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Opening a bank account as non resident in EU country
A friend is divorcing and wants to financially protect herself. She would like to open a bank account in another European country, preferably euro zone as to avoid exchange rates. Anyone know what countries and what banks will allow to do this (as a non-resident)? We are talking about more than 100.000 euro (her own money). She realises this does not protect herself completely but will at least stall in case there are problems. Thanks for any advice!
With a sum of money of that amount at stake, she would be a complete moron not to take proper legal advice.
Send her to her lawyer. If she doesn't do it right, she could get into serious trouble. Hiding assets in a divorce is a very serious issue.
Most, if not all, countries and banks in the EU should allow non-residents to open accounts in theory. But in the current environment they will probably turn you down for compliance reasons. You need a good reason eg owning property in the country.
France does not allow to open accounts to non-EU residents, even for small amounts. They are so afraid of money laundering. They punish the ordinary people. The ones who want to launder, launder it anyway.
Hi Claire,
I am a Financial Planner here in Belgium and I'll am able to help your friend with regards to this issue. Obviously, this can be a very sensitive and difficult topic to discuss. I can help navigate this in a legal and compliant manner so that she won't run into difficulties further down the line.
Please reply, and perhaps we can take this offline to discuss further.
@ EGAIFA "perhaps we can take this offline to discuss further?
Yeah right.
ClaireDD, please tell your friend to go and see their lawyer, otherwise they're going to lose all their money.
