Expat banking in Europe: open fast, pay less, get paid on time

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?"