Published October 7, 2025
Use a two-step strategy: open a digital account now, a local account later. You'll avoid fees, pass KYC faster, and never miss payroll.
Open Wise/Revolut/N26 with your current address. You'll get an IBAN and local cards for first expenses. Keep your home bank for backups. Include this in your 90-day pre-move timeline.
Required: ID, proof of address (lease, employer attestation, municipal registration), sometimes employment contract. Ask for fee schedule and SEPA instant.
No lease yet? Use an employer letter + temporary rental contract, or a host declaration. Some banks accept municipal registration receipts. For housing tips, see our complete renting guide.
• FX: pay in local currency, avoid DCC on terminals.
• Cash: free withdrawals at partner ATMs or plan one larger monthly withdrawal.
• Transfers: use SEPA whenever possible; set salary to the local IBAN.
Request the local tax ID early (e.g., Steuer-ID, NIF/NIE). Give HR your local IBAN, pay frequency, and preferred tax class if applicable.
HR: "I'm providing my local IBAN for payroll from [month]. Could you confirm tax details you require?"
Bank: "I'm newly arrived with temporary housing. Which documents are acceptable for address verification?"
Yes across SEPA, but some payroll tools resist. Provide a local IBAN to avoid delays.
They're similar for early days. Pick the one with the features you'll use (virtual cards, multi-IBAN, fee tiers).
For more practical insights on this topic, explore our related articles:
Conclusion: Two accounts, one system: e-money for day one, local bank for the long game. Your money will be where you need it, when you need it.
1 tip per week, no spam.
Jules Guerini is a European expat guide sharing practical, tested advice for navigating life abroad. From admin to housing to healthcare, he focuses on simple strategies that actually work. Contact: info@expatadminhub.com
From October 2025, the European Union is gradually rolling out the new electronic Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing traditional passport stamps for non-EU nationals. If you are an expat not from the EU or planning short stays, this change affects your travel, border checks, and planning. This article calmly explains: the situation, what to expect, how to prepare, and key takeaways.
Read the article
Autumn is often the season when many leases come up for renewal across Europe. If you're an expat and your tenancy is ending, it can feel stressful — renegotiating, administrative hoops, tenant rights, and more. This article walks you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to negotiate with confidence.
Read the article
Heading abroad in Europe while keeping your health coverage intact is still a common concern for expats. In 2025, the rules around the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC / CEAM) have some updates and reminders worth knowing. This article will walk you — step by step — through what the card covers, how to renew it, and how to stay protected while traveling or on temporary stays.
Read the article