Banking Guide
Proof of Address: What Banks Actually Accept
Proof of address is one of the most common sticking points when opening a bank account abroad. What counts as valid proof differs by country, bank, and sometimes by branch. This guide explains the patterns and helps you prepare realistic documentation.
Last reviewed: January 2026
Research summary for planning purposes. Not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify with official sources.
This page helps you understand proof of address requirements before applying.
- What types of documents banks typically accept
- Why requirements vary between institutions
- Common documents that get rejected
- How to build address proof when you are new to a country
- What to verify before submitting your application
Key tradeoffs
Important considerations that affect most people in this situation.
Official Documents
- • Utility bills in your name
- • Government correspondence
- • Bank statements from existing accounts
- • Tax documents at current address
Alternative Documents
- • Rental agreements (acceptance varies)
- • Employer letters (sometimes rejected)
- • Hotel/hostel confirmation (rarely accepted)
- • Digital statements (increasingly accepted)
Newer residents face a documentation gap
Most address proof documents take time to generate. Utility bills need an existing account. Government letters arrive after registration. Bank statements need a bank account first.
New arrivals often hit a loop. You need documents to prove your address. But getting those documents is easier once you already have an address on file.
This gap is normal. It does not mean the system is broken. It means you may need to start with banks that have newcomer-friendly policies.
What works varies by institution
One bank may accept a rental agreement. Another may insist on utility bills. Some accept digital statements. Others want paper originals.
These rules are internal policies. They are not publicly documented. They can differ even between branches of the same bank.
In practice, this means rejection at one bank does not predict rejection everywhere. It also means you cannot rely on general advice. You need to check with your specific bank.
Temporary housing creates ongoing friction
Hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals rarely produce the documents banks prefer. A hotel receipt is not the same as a utility bill.
Even if a bank accepts temporary housing proof at first, they may ask for updates later. This creates repeat challenges for people who move often.
A common workaround is to use a friend or family member's address initially. But this depends on the bank's rules and can create complications.
Digital nomads and remote workers face extra scrutiny
Without a fixed address tied to a job or long-term lease, address proof is harder to establish. Banks see higher risk.
Some banks are adapting to mobile lifestyles. Many are not. This limits which institutions are realistic options.
If you move frequently, consider keeping one stable address for banking. Some people use a family address or a registered address service.
What banks are actually verifying
Understanding the purpose helps explain why some documents work and others do not.
Banks verify address for regulatory reasons. Anti-money laundering rules require them to confirm where customers live. This is a legal requirement with penalties for mistakes.
The verification does two things. It confirms you have a real connection to the address. It also creates a paper trail for auditors.
Documents that do both are preferred. A utility bill shows you receive mail there and have an ongoing account. A rental agreement only shows intent to live somewhere.
Documents that typically work
These categories are commonly accepted. Specifics vary by institution.
The common thread is third-party verification. These documents come from institutions that already confirmed your address. The bank can rely on that.
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) dated within 3 months
- Bank statements from existing accounts at the current address
- Government correspondence (tax notices, official letters)
- Council tax bills or local tax documents
- Mortgage statements or property ownership documents
Documents that often fail
These are frequently submitted but commonly rejected.
Rejection does not mean these are worthless. They can support a primary document. They may work at banks with flexible policies. The issue is relying on them alone.
- Rental agreements alone (some banks want additional proof)
- Mobile phone bills (often not enough as primary proof)
- Insurance documents (acceptance varies widely)
- Employer letters (easy to fake; banks are skeptical)
- Self-addressed mail or delivery confirmations
Building address proof when you are new
For new arrivals, the challenge is generating acceptable documents.
The most reliable approach is to get a utility account in your name as quickly as possible. Even if utilities are included in rent, some landlords will transfer one to your name.
Government registration often produces documentation. In many countries, registering your address creates a certificate or triggers official letters. This can serve as proof.
Some banks have processes for newcomers. They may accept a rental agreement with extra verification. Or they allow temporary proof that you update within a few months.
- Get one utility account in your name early
- Complete any required government address registration
- Ask landlords if a utility can be transferred to your name
- Ask banks if they have a newcomer process
When documents are rejected
Rejection is frustrating but often navigable.
First, understand why. Banks sometimes explain the issue. Common reasons: documents too old, names not matching exactly, or the document type not on their list.
Ask what would work. Staff may be able to tell you what specific documents they accept for your situation.
Consider a different bank. Requirements vary. A rejection at one bank does not mean all banks will reject you. Some specialize in newcomers.
Common pitfalls
Issues that frequently catch people off guard in this area.
Next steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Sources & references
Regulatory Framework
- EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives – Customer due diligence requirements
- FATF Recommendations – International standards for address verification
Practical Documentation
- Expat community forums – Real-world acceptance patterns
- Bank policy documentation – Official requirements where available
Information gathered from these sources as of January 2026. Requirements and procedures may change.