Can I open a CommSec account if I live overseas?

No. CommSec is licensed under an AFSL and operates under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (“Corporations Act”). This limits CommSec to providing financial Products to Customers residing in Australia.

If you’re not sure whether you can apply, please contact us to discuss your options.


Who can certify my identification if I’m outside Australia?

If you’re currently outside of Australia, documents can be certified by the following persons:

  • A solicitor or barrister qualified in Australia who holds a current practicing certificate. This includes Migration Agents who are also solicitors or barristers qualified in Australia.
  • CBA officers at offshore branches, as long as the officer has at least two years’ service with CBA or other Australian financial institutions.
  • Officers of any other Australian bank or other Australian financial institution (bank, building society, or credit union) or Australian finance company with offices offshore, as long as the officer has at least two years’ service with Australian financial institutions or Australian finance companies.
  • A Notary Public.
  • A judge, magistrate, registrar, or deputy registrar of an overseas court.
  • An Australian consular or diplomatic officer who holds one of the following positions: Consul-General, Consul, Vice-Consul, Trade Representative, Consular Agent, Ambassador, High Commissioner, Minister, Head of a Mission, Commissioner, Charge d'Affaires, Counsellor, Secretary or Attache at an Embassy, High Commissioner's office, Legation or similar.
  • A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, CPA Australia, or the National Institute of Accountants with at least two years of continuous membership.

The certifier must state that the photocopied document is a true copy of the original. On the documentation, they must also include the following:

  • their full name
  • their signature
  • details of what qualification or occupation makes them eligible.

For help with opening a CommSec account, please contact us.

By clicking on the "Download the CommSec App" buttons above, you will be directed to itunes.apple.com or play.google.com. These sites are not affiliated with CommSec and may offer a different Privacy Policy and level of security.

 

Disclaimer

© Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814 (CommSec) is a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945. CommSec is a Market Participant of ASX Limited and Cboe Australia Pty Limited, a Clearing Participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a Settlement Participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited.

The information on this page has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. For this reason, any individual should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regards to their objectives, financial situation or needs, and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

The content on this page may not be distributed or reproduced without prior consent and any unauthorised use of the content may breach copyright provisions. CommSec does not give any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any content on this page, including any third party sourced data, nor does it accept liability for any errors or omissions.

This site is directed and available to and for the benefit of Australian residents only.

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