I've read here about people opening their bank accounts from abroad using the HSBC overseas account opening service.
Trying to get ahead of the game I used that service too - and failed. We relocated a week ago and I started the account opening process in the middle of December. Spent around an hour on the phone giving my details to the operator - including things like how much I'm worth etc. Then I went to my local HSBC branch to sign (and witness) all the documents I printed out (they don't do it for you - but I only paid £50 so no wonder). Two weeks later I received a call from HSBC that one signature was missing. So I went to that branch again and again spent there 30 minutes signing one piece of paper - I also gave them my employment contract and rental contract covering the first month of our stay in Malta.
Two weeks later - another call from HSBC - the local branch in Malta requested my employment contract and proof of renting a property here. The documents I'd given them already! So more emails to HSBC and a promise to keep me posted.
Two days ago, true to my credo "always be ahead of the game" I paid a visit to my local branch in Mosta. The lady there was very helpful, called a number of colleagues and finally informed me, that my application was rejected - because there was no employment contract and proof of residency! The HSBC centre would've kept me on waiting if I didn't enquire (ignoring the fact that I gave them the documents in question)!
Anyway, I'm still opening an account with them - in person next week in Sliema - fingers crossed.
And by the way - no one bothered to refund me that £50 for this botched service (not mentioning an apology for wasted time and money on phone calls) ...
This story is to be continued.