Banking · 7 min read
Opening a UK business bank account from abroad
Why we set most overseas founders up with Revolut Business — now a fully licensed UK bank — what it asks for, how long it takes, and when a traditional bank is worth the extra weeks.
Key points
- High-street banks generally require a UK-resident director; digital banks such as Revolut Business onboard non-resident directors online.
- Revolut Business is typically open within days; traditional banks take two to six weeks.
- Evidence of what the business does and where the money comes from matters more than the size of your deposit.
- Since March 2026, Revolut Bank UK Ltd is a fully licensed UK bank with FSCS protection on eligible deposits up to £120,000.
- Opening any account is subject to the provider’s eligibility criteria and your country of residence — nobody can guarantee approval.
Why this is the slow step
Companies House will incorporate you in a day or two. A bank will take weeks, ask questions incorporation never did, and may say no without explaining why. Anti-money-laundering rules make non-resident directors higher risk in the bank’s model, so the burden of proof sits with you.
The three kinds of provider
- High-street banks. Sterling accounts, full banking services, good for larger UK customers who like a familiar name. Most require at least one UK-resident director and a face-to-face or video identity check, and onboarding can take six weeks or more.
- Revolut Business — our default. Revolut Bank UK Ltd received its full UK banking licence in March 2026 and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the FCA, the same framework as any high-street bank. Eligible deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000. Onboarding is entirely online, non-resident directors are accepted where they live in a supported country, and a working GBP account with a UK sort code, cards and multi-currency sub-accounts is usually live within days. For most overseas founders it is the fastest credible route.
- Other digital providers and e-money institutions. Useful as a second account or where Revolut does not support your country of residence. Check whether the provider is a licensed bank (FSCS protection) or an e-money institution (funds safeguarded, not guaranteed) before relying on one.
What they will ask for
Certificate of incorporation, articles, proof of the registered office, identity and address for every director and anyone owning 25% or more, and a clear description of what the business does. Increasingly, they also want evidence: a website, contracts or invoices, a business plan, and an explanation of where the initial funds come from. Vague answers are the most common reason for rejection.
How to improve your odds
- Apply to one provider at a time, with a complete pack. Multiple simultaneous applications look like desperation.
- Make sure your UK company’s stated activity, website and application tell the same story.
- Have the director who will operate the account complete the identity checks themselves, promptly.
- Expect follow-up questions and answer them the same day. Applications go cold quickly.
What we do
We set you up with Revolut Business as standard: we prepare the application so it answers the questions before they are asked, walk you through the identity checks, and handle follow-ups. Where you qualify for a traditional bank and want one, we support that application too. Bank set-up is included in every package — see pricing. We cannot guarantee approval; nobody honestly can.
This guide is general information for overseas businesses considering the UK, correct to the best of our knowledge at the date shown. It is not advice for your specific circumstances — rules and thresholds change. Check with us or HMRC before acting on it.