You will get the following information in this guide:
- What documents non-EU clients are usually asked for (and why)
- Is it possible to open an account before getting a TRC (Temporary residence card)?
- What “proof of residence / address” means in practice
- What is TIN (Tax Identification Number) and why banks may ask for it
- Step-by-step: how opening an account typically works in Košice
- Common reasons non-EU clients get rejected (and how to avoid wasted visits)
The non-EU reality: why opening an account can take more than one visit
Many newcomers expect a bank account to be “just a card.” Mostly, it is more than just that. Bank account setup in Slovakia is a longer process that requires proper preparation, a lot of time and in-person attendance. For non-EU clients, banks often ask for additional documents because your residence status and address may not be clear yet. This is normal — but it means preparation matters more than “trying your luck.”
What documents non-EU clients are usually asked for (bring more than you think)
As in your home country, the bank requires key documents such as passport, phone number, and permanent address. The difference when requesting opening a bank account in Slovakia are various other documents with some requirements across banks. Requirements vary, but non-EU nationals are often required to provide a residence permit or confirmation of employment or studies (without it, some banks may refuse to open an account).
Here is the detailed document information varying by the most popular banks in Slovakia:
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Tatra Banka
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Passport with a permanent address
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Proof of residence / legal stay in Slovakia (Residence card/permit)
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IF NOT RESIDENCE CARD: Proof of your relationship to Slovakia (such as employee contract, study confirmation, tradesman confirmation in Slovakia)
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Slovenská sporiteľňa
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Passport with a permanent address
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Proof of residence / legal stay in Slovakia (Residence card/permit)
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IF NOT RESIDENCE CARD: A proof of application for a residence card needed (the bank may ask you to return after the card is issued)
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ČSOB (Czechoslovak Commercial Bank)
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Passport with a permanent address
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Proof of residence / legal stay in Slovakia (Residence card/permit)
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IF NOT RESIDENCE CARD: Proof of where you are staying ( exact address where you currently stay in Slovakia
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Slovak phone number
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Affidavit
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Unicredit Bank (only with a residence card)
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Passport with a permanent address
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Proof of residence / legal stay in Slovakia (Residence card/permit)
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Lease agreement
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Employment contract
TIP FOR SELF - EMPLOYED PEOPLE
Some banks explicitly require a document containing your Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Bring a document where your TIN is clearly visible (from your country of tax residence, or as required by your situation).
Which banks can open your bank account before you get your residence permit card?
Sometimes you can open an account before receiving your residence card — it depends on the bank and your documents. We have good experience with Tatra bank (you might be asked to book your appointment when branch is not that busy) or VUB bank (this bank usually needs formal approval from head office so opening bank account can take 2-4 weeks).
WHAT PROOF OF RESIDENCE / ADDRESS ACTUALLY MEANS
Non-EU foreigners in Slovakia often misunderstand the "residence/address" requirement (proof of address/residence) when opening a bank account, treating it as sufficient with a hotel booking or informal rental agreement. Banks like Slovenská sporiteľňa or Tatra banka demand a proof of temporary residence (from police), and ties to Slovakia (e.g., employment contract). Each bank must follow its rules (especially AML rules) which makes processes slow and not foreigners-friendly (foreigners use to face problems to open bank account typically at UniCredit Bank Slovakia).
Step-by-step: how opening an account usually works in Košice
This is the typical flow:
The first step is choosing the right bank for you and deciding which branch to go to. Branch onboarding is often more realistic because document checks can be more complex. Small Košice tip: choose bigger branches of the preferred bank because usually they have more capacity to take you and shorter waiting time. Some branches operate longer and even on Saturdays (usually in shopping centres). If your work schedule is tight, this can help a lot.
The second step is checking if you have every document you need before visiting the bank. The best thing is to verify it by phone with your preferred bank.
The third step is visiting a branch of your choice, then the process starts. At the branch, you can be asked some onboarding questions like why you need the account, expected incoming payments (salary / transfers), general source of funds, expected usage (rent, utilities, daily spending), but not in every bank. You will also usually set up internet/mobile banking during onboarding. Physical card delivery/pickup depends on bank policy — confirm how you will receive it and how to activate it.
TIP: the duration of the process can vary and you need to be patient. Tatra Banka states that the recognition of the documents can take some time, while ČSOB states with the right documents you can have your bank account at the same day.
Common reasons non-EU clients get rejected (and how to avoid wasted visits)
These are the “most common” practical blockers:
Missing residence permit / unclear stay status: Bring a residence card/permit if you have it. If you don’t, look at the bank document information above that we have gathered or call the branch first and ask what they accept before issuance.
No proof of why you are in Slovakia: Prepare an employment contract or study confirmation. Without it, some banks may refuse to open an account.
Address proof is missing or inconsistent: Some banks may require bringing a document showing your address in Slovakia (lease agreement is often used). Keep your name spelling and address format consistent across documents.
Language barrier + complex case: Consider bringing a Slovak-speaking colleague or translator. Not all bank staff speak English. If you need one, we can provide you with a partner translator.
Expecting online onboarding to work for non-EU: Plan for a branch visit unless the bank confirms online onboarding is possible for your profile.
Our assistance
If the procedure seems to be too complicated, do not hesitate to contact us with a request for help. We are located in Košice and can help you prepare the checklist, explain the steps, and connect you with a translator for your appointment if needed.
Contact us by email (hello@movetokosice.sk) or via the Contact page on movetokosice.sk.
Need help opening a bank account in Košice as a non-EU newcomer?
Message us “BANK” and include:
- your nationality
- your status (employee / student / family)
- your planned move date
- whether you already have a residence card (yes/no)
We’ll reply with a tailored document checklist and the exact questions to ask the bank branch (so you avoid wasted visits).
(We are not a bank and not a law firm. We provide practical guidance and can connect you with a translator if needed.)
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DISCLAIMER
We can guide you using publicly available information, but we are not a law firm and we are not a bank. Requirements can vary by bank, branch, and your personal profile. Always confirm with the bank branch before your appointment. This article is general information, not legal or financial advice.
USED LINKS (PUBLIC SOURCES)
Slovenská sporiteľňa – FAQ for foreigners (documents needed to open an account):
https://www.slsp.sk/en/personal/faq/i-am-foreigner-what-do-i-need-to-open-an-account
Tatra banka – Expats (banking for foreigners, required documents including TIN):
https://www.tatrabanka.sk/en/expats/
SAIA / Research in Slovakia – Opening a bank account (general guidance for foreigners):
https://www.researchinslovakia.saia.sk/en/main/work-and-daily-life/opening-a-bank-account
Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) – Reporting stay / accommodation reporting rules (context for address/residence):
https://www.minv.sk/?hlasenie-pobytu-1=
ČSOB – Smart account (online requirements – shows online setup is often tied to Slovak ID/residency):
https://www.csob.sk/smart-ucet
VÚB – Biometric verification / digital onboarding (context for online identity verification):
https://www.vub.sk/ludia/elektronicke-bankovnictvo/biometria.html