Banking in Ireland 2026: opening an account as a foreigner
English-speaking euro banking — but the retail market has thinned.
Ireland offers English-speaking, EU euro banking, though the market shrank after Ulster Bank and KBC exited — leaving AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB, plus digital banks (Revolut is hugely popular). Residents open with ID, proof of address and a PPS number. Ireland is in SEPA.
Opening a bank account in Ireland
The pillar banks are AIB, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB, after Ulster Bank and KBC left the market in 2022–23, so choice narrowed. Opening needs photo ID, proof of address and usually a PPS (personal public service) number. Revolut is exceptionally widely used in Ireland, often as a primary account.
Multi-currency, crypto and moving money
Ireland is in the EU and SEPA and everything is in English, which makes banking straightforward for anglophone movers. Crypto is served by EU-regulated exchanges; the pillar banks are conservative on crypto transfers.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Open as non-resident? | Possible; residents easiest |
| Typical documents | Photo ID, proof of address, PPS number |
| Currency | EUR (SEPA); Revolut ubiquitous |
| Crypto | Conservative at pillar banks |
| CRS reporting | Yes (EU / CRS) |
Where it fits in a borderless plan
See the non-dom remittance basis in our Ireland tax-residency guide. Banking is one pillar of a borderless setup. Line it up with where you are tax-resident, your Bitcoin self-custody plan, and the rest of daily life — healthcare and schools. Compare countries in our banking-abroad guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Ireland?
Possible; residents easiest. Typical documents: Photo ID, proof of address, PPS number. Requirements vary by bank and change over time, so confirm current rules before you rely on them.
Can I use Wise or Revolut and hold foreign currency in Ireland?
Currency options: EUR (SEPA); Revolut ubiquitous. Most globally mobile people pair a local account with a multi-currency app for cheap FX. Check each provider's availability for your nationality.
Is Ireland crypto-friendly for banking?
Conservative at pillar banks. Banks and regulators treat crypto cautiously and rules move fast — verify the current position with your bank before moving funds.
Directories & official sources
Providers and rules change — these are the authoritative directories and regulators to check for current, complete listings:
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