Bank in Romania for Ukrainians — Account Opening

Bank in Romania for Ukrainians — Account Opening Choosing a bank in Romania for Ukrainians and opening an account can be a relatively straightforward process if you follow specific steps and take into account some key considerations. Below are the main recommendations and advice based on information from various sources and user experiences on how to choose a bank in Romania.

Main Steps and Required Documents
Choosing a Bank in Romania for Ukrainian Citizens

  • Banca Transilvania (BT): To open an account, you need a passport or a Ukrainian ID card. A notarized translation of documents may be required if they are in Cyrillic. The bank’s app can be activated with an operator code. To add the card to Google Pay or Apple Pay, you need to call the bank’s hotline.
  • BCR (Banca Comercială Română): Requires a passport and proof of residence in Ukraine, translated into Romanian or English. Deposits can be opened via mobile app. Taxes on deposit income (16%) are automatically calculated and filed by the bank with ANAF. It’s important to note that BCR may block accounts if they haven’t been used for more than 3 months or if there is an attempt to transfer money to Ukraine.
  • Revolut: Account opening through a mobile app. Requires a passport or Ukrainian ID card. Services are available in multiple languages, including Ukrainian and Russian.
  • ING: To open an account, you need a passport and temporary protection status. A contract for salary deposit is not required. Accounts in euros and dollars: Opening euro accounts is easy, but opening dollar accounts may be more difficult. Some clients report that ING does not provide dollar accounts and recommend opening euro accounts instead.
  • UniCredit: This bank in Romania offers services for Ukrainians. A passport or ID card is required. The account opening process is similar to other banks, with mobile app activation and support for international transfers.

Document Preparation

  • Passport (foreign passport).
  • Temporary protection (if applicable).
  • Proof of residence in Romania (lease agreement or certificate from local authorities).

Opening an Account in a Romanian Bank for Ukrainians:

  1. Application Form: Can be filled out at the bank branch or on the bank’s website.
  2. Identification: The bank will verify documents and may schedule an in-person interview.
  3. Contract Signing: After all checks, you will need to sign a contract for bank account services.

Specific Features and Nuances of Opening an Account for Non-Residents in Romania

  • Issues with Registration: If you are registered in occupied territories, you may face difficulties when opening an account in Romania. In this case, it’s worth trying another branch of the same bank, where there might not be such issues.
  • Taxation: For example, BCR automatically calculates a 16% tax on income from deposits at the end of the deposit term and files a declaration with ANAF on your behalf.
  • Language Support: Most banks offer services in Romanian, but in major cities, services in English and Russian may be available.
  • International Transfers: Be sure to check the terms and fees for international transfers, as this is important for those transferring money between Ukraine and Romania.
  • Account Closures Without Notification: There have been cases of ING closing accounts without notice, despite active transactions. It’s recommended to monitor your account regularly and contact the bank for clarification if necessary.

Banking Apps and Fees in Romania

  • Apps: Banking apps from BCR and ING work smoothly. Alpha Bank and Banca Transilvania had temporary issues with apps for Ukrainians.
  • Fees:
    • SWIFT transfers from BCR to Banca Transilvania may incur a fee of around $10 per transaction.
    • Cash withdrawals in dollars at the bank may incur a 0.4% fee instead of the usual 2.5% (for this, you need to provide a maritime contract).
    • Dollar card payments or withdrawals in lei via ATM are converted at the bank’s current exchange rate.
    • Transfers from Revolut to BCR or from BCR to Revolut are usually fee-free, but the reverse may incur a fee of around 1%.

Recommendations for Bank Accounts for Sailors

  • BCR: Requires the presentation of a sailor’s passport. Transfers may require complete details, or there could be errors and delays.
  • Bank Transfers Between Banks: Different banks may charge different fees for transfers. For example, Banca Transilvania may charge a fixed fee per transfer, while other banks may have floating rates.

Helpful Tips

  • If refused at one branch, try another: Often, branches of the same bank may have different internal procedures.
  • Refused in Romania? You can open an account in Poland or open an account for sailors in Moldova.