swinbc

Last October I recall reading that the EU were in the process of putting together an edict that prevented UK Banking institutions from refusing to allow EX Pat non UK resident from opening or transferring to a new bank account in the UK. I believe this was under the guise of the EU anti competition laws. All seems to have gone quiet on this issue, has anyone heard of any progress on this issue.?

Pythagoras

I thought that the UK had until 18 Sep 2016 to comply with the EU's Payment Account Directive (which should give expats the right to a basic 'mainland' bank account - as opposed to an interest earning one)

Sounds as though folks are having difficulty in opening accounts - for a number of reasons - according to an old Guardian article

I'm glad my mainland account had been running for many years before I came to Sweden, as I don't particularly want to stay and if I can sell my house here, at least I've got somewhere to transfer the money to

spainrico

Yes I am also interested in this, having been told (despite the fact that I have had an account with Lloyds for over 40 years) that I could not open a UK account until I had resided in the UK for 6 months.

snikpoh

I still haven't heard anything about this and STILL can't open a UK account. They all want me to open off-shore accounts!

spainrico

It is ridiculous. These options are available in Spain........

frigilianafreddy

Very simple at the moment. No UK address, no open new bank account.

According to the two banks I have contact with there is no chance of repealing this policy.

Garbatellamike

I think in Uk the restrictions you are encountering were an unintended consequence of rushed legislation to counter money laundering.....

spainrico

Yes I can understand you need an address and I am talking about people who return to UK as residents.

Garbatellamike

So am I

spainrico

Yes my reply more directed to Freddy..........

Garbatellamike

ah sorry - my bad