Sorry if this is a somewhat repetitive question, but I couldn't find a topic that completely answered my question, so therefore a new topic...

I want to open a bank account. I have my CIE card with RNE number and a CPF, so the biggest obstacles are overcome!

After some research I found out that Banco do Brasil is probably the easiest for foreigners to open a bank account with (please correct me if I'm wrong!).
During my visit there they asked me for a 'comprovante de residencia', so a proof of resindence.

This is difficult for me to obtain, as all our bills (light, condominio, etc.) are on different names of former dwellers and we prefer not to put those on our names, because there have been a lot of problems with the last tenant, who has made a lot of debts and we don't want to be associated with that in any kind of way...

So the bank clerk said my only option would be to take our rental agreement, which is on my (Brazilian) boyfriend's name, and let him sign some sort of declaration that I indeed live with him. Does anybody know how this works exactly?

Other tips and tricks are also very welcome, I'm getting very frustrated with this process. So difficult to just open a freaking bank account!!!!

Alright, thanks everyone!

You will need this "comprovante de residencia" time and time again. I would suggest you bite the bullet and get the light or telephone bill put in your name. And it is not really a good idea to be paying bills in the name of these unscupulous others.
Best Luck!!!

Thanks for the replies! I guess I'll put the Light bill on my name then..

@Terry_2, I know, I know, but it's so difficult sometimes.... ;-)

@nikkij12185, so sorry to hear that! Light has shut our power off before too, because of a bill they never sent! Ok, so now I know to ALWAYS check if the bill has arrived, and if not, request a 2nd one..........

But about opening an account at Banco do Brasil (and maybe Unibanco?), it's true that they (unlike other banks) don't ask for a proof of your monthly salary, right? Or did the guy I spoke to just forget to mention it?

You most certainly can use a 'declaration of residency'. It must be signed and stamped at the cartorio. When I first came to Brazil I stayed at my inlaws house as my wife and I house hunted. I had to use a declaration from my sogro to prove that I lived in his house.

As for what zerotres just said.... VERY TRUE!!!!! Not only will you get different info from the different chains but you will get different infor from branch to branch!!!!!!! I opened my account at the Banco do Brasil on Berrini Ave. in Brooklin without ANY problems. If you want any more details just PM me.


Edited by Paulistano USA - 05 July 2010 at 18:52

Originally posted by Terry_2 Originally posted by nikkij12185 They generally only take Light/Water bills as comprovantes.    This is totally untrue and bad information, you need to be careful on a forum as many will see this as the only bills they can use.   In fact you can use any official bill which has your name and address, it can be a telephone bill, gas bill, NET bill, Velox bill, IPTU bill, Condo bill, etc etc. You can also use a local bank or credit card statement among many other official documents (that have your name and address on them).   Jeez, ol' Swirly doesn't have light and water bills...

This is untrue and bad information. Banco do Brasil would ONLY accept a telephone (FIXO, explicitly stating that a cell phone bill would not suffice) or Electropaulo bill If I were to use a bill. I just used my rental contract.

You need to be careful on a forum!