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Bordr Review: Pros, Cons and How it Compares

Navigating a move to Portugal and need clarity on whether Bordr delivers on its promises? Our Bordr review cuts to the chase, offering a detailed breakdown of their services, costs, and customer perceptions.
April 23, 2024
Bordr Review: Pros, Cons and How it Compares
Ana Fankhauser
April 23, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Navigating a move to Portugal and need clarity on whether Bordr delivers on its promises? Our Bordr review cuts to the chase, offering a detailed breakdown of their services, costs, and customer perceptions. Dive into a deep comparison with other service providers, and see if Bordr’s assistance is the linchpin to a seamless transition abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • Bordr simplifies the relocation process to Portugal offering services such as acquiring a Portuguese NIF number, opening bank accounts, and providing lease contract reviews, aiming to establish trust and efficiency.
  • The company distinguishes itself with a customer-focused approach, providing a range of services including legal and financial advice, dedicated support and a partnership with Millennium BCP for enhanced banking convenience.
  • While pricing for services such as NIF acquisition and bank account openings may be higher compared to other providers, Bordr’s numerous client testimonials point to the value of their comprehensive and personalized service packages.

Understanding Bordr: Services and Benefits

Bordr website overview

Richard and Kathleen are the creators of Bordr, who wanted to make the process easier for other people after their own personal experiences moving to Portugal from the US. The company is built on the foundation of establishing trust with clients, a cornerstone of their operations.

Offering an array of services, Bordr streamlines the process of moving to Portugal. From acquiring a Portuguese NIF number to opening bank accounts remotely to reviewing lease contracts, Bordr has got it covered.

NIF Acquisition Made Easy

While many might find the acquisition of a Portuguese NIF challenging, Bordr makes it less intimidating. Clients have found the process efficient and straightforward, with Bordr support providing helpful customer service every step of the way.

Furthermore, Bordr furnishes a detailed guide for managing a Finanças account, assisting clients with tasks like changing passwords and addresses. This ensures you’re never left in the dark. And the best part? The typical processing time for a NIF acquisition with Bordr is just 7 days.

Streamlined Bank Account Opening

Streamlined Bank Account Opening

Obtaining a NIF, a necessity for opening a bank account, is also a prerequisite for participating in Portugal’s legal and financial activities. Bordr offers a service that includes signature certification by a Portuguese law firm, which enables clients to set up a bank account remotely. This bank account opening service is invaluable for clients residing overseas who wish to move to Portugal.

Bordr’s partnership with Millennium BCP, one of the largest private banks in Portugal, ensures easy access for clients to in-person services with over 900 branches throughout the country. So, whether you’re in Lisbon or Porto, there’s always a branch nearby.

Comparing Bordr to Other Service Providers

Though Bordr’s prices may be higher than its counterparts, the exceptional customer experience and all-inclusive services they provide should not be overlooked. We’ll explore these in more detail in the following sections.

When evaluating migration services, one must consider not just the cost but also the entire package—trust, support, efficiency, and the breadth of services provided. Let’s delve deeper into how Bordr stacks up to the competition.

Pricing Comparison

Bordr charges $140 for NIF acquisition and $350 for bank account opening. This fee includes a signature certification by a lawyer in Portugal, which is a unique offering in the market. Although Bordr’s service fees may be higher than other providers, the absence of additional notarization or Apostille costs when opening a bank account with Bordr is worth mentioning.

The monthly maintenance fee can go up to a maximum of 15 euros per month. In addition, Portuguese readers applying for a NIF or bank account can avail of a €10 discount, offering additional savings. In essence, with Bordr, you’re paying for an efficient, comprehensive service that takes care of all the details.

Service Offerings

Board Service Offerings

Bordr provides a range of services designed to streamline the process of relocating to Portugal, which sets it apart from other service providers. From assistance with obtaining a Portuguese NIF to opening a bank account, Bordr ensures a seamless transition for clients.

Each service is meticulously crafted to address the unique challenges faced by individuals moving to a new country. Bordr’s extensive offerings include:

  • Visa and immigration assistance
  • Housing and accommodation support
  • Language and cultural training
  • Job search and career coaching
  • Legal and financial advice

Combined with their commitment to providing a trusted partner for its customers, this makes Bordr a reliable choice for those planning to establish their life in Portugal.

Customer Support and Communication

One of the most significant factors when choosing a service provider is customer support. It’s here that Bordr shines brightly. Customers have consistently reported that Bordr’s customer service is highly responsive. This thorough support during the NIF acquisition and bank account opening process ensures a smooth, stress-free experience.

