Best bank accounts for non-residents in Italy

Opening an Italian bank account as a non-resident can seem daunting at first, but there are several options designed to make the process smoother. A few Italian banks offer basic non-resident accounts with in-branch support, while digital and specialist providers such as Wise allow you to open and manage a multi-currency account remotely, as well as handle multiple currencies from one place. The best choice depends on your personal needs, so it’s important to compare fees, features, and accessibility before deciding.

Can I open an Italian bank account as a non-resident?

There’s no legal reason why you can’t open an Italian bank account as a non-resident (known as a conto corrente non residenti). However, fewer Italian banks that you might expect can accept non-resident clients.

Technically, if you are a legal resident in another EU country, no bank can refuse your application for a basic payment account – which covers standard transactions like deposits, cash withdrawals, and sending or receiving payments. However, it helps to know that in practice, banks may not always have suitable products for non-resident customers, even if you’re living elsewhere in the EU.

Alternatively, specialist providers like Wise and Revolut offer simple and fast options that can be opened remotely.

Can I open an Italian bank account online before moving?

The major banks we researched did not offer options to open an Italian bank account online before moving. Instead where accounts for non-residents are available, you’re required to make an in person appointment.

By contrast, specialist providers like Wise and Revolut allow you to open an account fully online from abroad and are often the easiest way to set up a EUR account (alongside other currencies) before arriving in Italy.

If you’re keen on opening an account with a specific bank it’s still worth getting in touch to check if their services have changed or if they have alternative account opening options you may use.

Can I open a bank account in Italy without an address?

You can open a bank account in Italy without an Italian address in some banks, but you must always provide an address, even if it is abroad. Italian banks are required to verify your identity and residence for compliance reasons, so you will need to submit valid proof of address (such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, or official document) showing your name and the address you declare, whether in Italy or in another country.

What is the best Italian account for expats?

There isn’t a single best Italian account for expats: the ideal choice depends on your specific eligibility, and what services you prioritise. Factors to consider include monthly fees, minimum opening amounts, branch access, cards included, and additional perks.

Here are some providers and account options:

• Wise multi-currency account: with no opening or maintenance fees, this account allows you to hold and manage 40+ currencies from a single account;
• Banca Etica Non-resident Account: designed specifically for non-residents, this account offers a debit card and some free transactions quarterly;
• Fineco Current Account for Non-residents: non-resident account which has ways to waive monthly fees, but some service limitations;
• UniCredit Conto Base: basic bank account from a major bank which is available to non-residents who live in the EU.

Wise multi-currency account

This account has no opening or monthly maintenance fees and can be opened fully online, even before you arrive in Italy. It allows you to manage and hold 40+ currencies and order a debit card to spend and withdraw cash in 140+ countries. Wise is not a bank and has no branches, so it is not ideal if you prefer in-person banking, but it provides flexibility and ease of use for managing money across borders.

Banca Etica Non-resident Account

This account is specifically designed for non-residents in Italy, making it a convenient option for those living abroad or relocating. It must be opened in person at a bank branch and includes a debit card and 60 free transactions such as bank transfers and bill payments quarterly. Above this, you pay 1 euro per transaction, but card payments in stores and online, and withdrawals at eligible ATMs are always free.

Fineco Current Account for Non-residents

This account is specifically for non-resident customers and offers access to investment services and also some multi-currency features. It doesn’t pay interest and some common services like access to a loan or credit card are not supported. The money you hold in your account is protected to 100,000 EUR through the Interbank Deposit Fund. Contact the bank directly to check if this account is suitable for your needs before making an appointment in a branch.

UniCredit Conto Base

This is a basic bank account which is intended for people living in the EU, on a low income and with no other bank account in Italy. There’s a 4 EUR monthly fee and you may need to prove you qualify for the account, showing your income and residence in the EU. Your account then offers a debit card and free SEPA payments as well as unlimited ATM withdrawals and some free transactions monthly.

How to open an Italian bank account as a non-resident?

