Why is it so difficult to open an Italian bank account?Im British, do not plan on living in Italy, do not plan on going to Italy in the near future, and am not a citizen of Italy. All I want to do is open a savings account with Monte Paschi or SanPaolo, but they keep telling me I have to go to one of their branches in Italy to do so. Surely, they are not so... |
Perhaps you could read this
http://www.justlanded.com/english/Italy/...
Anyway, a Bank account is supposed to be a useful mean to do business or everyday payments in and from the Country a person lives in; the main reason is difficult to open an account if you "do not plan on living in Italy, do not plan on going to Italy in the near future" is your need for a foreign bank account may sounds suspect for security reasons (today even more than in the past).
I never tried to open an account in a British bank from Italy, is it really easier...?
To open a bank account in an Italian bank you have to be a resident of Italy. There is no way around that.
Some bigger banks have a "Foreign customers' departent", but they usually cater to corporate clients rather than individuals and/or families.
Surely you are aware of the United States' influence on "Know Your Customer" rules that must be applied worldwide?
In any case, if you really want an Italian bank account, establish it with HSBC
