How To Proof of Address & Identity for a bank account purpose?

If you’re new to business, it might surprise you that companies like Eesti Consulting or banks may ask for your confidential documents, like a passport copy or an identity card. You might also be asked for additional documents, such as a utility bill (for gas, electricity, etc.). Banks and other institutions verify these documents to make sure everything is in order and to prevent fraud. But why is this needed?

Proof of ID – How to Confirm ID?

Proof of ID is a document or set of documents used to confirm your identity. This is often required to verify that you are who you say you are, especially in contexts like opening a bank account, applying for a loan, or completing legal transactions.

Examples of Proof of ID:

Document Type	Description
Passport	A government-issued document that confirms identity and nationality.
National ID Card	An official identification card issued by the government of your country.
Driver’s License	A state-issued card that authorizes you to drive and also serves as an ID.
Birth Certificate	An official document issued at birth that confirms your identity and birth details.
Resident Permit	A document that confirms your legal residency status in a country.

Proof of Address

Proof of address is a document that confirms your current residential address. It is often required to verify your place of residence for purposes such as setting up utility services, applying for credit, or registering for various programs.

Examples of Proof of Address:

Document Type	Description
Utility Bill	A bill from a utility company (e.g., electricity, water, gas) that shows your address.
Bank Statement	A bank statement from your bank that includes your name and address.
Lease or Rental Agreement	A contract between you and your landlord showing your address.
Recent Tax Return	A copy of your most recent tax return, which includes your address.
Official Government Correspondence	A letter from a government agency that includes your address.

Both Proof of ID and Proof of Address are critical for ensuring that individuals are properly identified and their residential details are accurate, which helps in maintaining secure and reliable transactions and communications.

How Revolut verifies Proof of Address?

Revolut requires proof of address to set up your account. If you’ve formed an Estonian company and want to open a bank account, you’ll need to provide specific documents.

You’ll receive a request via email, push notification, and a banner on your home screen. Follow the instructions to upload your document.

Ensure the document is issued by a government authority, utility company, or financial institution, and that it matches your Revolut account details. The document should be clear and show the entire page. Only PDFs or photos of physical documents are accepted; screenshots are not.

Prepare these documents to complete the verification process smoothly.

 

Proof of Address for WISE Bank Account

Accepted Documents for Proof of Address (more on Wise website)

Utility bills (gas, electricity, or landline phone bills – mobile phone bills are not accepted)

Tenancy or rental agreement

Bank or credit card statement (scan/photo of a physical letter or a PDF statement)

Council tax bill or HMRC notification

Vehicle registration or tax document

Photo driving license showing your address and expiry date

Any document issued by a government agency or financial institution

Can I open Estonian Company without proof of ID and Address?

You are e-Residents with your Digital ID. You can use this card and put your signature eveywhere, but it’s not possible to open company without proof of ID and proof of address due KYC/AML regulations, that we need to follow.

We can ask you for other details like:

🤝 Business partners / clients

📈 Your business model

🏢 Nature of business

🌐 Website

🇪🇪 Reason for choosing Estonia

10 Steps to Starting a Company in Estonia.

 

STEP 1: Find a service provider like Eesti Consulting 🤝. Look for a reliable partner to help you set up your Estonian company. Eesti Consulting is a recommended option.

STEP2 :Set up your Estonian company 🏢. Complete the registration process with the Estonian Business Register to officially establish your business.

STEP 3: Upload your proof of ID 📜. Provide a clear copy of your identification document, such as a passport, to verify your identity.

STEP 4: Upload your proof of address 🏠. Submit a recent utility bill (gas, electricity, etc.) dated within the last 3 months to confirm your residential address.

STEP 5: Fill out the KYC / AML form

STEP 6: 📝. Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) forms as required by regulatory authorities.

STEP 7: Receive documents related to your company 📑. Obtain all official documents concerning your newly established company, including registration certificates and other important papers.

STEP 8: Apply for a bank account 🏦. Open a business bank account to manage your company’s finances. This will involve providing your company documents and proof of identity.

STEP 9: Start your business 🚀. Begin operating your business, using all the established tools and accounts to launch and grow your enterprise.

STEP 10: Apply for a Trademark Registration with SME FUND 2024 Grant and Save 75% on EUIPO Fees.

 

Need help with your next business step?

Book a focused 3-hour consultation with Eesti Consulting for €100.

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