Opening your account
How do I apply?
If you are moving to New Zealand and will be living here for more than six months,
you can apply to open a National Bank account before you arrive.
- Apply online
- Apply over the phone
To talk to our New Resident Services Team and arrange opening an account, we have
freephone numbers available
for 22 countries so your call may not cost you anything.
- Apply by fax or post
Simply print off and complete our New Resident Application Form. You’ll need Adobe
Acrobat Reader to read the PDF version. If you don't have it, don't worry - it's
free. Just visit the Adobe site.
Once you have completed the form, you will need to send it to us with a few items
of documentation (a checklist of these items is included on the form). Please send
completed applications to The National Bank, New Resident Services, 205 Queen Street,
PO Box 18, Auckland, New Zealand. Fax: +64 9 375 9350.
What happens next?
When your application has been processed and approved, we will send you a letter confirming your
account details, and introducing your New Resident Personal Manager. Your account
will be initially set up for deposits only and you won’t be able to make withdrawals
until you have arrived in New Zealand. You can transfer up to the equivalent
of NZD$1 million into your National Bank account before you arrive, however if you
wish to transfer more, your Personal Manager can discuss this with you.
To keep your account active you will need to arrive in New Zealand within three
months of opening your account. Once you arrive, to fully access your account, just
come into any branch of The National Bank and bring your passport as identification.
Once we have verified your identification, your account will be activated and you
will then be able to withdraw money as well as make deposits into your account.
What if your circumstances change?
If your circumstances change and you do not arrive in New Zealand, your funds will
need to be returned to you. All funds will be returned in the same currency as originally
received. You will be required to have your identification verified in your home
country and appropriate fees and charges will be deducted from the funds being returned.
More information
Our eligibility criteria apply. Fees are subjct to change. For more information about fees,
opening a bank account before you arrive in New Zealand,
or about any of our accounts, please
contact us anytime, day or night.
Our account opening criteria apply. Accounts are only available to persons who will
be living in New Zealand for six months or more. Please read our
disclosure statement.