Which Offshore Accounts Are Easy to Open?

Opening an offshore business account might sound like a complicated task — full of paperwork, in-person appointments, and countless hurdles. But here's the truth: not all offshore accounts are difficult to open, especially if you're choosing the right type of account, the right bank, and preparing the right materials.

So, which offshore accounts are easy to open? The answer depends on a few key factors: your business structure, the bank’s onboarding policy, and — most importantly — whether they support remote account setup. With modern banking infrastructure and services like CBiBank, more businesses are now opening offshore accounts without ever stepping out of their office.

Let’s break down what makes an offshore business account easier (or harder) to open — and what you can do to prepare.

What Makes an Offshore Account “Easy to Open”?

Not all offshore accounts are created equal. When we talk about ease of opening, we’re usually referring to:

Remote onboarding: Can you submit all documents and complete identity verification online?

Clear documentation requirements: Does the bank provide a transparent checklist of what you need?

Fast processing time: Is the account opened within a few business days?

Wide eligibility: Does the bank accept new companies, companies without overseas offices, or firms from common offshore jurisdictions?

One example of a bank that meets these criteria is CBiBank, a U.S.-based commercial bank that allows companies from Hong Kong, Singapore, BVI, and more than a dozen other jurisdictions to open corporate accounts fully online. The bank offers video KYC interviews and doesn’t require local presence — which lowers the entry barrier significantly for international businesses.

Which Business Types Can Open Offshore Accounts More Easily?

Some companies naturally match the compliance expectations of offshore banks. Generally speaking, the following types of businesses are more likely to open accounts smoothly:

International trading companies: Companies involved in import/export with invoices and trade records.

Cross-border service providers: IT, consulting, design, marketing — service-based firms with clear client contracts.

E-commerce sellers: Amazon, eBay, and other marketplace sellers with verifiable storefronts and payment flows.

Holding companies: Firms registered in offshore zones (e.g., BVI, Cayman, Seychelles) used for group structure or financing.

If you operate one of these business types and can provide solid documentation (such as registration certificates, ownership structure, and proof of business activities), you’re already halfway there.

What Documents Are Typically Required?

While each bank has its own requirements, here’s what’s commonly expected when opening an offshore corporate account:

Certificate of Incorporation

Company’s Articles of Association

Shareholder and director information

Business proof (contracts, invoices, website, trade history)

Identity documents for UBOs and authorized signers

Compliance forms (bank’s internal KYC/AML documents)

Banks like CBiBank usually provide clear templates and guides to help applicants prepare these materials in advance. The better you align your documents with the expected structure, the smoother the review process.

Is In-Person Presence Required to Open an Offshore Account?

Not anymore. In fact, one of the main shifts in the offshore banking space is the move toward video-based onboarding. Many banks now allow applicants to:

Upload documents via a secure portal

Attend a video KYC interview

Receive a UKey or authentication token by post

Activate the account remotely

With this approach, opening an offshore account becomes much more accessible for founders and finance teams that operate entirely from their home country.

CBiBank, for example, has adopted this model and enables applicants to open accounts from anywhere — without setting foot in the U.S. or Hong Kong.

How Long Does It Take to Open an Offshore Account?

If all documents are in order and the business model is clear, some banks can open an account in 3 to 5 business days. The key to faster processing lies in two things:

Preparation: Having a full set of documents that align with the bank’s compliance checklist.

Clarity: Explaining the business model, transaction flow, and target markets in a straightforward way.

Banks that specialize in serving cross-border businesses — like CBiBank — tend to have streamlined processes for common use cases such as e-commerce, B2B trading, and global service delivery.

Final Thoughts

So, back to the original question: Which offshore accounts are easy to open?
The answer is — accounts from banks that understand international business, support remote onboarding, and offer structured, transparent requirements.

If you’re looking to open an offshore corporate account without unnecessary delays or travel, CBiBank offers a remote-friendly, compliance-first pathway that fits modern business needs. With the right documents and a clear business case, opening an offshore account might be easier than you think.