Open a bank account in Trinidad and Tobago
Guidance on preparing to open a local bank account in Trinidad and Tobago, including the documents and practical steps that may apply to your move.
Where to go in Trinidad and Tobago
Bank: Republic Bank Limited
Account to ask for: e-Free
What to bring
What Republic Bank asks for when you open a e-Free in Trinidad and Tobago:
- One form of ID that clearly states your nationality, such as a national ID card or passport. A driver's permit without a nationality statement needs a second, supporting ID. Dual nationals bring ID for each nationality
- A recent utility bill for proof of address (with an authorisation letter if it isn't in your name); if you are not yet resident, a utility bill from the last three months, or a lease agreement or landlord's letter instead
- Proof of income: a job letter and a pay stub from the last three months if employed; audited financials for the last three years, management accounts, or a Statement of Affairs and Statement of Income and Expenditure if self-employed. A start-up provides an opening balance sheet and cash flow projections
If you are not resident yet
Opening before you have moved, or while your status is still being sorted out? Republic Bank asks for these on top of the documents above:
- A banking reference from your current overseas institution (waived if you've already been legally resident for 5+ years)
- Your work permit or, for students, a letter of enrolment, where applicable
Good to know
- No monthly service charge, and you get three free in-branch debits a month. Go over that and a flat TT$18 monthly fee applies.
- Free transactions at Republic's Blue Machines (ABMs), with a TT$5,000 daily limit, and free LINX point-of-sale purchases up to TT$10,000 a day.
- Balances of TT$500 or more earn 0.25% interest, paid on the last working day of the month.
We can handle this for you
Gathering documents, opening the account and everything else needed for a successful move to Trinidad and Tobago, from your visa or CSME certificate to flights, housing and banking, is exactly what we do every day. Reach out and we’ll walk you through it.
Loans, credit cards and business registration
Beyond opening an account, these are the local services we handle in Trinidad and Tobago.
Loans & Credit Card Applications (Free)
Applying for a loan or credit card can be tricky if you are not sure what is needed. We will walk you through it by:
- Checking that you have the right documents
- Making sure your application is properly prepared
- Helping you feel ready before you submit anything
Business Registration & Account Opening (Paid Service)
Starting a business is exciting, but the paperwork can feel like a maze. We will help you register your business name with the right offices, pull together the documents you need, and get everything ready to open your business bank account. It is about making sure the setup is done right, without the stress, so you can focus on actually running your business.
Business setup packages
$100 consultation. Tell us which package fits and we will scope exactly what your setup needs.
Starter
- Business name search & reservation
- Registration as Sole Trader or Partnership
- Checklist and documents for opening a business bank account
- Social media setup
Professional
- All Starter services
- Limited Liability Company registration (Articles of Incorporation, BIR registration, NIS employer number)
- Preparation of bank account opening documents
- In-person or virtual assistance at the bank
- Branded invoice & receipt template for your new business
- Website setup
Premium
- All Professional services
- VAT registration (if required)
- One-on-one advisory session (banking, taxes & compliance tips)
- Professional letterhead & business email setup
- Referrals to accountants & marketing experts to grow your business
Also available
- BIR File Number registration
- NIS staff registration
- Logo design & social media page setup
- Business plan template
- Starter bookkeeping package
- Business Stamp
- Website setup