top digital nomad cities for long-term rentals in Europe

With a flexible account and the right tools, you can get paid, manage your money, and avoid fees, no matter where you’re working or travelling from. ****Grey ****gives you everything you need to move your money confidently.

Create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking, designed to carry your dreams across borders.

Open a free Grey account to get startedJoin 1 million digital nomads

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