Opening a Portuguese bank account requires the work contract... and the work contract requires a Portuguese bank account
When I moved here, already with an work visa and went to open a bank account so I could send the IBAN to the company HR and then they send me the work contract.
But…. I was told I needed a work contract to open an account, a stuck situation that I could only get rid of by opening a foreigner account but that needed also my full IRS from other country. And I was told most banks aren’t even opening this kind of account anymore.
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Comments6
Cyan Highlighter
Jun 4, 2025
That’s classic dead loop.
Gray Crater
May 27, 2025
That’s a Portuguese classic right there! 😂
Aqua Iguana
May 26, 2025
You can use any european bank, inc wise or revolut to get paid etc
Red Glacier
May 26, 2025
My employer said it needed to be a portuguese bank. I eventually discovered the EU regulation about IBAN discrimination but will you get a fight with HR being just moved?
Rose Exoplanet
May 26, 2025
It’s still possible and relatively easy. I went to Millenium BCP in Rua Augusta in Lisbon last week with proof of address (can be your home address or in Portugal), NIF, employment contract (I’m a freelancer for a UK company) and last 3 payslips. Account opened in 48 hours with debit and credit card.
Azure Chipmunk
May 26, 2025
The limbo 😂