What Actually Gets Accepted in 2026
Quick answer
Proof of address is a recent document in your own name that shows your current home address. Most banks and fintechs accept a utility bill, a bank or card statement from another institution, a government letter, or a signed rental agreement, usually dated within 3 to 6 months. Almost all of them reject mobile phone bills (with exceptions by country), screenshots, PO boxes, business addresses, and statements from the provider you’re trying to verify with.
Key facts at a glance
- Revolut: the age limit depends on your country. Documents must be in the Latin alphabet and cannot be handwritten.
- Wise: 3 months for utility bills, bank statements and council tax bills. It refuses Revolut documents.
- LHV: non-residents must show a real connection to Estonia, such as an employment contract, lease, or Estonian business.
- N26 and Lightyear: rules differ by country, and Lightyear only takes originals.
- Company accounts: you’ll also need a trading or legal address for the business, which is a separate check.
Why banks ask for proof of address
Regulated banks and e-money institutions must confirm where customers live under EU and national anti-money-laundering rules (KYC/AML). The check also helps decide which regulations, products, and taxes apply to you. If you skip it, or your document is rejected, the account can be limited or closed.
A valid document normally shows:
- Your full legal name, exactly as on your account
- Your full residential address
- An issue date within the provider’s limit
- The issuer’s name or logo
- The type of document, such as an invoice or statement
Revolut proof of address requirements
Revolut sends an in-app prompt, email, and home-screen banner when it needs your address confirmed. Verification usually takes under an hour, though some cases take up to a business day.
Documents must come from a government authority, utility company, or financial institution, be in the Latin alphabet, and show a personal residential address rather than a PO box, hotel, or business. Handwritten documents are rejected, except a printed rental template with handwritten details and signatures.
The age limit depends on where you live. In New Zealand, for example, it is 3 months for most documents, extended to 6 for utility bills and 9 for financial documents. Insurance documents can be up to 12 months old in some markets. Always check the limit shown on your own submission screen.
Accepted documents commonly include:
- Bank and credit card statements, though Revolut’s own statements don’t count.
- Utility bills such as electricity, water, gas, landline, or broadband.
- A property deed or a lease signed by both landlord and tenant.
- Government letters and benefit receipts
Wise proof of address requirements
Wise is one of the stricter providers. Your document must show your full name and home address matching your Wise profile, an issue date, and the sender’s logo or name. Utility bills, bank statements, and council tax bills can’t be older than 3 months.
Accepted documents include utility bills (gas, electric, landline), tenancy agreements, employment letters, bank or card statements, council tax or tax authority letters, vehicle registration, and a photo driving licence showing your address.
Wise does not accept documents from MoneyGram, Western Union, or Revolut, or mobile phone bills, PO boxes, and address proofs issued to a business. A driving licence is also refused if you already used it as your ID.
If you live with family or friends, you can submit a document in their name plus a government-issued document proving your relationship, such as a birth certificate.
Wise Business: business accounts need a proof of trading address. Utility bills and bank statements must be under 3 months old, other documents under 12 months, and options include a lease, business registration documents, tax documents, and insurance policies. This is where a properly registered legal address for your Estonian company matters (see below).
LHV proof of address and residency requirements
LHV is a licensed Estonian bank, so its approach differs from app-based providers. For non-residents, LHV focuses on your connection to Estonia rather than only a mailing address. LHV says solid connections include an Estonian employment contract, a lease contract, or running a business in Estonia, and the original contract must be presented.
With a solid connection, you visit an LHV office with a valid passport or EU ID card and the original document. Without one, you complete an additional form and send it with a copy of your document to LHV’s non-resident team, and e-residents can sign digitally.
Requirements change, so confirm on LHV’s current onboarding page before travelling or applying.
N26 proof of address requirements
N26’s list depends on the country where you open the account. In France, it accepts utility bills or rent receipts under 3 months old (including mobile bills there), tax notices, rental contracts, and home insurance proofs issued within a year. A proof of accommodation isn’t valid. Treat any generic list you find online with caution and check the N26 help page for your country.
