Planning a move to Luxembourg? Find out how to open a bank account with this easy-to-follow guide.
5 min read
Sandwiched between France, Germany, and Belgium, Luxembourg is one of the tiniest countries in Europe. Yet this grand duchy is home to a rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and one of the four official capitals of the European Union. And though Luxembourg may be small, it’s big on banking. So if you’re dreaming of settling down to learn some Luxembourgish, read on for tips on how to get started with your own local bank account.
What do I get with a Luxembourgian bank account?
A Luxembourgian bank account comes with an International Bank Account Number (IBAN), meaning you can transfer money for free between other countries in the Single Euro Payment Area. Some accounts are free, though you may need to pay anywhere from €2 to €10 monthly depending on what services you need. Surprisingly, more than half of all transactions in Luxembourg still take place in cash. That’s why it’s important to choose a bank that doesn’t charge hefty fees to withdraw cash.Being at the heart of Europe, most banks in Luxembourg offer services and support in a variety of languages. German, French, Luxembourgish, and English are standard—even Italian and Portuguese are common.
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Am I eligible to open a bank account in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg makes it easy for anyone 18 or over to open a bank account, provided they live there or will soon, and have gainful employment or study at a local university. Traditional banks will also want proof of address in Luxembourg. For those under 18, a parent or guardian must open the bank account on their behalf.
What do I need to open a bank account in Luxembourg?
Eligible? Great. Make sure to have the following documents on hand for your application online or at a branch:
Passport or national ID card
Certificate of residence in Luxembourg
Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill, for example)
Proof of income
Proof of employment or school enrollment, if applicable
The following documents can give you access to more advanced functions like overdraft, credit, and loans:
Income statement or credit score
A tax number from Luxembourg or your home country
Send money abroad
International transfers with your N26 account are easy, fast and reliable.
What’s the typical process? Can I open a bank account online?
Most banks in Luxembourg allow you to open a bank account online, and some even let you do it from abroad if you have the necessary paperwork. That said, banks may require you to send documents by post or present them in person when picking up your card. The process goes something like this:
Identify and print the documents required by your bank
Mail your documents via post or make an appointment and bring them to a local bank branch
Upon arrival, if necessary, answer some questions and verify your identity with the clerk. If opening an account online, you may be asked to do a digital verification.
Wait for your confirmation, card, PIN, and other necessary documents to arrive by post
Activate your account and online banking
If that all seems like too much trouble, another option is to open an account with an online bank. Online banks offer accounts to current non-residents, so you can get your Luxambourgian bank account all set up before your plane hits the ground. Simply download the app, register, upload your ID, complete the in-app verification, and voila—create a unique pin and you’re ready to go. But be warned—not all online banks are created equal, and it’s a good idea to make sure that your bank is fully licensed before opening an account.
What’s a banking license?
FinTech companies have been popping up across Europe, and while they offer banking services such as IBANs and debit cards, they’re not actually banks. In order to call yourself a bank in Europe, you need to have a banking license like N26. In Luxembourg, getting a banking license is a rigorous process. It requires approval from the Central Bank of Luxembourg, the Luxembourgian financial regulator (CSSF), and the European Central Bank. Only then can an institution offer advanced banking services like overdraft, credit, and lending. Most importantly, having an account with a licensed institution guarantees the protection of your data and deposits—up to €100,000 under an EU-wide provision. N26 is the first licensed bank in Europe built for the digital generation, with more than eight million customers in 24 markets and growing fast.
How to open an account with N26
How to open a Luxembourgian bank account online with N26
In a few minutes, you can open a digital bank account with N26. Here’s how it works:
Download the app and confirm your email, personal details, and address.
Select the type of account you want—Standard or a premium option like Smart, You, or Metal with benefits including N26 Spaces, Round-ups, and premium partner offers.
Start making contactless payments from your electronic Mastercard right away.
Your money at N26
With N26, opening a bank account in Luxembourg couldn’t be easier. Our Standard account is free, while N26 You, Business You, and N26 Metal accounts come packed with perks like free cash withdrawals and travel insurance. Need to send money abroad? No problem—and there’s no inflated exchange rate with the Wise feature, seamlessly integrated into your N26 app. And no matter where you spend, linking your N26 Mastercard with Apple Pay and Google Pay gives you full flexibility. Find the account that’s right for you here.
At N26, we’ve taken the red tape out of opening a bank account in Luxembourg. Open an online account in minutes—all you’ll need is your smartphone, a valid address in Luxembourg, and a valid photo ID. You’ll get an official German IBAN, so you can pay and be paid like a local. Plus, there are no hidden fees and you’ll always have access to English-speaking customer service, so you can focus on settling in to your new home.
FAQs
"Yes, non-residents can open a bank account in Luxembourg. Luxembourg is known for its international banking sector and often attracts non-residents looking for banking services. The country offers a range of banking options, including traditional and private banks.
Requirements vary from one bank to another. Some banks have specific account offerings designed for non-residents, making the process smoother. "
The time it takes to open a bank account varies. It depends on many factors, including the country you're in, the bank you choose, the type of account you're opening, and if you have all of the necessary documentation ready.If you visit a bank branch in person, you can open a bank account on the same day. Online applications might take a few minutes and you usually can start using your new bank account right away.
Yes, it's generally possible for individuals to open bank accounts in multiple countries. Before opening accounts in multiple countries, make sure to comply with all relevant regulations. Some countries have anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations and need additional documentation and information when opening accounts for non-residents.
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