Ukrainian protection seekers: essential information for your reception / Інформацію українською мовою Ви можете знайти нижче у PDF файлі

Luxembourg has shown its commitment and solidarity in the Ukrainian crisis by opening its borders to receive applicants for temporary international protection and by playing an active role in the issue of international sanctions decided by the European Union. The Luxembourg financial sector has also shown its engagement by ensuring a strict application of international sanctions and taking initiatives to facilitate the reception of victims of this crisis. The ABBL actively raised awareness of the conflict among its members and its employees showed solidarity by initiating a fundraising campaign for the Luxembourg Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières.

As Ukrainian applicants for temporary international protection, you will find on this page useful information on access to banking services, which is essential to organise yourself quickly in the new context in which you find yourself.

As a Ukrainian applicant for temporary international protection, can I open a bank account in Luxembourg?

Yes. The Law of 13 June 2017 on payment accounts introduces a right of access to a basic payment account, and to the services that it must include.

The right to open a basic account applies to anyone residing in the European Union, regardless of their place of residence. This includes applicants for temporary international protection.

Here is the list of institutions in Luxembourg which are required to provide consumers with a basic payment account:

• Banque et Caisse d’Epargne de l’Etat, Luxembourg;
• Banque Internationale à Luxembourg;
• Banque Raiffeisen;
• BGL BNP Paribas;
• POST Luxembourg.

What services are included in a basic bank account?

The basic account allows you to do the following:

• Pay by card (in the European Union) or online;
• Make a transfer, including standing orders;
• Transfer funds to a payment account;
• Withdraw cash in the European Union, whether at branches or at ATMs;
• Open, manage and close the account.

According to the banks’ pricing policy, these services are either free of charge or will be charged to you at reasonable costs.

The bank may also offer services other than those provided for by law, for example a credit card. These are additional services, subject to bank charges. The provision of such services is not compulsory.

What information do I have to provide when opening an account?

The right to open an account also comes with a duty, that of transmitting correct and complete information to the bank mostly for identification purposes. For any account opening, including a simple basic payment account, the bank must verify a series of information, such as:

• Identity of the client: usually, an ID card or passport proves your identity.
• Origin of the money: what is the activity that generated the money you deposit in the account?
• Nature of transactions: who is this money intended for? what amounts are involved?

Important information: In the absence of an ID card or passport, the Certificate of Temporary Protection Beneficiary can serve as valid proof of identity for credit institutions to perform their due diligence.

Note that the bank may request other documents, in particular to comply with its obligations in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

You will find more information on basic payment accounts on the CSSF website.

I have an international payment card issued by a Ukrainian bank. Can I use this card to make ATM withdrawals or payments in Luxembourg?

Absolutely. You can use your payment card for your daily transactions both in Luxembourg and throughout the European Union.