Other platforms popular with Estonian-based founders
Lightyear: It accepts utility bills, bank or card statements, signed leases, residence permits showing an address, and government documents. Bills, statements and leases must be from the last 6 months, and it accepts originals only, not photos of screens or screenshots. A residence permit used for ID can’t be reused as proof of address.
Mintos: It accepts a valid residence permit, or, if you have none, a utility bill, insurance policy, or government document from the last 3 months. ID cards, passports, and bank statements don’t count.
Comparison table: Proof of address for banks & fintechs
| Provider | Typical age limit | Bank statements | Mobile bills | Notable rule |
| Revolut | 3–6 months (country-dependent) | Yes, not Revolut’s own | Varies | Latin alphabet, no handwriting |
| Wise | 3 months | Yes | No | Refuses Revolut documents |
| N26 | Country-dependent | Varies | Varies (accepted in France) | Proof of accommodation refused |
| LHV | Case-by-case for non-residents | n/a | n/a | Estonian connection required |
| Lightyear | 6 months | Yes | Not listed | Originals only |
| Mintos | 3 months | No | Not listed | Residence permit preferred |
Rules change often. Verify in the provider’s app before submitting.
Common reasons proof of address gets rejected
- The name differs slightly, for example a missing middle name or a different transliteration.
- The address on the document doesn’t match your profile character for character.
- The document is too old or the date is cropped out.
- It’s a screenshot when the provider wants a PDF or a photo of the original.
- It was issued by the same provider, such as a Revolut statement used for Wise.
- It’s a PO box, hotel, or business address.
What to do if you have no utility bill
- Rental agreement: fully signed and dated, with both names.
- Statement from another bank: downloaded as a PDF, not screenshotted.
- Government correspondence: tax authority, municipality, or residence permit.
- Insurance policy: home, car, or health, where the provider allows a longer age limit.
- Household document: if you live with someone, their bill plus proof of your relationship.
How LKS Consult helps with proof of address and Estonian company formation
Address problems are the most common reason founders stall when opening a bank or EMI account. LKS Consult is an Estonian service provider listed on the official e-Residency marketplace, supporting founders, freelancers, and startups in English, Estonian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish.
- Proof of address support. We help you work out which document your specific provider (Revolut, Wise, LHV, and others) will accept, check it against the requirements above before you submit, and arrange a compliant option if your current documents fall short.
- Estonia company formation. We handle the full setup of your Estonian OÜ, including registration and the required paperwork, whether you’re an e-resident or applying from abroad.
- Legal address and contact person. Every Estonian company needs both. We provide them, which also gives you a proper business address for trading-address checks, including Wise Business.
- Bank and EMI account assistance. We advise on choosing between an Estonian bank and an EMI account and help you prepare documents so onboarding goes smoothly.
- e-Residency and accounting. We guide e-Residency applications and provide bookkeeping, tax reporting, and payroll after the company is registered.
Need help with proof of address or setting up your Estonian company? Contact LKS Consult for a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best proof of address for Revolut?
A recent bank statement from another bank or a utility bill in your name, matching the address in your Revolut profile and within your country’s age limit.
Does Wise accept a Revolut statement as proof of address?
No. Wise explicitly rejects Revolut documents, along with Wise’s own statements.
How old can a proof of address be?
Usually 3 to 6 months for bills and statements. Some providers allow up to 12 months for government letters, tax documents, insurance, or leases.
Can I use my passport or ID card as proof of address?
Generally no, unless the card itself shows your current address and the provider allows it. Mintos, for example, doesn’t accept ID cards or passports.
Do I need proof of address to open an Estonian bank account as an e-resident?
Banks like LHV look for a genuine connection to Estonia, such as a contract, lease, or business, in addition to identity documents.
Can LKS Consult help me register a company and open a business account?
Yes. LKS Consult handles Estonian company formation, legal address and contact person services, and guidance on bank and EMI account opening.
