Guide

Saudi Arabia – Banking

Saudi Arabia’s banking sector is modern and tightly regulated, operating under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Around 30 licensed retail banks serve the market — a mix of prominent domestic institutions and a growing cohort of internationally

Singapore – Banking

Among Asia’s financial centres, Singapore stands out for the sophistication and accessibility of its banking landscape. Overseen by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the sector gives expatriates a wide selection of domestic and international institutions, cutting-edge digital services, multi-currency

Romania – Banking

Romania’s banking sector is well-established, EU-regulated, and home to both domestic institutions and subsidiaries of major European banking groups. For expats, setting up a bank account is generally manageable once you have obtained a residence permit and your Romanian personal

Russia – Banking

For expats, navigating banking in Russia is possible but involves considerable practical hurdles, especially in the wake of international sanctions introduced in 2022. The sector is led by a handful of large state-controlled institutions, digital financial services are sophisticated, and

Qatar – Banking

Qatar’s banking sector is mature, tightly regulated, and well-suited to the needs of foreign residents. Because the country’s workforce is predominantly made up of non-nationals, local financial institutions have developed considerable expertise in onboarding expat customers. Conventional and Islamic banking

Portugal – Banking

Portugal’s banking sector is well-regulated and thoroughly modern, comprising more than 150 financial institutions ranging from large state-owned and private retail banks to fully digital neobanks. Expatriates can open accounts whether they are residents or non-residents, although the documentation process

Philippines – Banking

The Philippine banking landscape is well-established and overseen by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), giving foreign residents access to a diverse mix of domestic institutions, international banks, e-wallets, and an expanding fintech sector. Foreign nationals can open accounts, though

Poland – Banking

Poland’s banking sector is modern, well-regulated, and among the most dynamic in the Central and Eastern European region. For expats, setting up a local account is generally a manageable process, although requirements can differ across institutions and even individual branches.

Panama – Banking

Panama ranks among Latin America’s most welcoming and well-developed banking environments for foreign residents. Home to more than 50 licensed financial institutions, a fully dollarised economy, zero foreign-exchange controls, and a regulatory framework administered by the Superintendency of Banks of

Peru – Banking

Peru maintains a well-regulated and highly consolidated banking sector, overseen by the Superintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP (SBS). Leading banks provide extensive branch networks, robust digital platforms, and accounts in both soles and US dollars. While legal residency has