Top UK bank account for non-residents in Africa [2027]

UK bank accounts can give non-residents in Africa access to GBP banking. Step through four African domiciliary accounts supporting GBP payments

Key takeaways

• Non-UK residents in Africa may use GBP accounts to receive, hold and send GBP without opening a UK bank account
• Access Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank and FirstBank offer African domiciliary accounts with GBP support
• WorldFirst’s World Account provides local receiving details in 15+ currencies, including GBP, USD, EUR and more

For African businesses and individuals dealing with UK customers, suppliers or payments, a GBP account can allow you to receive, hold and send Pound Sterling (GBP). But you may not always need to open a bank account in the UK to do this.

This guide compares African account options that support GPB transactions and also explores WorldFirst’s multi-currency World Account.

Can non-residents open a UK bank account?

Yes, non-residents can open a GBP bank account in African countries, depending on the bank, country and account eligibility rules. Some African banks offer foreign-currency accounts that let eligible customers hold, receive and send GBP payments to the UK, along with converting GBP into other currencies.

Top GBP accounts for non-residents in Africa

1. Access Bank Domiciliary Account

Access Bank’s Domiciliary Account allows users in Nigeria and Ghana to send, receive and hold foreign currencies, including GBP, USD and EUR.^1,2 It includes both domiciliary current and domiciliary savings accounts.¹

For non-UK residents in Africa, the GBP option can provide a way to hold Pound Sterling without opening a UK-based business bank account.¹ Business customers can also use everyday banking tools, including digital account access, payment cards, cheques and more.¹

*Fees checked in September 2026

2. UBA Domiciliary Account

UBA’s Domiciliary Account is available as a savings or current account in major currencies including USD, GBP and EUR.³ Foreign cheques and eligible instruments can also be credited.³  It is available through two major account types:

• Dom Advantage Account: Available in Nigeria and Ghana, this account lets customers hold USD, GBP, EUR and other major currencies as a savings or current account³
• Freedom Dom Account: Available in Nigeria, this account is intended mainly for receiving foreign remittances in USD, EUR and GBP. But, debit and credit cards are not supported³

*Fees checked in September 2026

3. Zenith Bank Domiciliary Account

Zenith Bank operates more than 500 branches across Nigeria and Ghana and provides several domiciliary account options.^4,5 Its Ordinary Domiciliary Account (in Nigeria) and Zenith Diaspora Account (in Ghana) supports USD, GBP and EUR, so non-UK residents can send, hold and receive GBP as and when required.^4,5

The account also includes services such as internet and mobile banking, transaction alerts, standing orders and a USD debit card.^4,5 Customers can also access their funds through Zenith ATMs and the bank’s telephone and digital banking channels.^4,5

*Fees checked in September 2026

4. FirstBank Domiciliary Account

FirstBank’s standard domiciliary account supports USD, GBP, EUR and CFA for individuals, SMEs and corporate customers in Nigeria and Ghana.^6,7 Customers can make interbank and intrabank transfers, withdraw foreign currency from FirstBank branches and access their accounts through 24/7 electronic banking channels.^6,7

*Fees checked in September 2026

What a domiciliary account can and can’t do compared to a UK bank account

What a domiciliary account can do:

• Keep foreign currencies such as GBP, USD and EUR in the same account
• Accept money from UK-based customers, employers or online platforms through international payment methods such as SWIFT
• Transfer funds overseas in GBP or other supported currencies
• Use an eligible foreign-currency card for purchases where GBP payments are accepted

What a domiciliary account usually can’t do:

• Pay UK bills or subscriptions using services such as Direct Debit
• Receive international payments through Faster Payments using UK banking details
• Connect to UK services that ask for a UK sort code and account number
• Use payment platforms that verify users through a UK bank account

The World Account: A multi-currency account for African businesses

For African businesses, WorldFirst’s World Account is a multi-currency account that offers local receiving details in 15+ currencies, including GBP, USD, EUR, CNH and AUD. Businesses can use these details to receive marketplace and international payments without opening separate accounts in each currency. Funds can then be held, converted and sent in 100+ currencies without opening separate business bank accounts in each market.

The World Account is linked to a virtual card, the World Card, which is a Mastercard-powered business payment card. It supports spending in 150+ currencies, with zero fees when paying in 15 supported currencies where sufficient matching balance is held.

Additional features of the World Account

• Send payments overseas across 200+ countries and regions
• Connect with 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy, Stripe and Shopify. Learn more about Amazon dropshipping here
• Up to 20 virtual cards can be linked to an account at no additional cost to separate expenses
• Cashback may be available on eligible spending, terms and conditions apply
• World Pay is the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com which can be used for direct payments to Chinese suppliers

*Fees checked in September 2026

FAQs

1. Can a non-resident open a UK bank account?

Yes, non-UK residents can open GBP accounts with some African banks, subject to the bank’s eligibility requirements.These accounts can typically hold GBP and support payments to and from the UK.

2. How do I open a domiciliary account in Nigeria?

Complete the bank’s application and provide the requested identification, proof of address and photographs. Business applicants may also need registration and corporate documents. Requirements vary by bank.

3. Which bank has the best domiciliary account for GBP?

There is no single best GBP domiciliary account. Nigerian banks differ in currencies, fees, transfer services, cards and minimum balances, starting from GBP 50 for some accounts covered here. While not a bank, WorldFirst’s World Account offers local receiving details in 15+ currencies, including GBP.

Sources

1. https://www.accessbankplc.com/personal/everyday-accounts/domiciliary-account
2. https://www.ghana.accessbankplc.com/business/business-accounts/domiciliary-account
3. https://www.ubagroup.com/nigeria/personal-banking/accounts/domiciliary-account/
4. https://www.zenithbank.com/personal-banking/bank-accounts/domiciliary-account/
5. https://www.zenithbank.com.gh/personal/individual-accounts/?id=Features_4
6. https://firstbankgroup.com/ng/personal/accounts/domiciliary/domiciliary-account/
7. https://firstbankgroup.com/gh/personal/accounts/current-options/foreign-currency-account/

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.