Paperjam.lu

( Crédit : ING Luxembourg )  

 What is the procedure?

Opening and activating a bank account is quick and easy. First, the future newcomer sends an email to our expat team ([email protected]). He will receive in reply a welcome message with a list of documents enclosed: a pre-account opening form (one for each account holder in case of a joint account), an expat package that will grant him a wide range of tailor-made products and services and a brochure with interesting facts and information about Luxembourg. He just has to send to the same email address the pre-account form duly filled in and the required documents – copy of the identity card or valid passport, a copy of the employment contract and a proof of residence if it is different from his country of citizenship and not indicated on the passport or ID card. Once received, we can either remotely activate his account or set up an appointment with his future Relationship Manager at one of our 16 ING Branches upon his arrival in Luxembourg to activate his account. If the client chooses the first option, he must show the original of the required documents and sign the pre-accounting form in person in one of our branches within the next three months. After this period, the bank account is blocked.  

 In the above example of the third-country worker stuck in his country because of the lockdown, we can open and activate for him in a few days a bank account where he can receive his salary. Of course, if the lockdown period exceeds three months, we will find a solution. We remain flexible in these circumstances.  

 What is possible and not during the temporary activation period?

 During this period, the client can only deposit funds. To prevent any fraud attempt, he cannot use the money paid into his account. We never send by post the LuxTrust token, as well as the credit and debit cards, if the client is outside the European Union. If he wants to consult his bank account, he has to contact his Relationship Manager.    

 What are the advantages of the expat package?

Provided that his salary or, failing this, a minimum amount of EUR 1,000 is paid monthly into his bank account, the client may benefit from a free debit card (V PAY), a free credit card (Visa Classic) and/or a free cybercard (VISA). In addition, he does not have to pay any holding commission – even after the first year of opening the bank account - and a free savings account is opened automatically.

When the third-country worker of the above example can fly to Luxembourg at the end of the lockdown, his debit and credit cards will still be available in the branch he has chosen previously in his pre-accounting form. He can even request a rental deposit before arriving in Luxembourg!  

 More than ever, we are committed to stay close to our clients in this current situation. If you plan to live and work in the Grand Duchy after the lockdown period, send us an email to [email protected]. We will do everything possible to help you to settle in Luxembourg in the best conditions.