You’re launching a business — or already running one — but don’t have a local office, employee, or even a phone number in the country where you want to bank. Can you still open a business bank account?
In short: yes, but with the right strategy.
In 2025, “remote onboarding” has become more accessible than ever — especially through EMIs and offshore banks. However, if you’re in a high-risk industry (crypto, gambling, adult, forex), the situation becomes trickier. Many banks will still require “local ties” — unless your case is structured properly and introduced via the right channels.
This guide will explain how to open a business bank account without local presence — and what realistic options exist if you’re in a high-risk vertical.
What Is “Local Presence” and Why Do Banks Ask for It?
Banks often ask for “local presence” because regulators want to prevent fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion.
Local presence can mean:
- Registered address in-country
- Local tax ID
- Physical office
- Local director or employee
- Economic activity (clients, suppliers, contracts)
But not all banks require all of these.
Some banks — especially EMIs and offshore institutions — allow fully remote onboarding if you explain why you’re operating globally and structure your documentation accordingly.
Which Institutions Still Onboard Remotely in 2025?
| Type of Institution | Remote Onboarding | Notes |
| EU EMIs | ✅ Yes | Lithuania, Czechia, Cyprus, etc. |
| Offshore Banks | ✅ Yes | Belize, Labuan, St. Lucia, Nevis |
| Tier 2 EU Banks | ⚠️ Sometimes | With introducer and strong case |
| Swiss Banks | ⚠️ Case-by-case | HNWIs only, with compliance interviews |
| UK/DE/NL Banks | ❌ Rarely | Require local tax, staff, or substance |
Most remote setups happen via EMIs or offshore banks, with full KYC and compliance interviews done via Zoom or recorded sessions.
Best Countries to Open Accounts Without Local Setup
✅ Lithuania / Czech Republic (EMIs)
- Ideal for SEPA access, crypto- and gambling-tolerant
- Fast onboarding: 1–2 weeks
- English-speaking compliance teams
✅ Belize / St. Lucia
- Great for USD accounts
- Remote onboarding available
- Less SEPA, more suited for international wires
✅ Labuan (Malaysia)
- Crypto- and trading-friendly
- Works best when paired with Asian market operations
- Remote onboarding possible if pre-approved
✅ Switzerland
- For HNWIs with clean source of funds
- Requires structure, onboarding via introducer only
- Strong privacy and multi-currency options
The Role of EMIs, Offshore Banks & Virtual Branches
- EMIs: Offer IBANs, SEPA, sometimes SWIFT; great for EU flows.
- Offshore banks: Handle USD, high-risk flows, broader jurisdiction acceptance.
- Virtual branches: Rare — avoid “fake” setups with shell intermediaries. Instead, work with entities that declare what they are.
💡 Some EMIs now offer virtual IBANs that appear to be “in country” — even if your company isn’t.
What High-Risk Clients Need to Know
If you’re in a high-risk sector, remote onboarding is still possible, but you’ll need:
- A clean and clear ownership structure
- Declared business activity (no hiding crypto or gambling)
- KYT policies or basic compliance documents
- Proof of expected volume and payment flow
Don’t say “e-commerce” if you’re doing affiliate gambling. It may get you banned from future banking options.
Workarounds: How Consultants Bridge the Local Gap
If your company has no local staff, no address, and no tax ID — it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. But it does mean you’ll likely need help navigating the process.
Professional intermediaries (like BankMyCapital) help by:
- Pre-approving your profile with banks that accept remote onboarding
- Explaining your business in compliance language
- Filling the credibility gap with introducer backing
- Structuring the legal entity to reduce red flags (e.g., nominee director, office rental, or tax representation)
💡 In some cases, simply adding a local registered address or virtual office can increase onboarding success by 70%+.
Required Documents & Proofs Without Residency
Even without local presence, you still need to be transparent, consistent, and complete.
✅ Minimum Required Docs:
- Passport & proof of address for all UBOs/directors
- Company formation documents (Certificate of Incorporation, M&AA)
- Description of business activity and flow of funds
- Website or online platform URL
- KYT provider (if handling client payments)
- Optional: tax opinion or legal memo justifying structure
Some EMIs will also ask for:
- Previous bank statements
- Proof of business activity (invoices, client contracts)
- Source of funds for shareholders (especially crypto)
Risks, Restrictions & What to Avoid
Just because remote onboarding is possible doesn’t mean it’s without risk.
⚠️ Risks to Watch:
- Freezes: If crypto flows aren’t declared, your account may be frozen after a few transfers.
- Closures: Using EMIs for activity they didn’t approve (e.g., adult content, gambling) may get your account shut down.
- Slow settlements: Offshore banks may have slower correspondent channels.
- Reputational issues: Poorly structured setups in dubious jurisdictions can harm future onboarding attempts.
If you’re not sure how your structure looks from a compliance angle, get it reviewed before applying.
How BankMyCapital Helps Facilitate Remote Onboarding
We don’t offer bank accounts directly — but we act as a trusted introducer and structuring consultant.
Here’s how we help:
- ✅ Match your business with pre-vetted EMIs and offshore banks
- ✅ Assess whether your case qualifies for remote onboarding
- ✅ Recommend structure tweaks (adding local elements if needed)
- ✅ Coordinate pre-approval so you’re not applying blindly
- ✅ Assist with documentation and presentation to compliance
All providers we introduce clients to are — to the best of our knowledge — licensed and regulated in their jurisdictions.
Final Thoughts: Remote, Yes — But Structured
In 2025, opening a business bank account without local presence is entirely possible — but only with:
- The right structure
- A transparent business model
- Proper documentation
- A reliable introducer
Whether you run a crypto exchange, a growing affiliate business, or a licensed gambling platform, you don’t need a physical office to access global banking. You just need to approach it strategically.
📩 Want to see if your company qualifies for remote bank account onboarding?
🚀 Contact BankMyCapital for a free eligibility assessment — and get introduced to the right banking or EMI provider without wasting time.