What documents do I need to open a bank account in Singapore as a foreigner?

Opening a bank account in Singapore as a non-resident is possible but requires proper documentation. Here's what most banks typically ask for.

If you’re a foreigner looking to open a personal or corporate bank account in Singapore, you’ll need to prepare a set of documents that proves your identity, legal status, and — in some cases — the source of your funds.

Most banks in Singapore will require the following:

• A valid passport
• Proof of residential address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, etc.)
• Employment pass or student pass (if applicable)
• Letter of introduction or reference from an existing client (optional but helpful)
• Source of funds documentation, especially for larger deposits

For corporate accounts, additional requirements include:

• Company registration documents (e.g., ACRA BizFile)
• Business profile and ownership structure
• Board resolution authorizing account opening
• Details of directors and shareholders

Note: Some banks now allow partial remote onboarding but may still require in-person verification or a video call.

Tags: Singapore Bank Account, Foreigner, Document Requirements, Account Opening

About the Author

Helen Lili – Editor, Research Lead
Helen leads tariff analysis and product change tracking. She maintains the normalized dataset that powers our comparison tables and ensures each claim links back to a dated primary source. Read more articles