As a non-resident, you can open either an account with an Italian bank or with a specialist provider. Banks usually require an in-person appointment and more paperwork, while specialist providers often allow remote verification and a simpler online process.

The exact steps to open an account with an Italian bank vary, but generally include:

1. Check the account eligibility rules carefully;
2. Gather the required identification and proof documents;
3. Book an appointment if required by your chosen bank;
4. Submit documents and complete identity verification;
5. Make the minimum initial deposit, if required.

Required information and documents

To open an account with an Italian bank, you usually need the following:

• Passport or national identity card: A valid government-issued photo ID.
• Proof of address : A recent utility bill, bank statement, or official document showing your name and address.
• Tax identification number (Codice Fiscale): Check if you need a local tax number or if overseas details can be accepted.

Requirements can vary slightly by bank, so it’s advisable to confirm the exact list with your chosen provider before applying.

Do you need a local bank account in Italy?

Legally, you do not need an Italian bank account. Under the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) rules, an IBAN issued in any of the 41 participating European countries must be accepted for EUR transfers and direct debits on the same terms as a national IBAN.

In other words, if you already have a European IBAN, it should be sufficient for receiving a salary, paying rent, or setting up utilities, and you should not be required to open a local account solely for that purpose.

However, if you do not yet have a European IBAN, opening a local bank account in Italy will almost certainly be necessary in order to receive payments, set up contracts, or handle routine financial matters.

Alternatives such as Wise can be particularly useful if you move between countries, need to send money home, receive income in different currencies, or travel frequently. Wise is a multi-currency account and uses the mid-market exchange rate for conversions, which can be more transparent and competitive than some banks. In addition to EUR, it provides local account details in 8+ other currencies, making it a flexible option for people living an international lifestyle.

How to move your money to Italy

Moving your money to Italy for the first time can feel complicated, but there are a few straightforward options depending on your needs, the amount you want to transfer, and how often you plan to move money. Some of the factors to consider include transfer fees, exchange rates (if you are converting from another currency into EUR), and processing times.

You can usually choose between the following options:

• Bank transfer: You instruct your current bank to send money directly to your Italian (or European) bank account using an IBAN and SWIFT/BIC code. Within the SEPA area, transfers are typically straightforward and low-cost. If you are transferring from a non-SEPA country, your bank will convert the money into EUR, often applying its own exchange rate and fees, which can become quite expensive.
• Specialist provider: Companies that specialise in international transfers can sometimes offer better exchange rates and lower fees than banks. You send money from your home bank account to the provider, and they transfer it to your Italian account. This option is sometimes faster and often more transparent in terms of fees, particularly for regular transfers.
• Multi-currency account: A multi-currency account allows you to hold, send, and receive money in different currencies within the same account. For example, with Wise, you can receive money in one currency, convert it to EUR at the mid-market exchange rate when it’s more convenient, and then spend it when you need it. This can be especially useful if you still have financial ties to another country, such as income, savings, or family expenses abroad.

FAQ

Can I open a bank account in Italy if I am not a resident?

Yes, you can open a bank account in Italy as a non-resident. Some banks allow non-residents to open an account, but you will always need to provide proof of address (even if it’s abroad) and other identification documents. Non-resident accounts may have different requirements and features compared to resident accounts.

What is the best bank in Italy for non-residents?

There is no single “best” bank for non-residents, as it depends on your individual needs and priorities, such as how much you are willing to pay and whether you want credit cards or premium benefits. Banks have extensive branch networks across Italy, making in-branch support easy to access – but non-resident accounts can be fairly hard to find. Digital providers like Wise can be a good option if you are looking for flexible, multi-currency solutions. It is advisable to compare features, fees, and services carefully to find the account that best suits your situation.

Useful resources:

• Wise – Landing page for Wise Italy (last checked 23rd March 2026)
• Banca Etica Non-resident Account – Details of non-resident options, fees and application (last checked 23rd March 2026)
• Fineco Current Account for Non-residents – Full pricing guide and details of how to apply (last checked 23rd March 2026)
• UniCredit Conto Base – Links and details of the basic bank account for EU residents (last checked 23rd March 2026)