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

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.

Step 1 — e-money account before you move

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.

Step 2 — local bank after address proof

Required: ID, proof of address (lease, employer attestation, municipal registration), sometimes employment contract. Ask for fee schedule and SEPA instant.

Proof-of-address workarounds

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.

Fees you can actually avoid

• 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.

Tax numbers & salary setup

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.

Script for HR and bank

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?"

Frequently Asked Questions

Can employers pay to a non-local IBAN?

Yes across SEPA, but some payroll tools resist. Provide a local IBAN to avoid delays.

Which is best: Wise, Revolut, N26?

They're similar for early days. Pick the one with the features you'll use (virtual cards, multi-IBAN, fee tiers).

Stay updated

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.

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About the author:

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

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

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.

Step 1 — e-money account before you move

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.

Step 2 — local bank after address proof

Required: ID, proof of address (lease, employer attestation, municipal registration), sometimes employment contract. Ask for fee schedule and SEPA instant.

Proof-of-address workarounds

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.

Fees you can actually avoid

• 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.

Tax numbers & salary setup

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.

Script for HR and bank

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?"