How to Open a EUR Business Bank Account in Europe (2025 Guide)

Opening a EUR business bank account in Europe has become essential for companies trading with EU clients, paying suppliers in euros, or expanding into the European market.

Even after Brexit, thousands of UK and international businesses still need access to the euro area for easier transactions, lower conversion costs, and compliance with EU partners’ requirements.

Here’s a complete guide on how to open a EUR business bank account in Europe, including requirements, documentation, and the best options available for 2025.

1. Why Open a EUR Business Bank Account?

A EUR account simplifies operations if your company deals with European clients or suppliers. It lets you:

• Receive payments in euros without conversion fees
• Pay EU suppliers directly in EUR
• Avoid FX risk and hidden bank markups
• Look local to European customers
• Integrate easily with EU payment networks like SEPA

For UK and non-EU firms, this also ensures faster and cheaper transactions – and often, better business relationships.

2. Who Can Open a EUR Business Bank Account in Europe?

You don’t have to be based in the EU to open a EUR account. Many European banks and fintechs accept:

• EU-based companies (with local registration and VAT ID)
• UK and non-EU businesses (proof of incorporation and directors’ ID required)
• Startups and online merchants selling to EU customers
• Holding companies or subsidiaries operating in Europe

However, requirements differ depending on whether you open an account with a traditional bank or a fintech (EMI).

3. What You’ll Need to Open a EUR Business Bank Account

Here are the standard documents required by most banks and fintechs:

• Company registration certificate (e.g., Companies House or EU equivalent)
• Proof of business address
• Director and shareholder IDs / passports
• Proof of business activity (website, invoices, contracts)
• Tax identification number (TIN or VAT)
• Incorporation documents (Memorandum & Articles of Association)

Traditional banks often require in-person verification, while fintechs allow remote onboarding.

4. Where to Open a EUR Business Bank Account

Let’s look at your main options.

Option 1: Traditional Banks

Well-known EU banks like BNP Paribas (France), Deutsche Bank (Germany), or Santander (Spain) provide EUR accounts for international businesses.

Pros: Full banking services, loans, deposits, FSCS-like protection.
Cons: Complex paperwork, slower approval, and higher fees.

Option 2: Fintech & EMI Providers

Modern fintechs and Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) like Transferra, Wise Business, Airwallex, Revolut Business, or Payoneer offer digital EUR accounts without requiring local residency.

Pros: Quick online setup, transparent FX, SEPA access, multi-currency wallets, crypto option.
Cons: No lending.

Option 3: Local EU Banking Hubs

Some EU countries are particularly friendly to foreign companies:

• Estonia: e-Residency program allows remote business banking and account setup.
• Lithuania: Fast fintech licensing and SEPA access.
• Ireland: English-speaking and EU-based.

These hubs often simplify compliance for UK and global businesses.

5. How to Open a EUR Business Account – Step by Step

Here’s a quick roadmap to opening your account:

1. Choose your provider (traditional bank or fintech).
2. Check eligibility (EU vs non-EU company requirements).
3. Prepare documents (company certificate, IDs, tax details).
4. Submit your application — many fintechs offer full digital onboarding.
5. Verification process — ID and AML/KYC checks are performed.
6. Account approval — once verified, you’ll receive IBAN details for EUR transactions.
7. Integrate your account with payment gateways, marketplaces, or ERP systems.

Pro tip 💡: If you work with European clients, choose a provider that offers a local EUR IBAN, preferably in a major EU economy (Germany, France, or the Netherlands).

6. What to Look for When Choosing a EUR Account

Before opening your account, compare:

• Account fees and FX rates
• Availability of local IBAN (not shared)
• SEPA & SWIFT transfer capabilities
• Integration with accounting software
• Customer support in English
• Compliance with EU regulations

Fintech accounts are ideal for fast-moving startups, while banks suit companies needing physical presence and credit access.

7. Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Traditional banks often reject non-resident companies.
Solution: Use fintechs like Wise or Airwallex — they offer remote onboarding.

Challenge 2: Complex documentation for compliance.
Solution: Prepare all company and director documents in digital format.

Challenge 3: High FX fees when converting to EUR.
Solution: Use multi-currency wallets and convert only when rates are favourable.

8. Benefits for UK and Global Businesses

Even outside the EU, UK companies benefit from having a EUR account:

• Streamlined cross-border payments post-Brexit
• Reduced currency conversion costs
• Better trust with EU clients and suppliers
• Easier SEPA payments and invoicing

In short, a EUR account keeps your business financially connected to Europe.

9. The Future of Business Banking in Europe

The EU’s payments landscape is evolving rapidly, especially with PSD3 on the horizon (coming 2026–2027).
This will increase standardisation, strengthen fraud protection, and improve non-bank access to payment systems — meaning fintech accounts will become even more powerful alternatives to traditional banking.

Businesses that adapt early will have faster, cheaper, and more flexible access to the European market.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to open a EUR business bank account in Europe gives your company a competitive edge in a globalized market. Whether through a bank or fintech, a euro account is now an operational necessity — not a luxury.

Take time to compare providers, prepare your documents, and choose a trusted, regulated partner. The right EUR account will make doing business in Europe simpler, cheaper, and smarter.

FAQs

Q: Can a UK company open a EUR business bank account in Europe?
A: Yes. Many EU banks and fintechs allow UK and non-EU companies to open EUR accounts. Fintech platforms like Wise and Revolut make this process 100% online.

Q: What is the easiest country to open a EUR account in?
A: Lithuania, Estonia, and Ireland are known for their business-friendly regulations and remote onboarding for international companies.

Q: Do I need a local company to open a EUR business bank account?
A: Not always. Fintechs and EMIs often allow non-resident businesses to open accounts without an EU entity.

Q: Is my money protected in a fintech EUR account?
A: Fintechs safeguard client funds in segregated accounts but are not covered by traditional deposit insurance. For extra protection, choose FCA- or EU-licensed EMIs.