Bordr offers its customer support through webchat and email, ensuring continuous communication with clients throughout the process. Whether you require assistance with filling out forms or have queries about the process, Bordr’s support team is always at hand to help you out.

Bordr's Partnership with Millennium BCP

Bordr's Partnership with Millennium BCP

Bordr’s collaboration with Millennium BCP, one of the largest private banks in Portugal, offers clients a host of benefits. From online banking access to dedicated account managers and joint account options, clients can avail themselves of a suite of services designed for their convenience.

However, it’s worth mentioning that clients who open a Millennium BC Prestige account through Bordr may face monthly fees ranging from €5 to €15. While there is a cost involved, the comprehensive service offerings and convenience provided by the partnership make it a worthwhile investment.

Dedicated Bank Managers

One of the highlights of Bordr’s partnership with Millennium BCP is the provision of dedicated bank managers for clients who open an account through Bordr, including those with multiple account owners. This means that, as a client, you’ll have a single point of contact for all account-related matters, saving you the hassle of dealing with multiple bank representatives.

This dedicated bank manager serves as your personal assistant, ready to help with your banking needs. Whether it’s a query about transactions or guidance on account management, your dedicated bank manager is just a call away.

Online Banking Access

In the current digital age, online access to your bank account is more of a requirement than a luxury. Millennium BCP provides a comprehensive suite of mobile banking features, including secure fingerprint log-in, account alerts, and the ability to communicate directly with banking staff.

With Millennium BCP’s mobile banking app, clients can access their accounts on a 24/7 basis instantly and set up the service within minutes. The convenience of coordinating ATM withdrawals using your mobile device enhances the banking experience, making it convenient and hassle-free.

Real-Life Experiences: Customer Testimonials

Hearing about Bordr’s offerings is one thing, but what do customers who have used these services have to say? Customer testimonials are a powerful way to understand the impact of Bordr’s services. From positive feedback to challenges overcome, these stories provide a glimpse into the real-life experiences of Bordr’s clients.

These testimonials not only highlight the efficiency of Bordr’s services but also the personal touch added by team members like Gia Afurong and Chris Jose. This emphasis on personalized interactions enhances the overall customer experience, making Bordr a preferred choice for many.

Positive Feedback

Bordr has received high recommendations from customers, often described as providing professional and reliable services. Clients have praised Bordr for:

  • their professionalism
  • their promptness
  • their clarity of communication
  • their detailed instructions

The process of obtaining a Portuguese NIF and opening a bank account with Bordr includes the following benefits:

  • Easy and efficient process
  • Proactive customer service
  • Excellent and beneficial pricing for acquiring a Portuguese NIF and for bank account opening services.

Overcoming Challenges

Although Bordr has garnered a lot of positive feedback, it’s equally significant to address the challenges faced. For instance, clients have faced difficulties with understanding the communication process due to the reception of emails from various Bordr addresses.

However, Bordr has taken steps to address the confusion created by multiple communication channels. The issue related to emails from different addresses has been successfully resolved, streamlining the communication. Such proactive problem-solving demonstrates Bordr’s commitment to providing an unparalleled customer experience.

The Bordr Process: Step-by-Step Guide

With a clear understanding of Bordr’s services and their comparison with other providers, let’s now examine the actual process of obtaining a NIF and opening a bank account through Bordr. The process involves the following steps:

  1. Preparing documents
  2. Placing an order
  3. Signing a Power of Attorney
  4. Submission to the Portuguese tax office
  5. Receiving the NIF and password for the Finanças website.

Despite seeming daunting, the Bordr team provides guidance at every step of the whole process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Let’s delve deeper into each step.

Obtaining a NIF

Bordr’s service for acquiring a Portuguese tax ID (NIF) and a Portuguese social security number can be initiated with a straightforward online form that is accessible on various devices. You will need to provide a valid passport or a National ID card for EU citizens. After signing up, you’ll be sent a Power of Attorney document that you need to print, sign, scan, and email back.

Once Bordr submits your request, you will receive your NIF number and document via email. Bordr requests the password for accessing the Finanças website, which takes 3–4 weeks to mail to them before sending it your way. And typically, the entire process, from start to finish, takes just one week.

Opening a Bank Account

To open a bank account in Portugal with Bordr, you need to follow the bank account setup process:

  1. Complete a payment of $350
  2. Fill out an online form
  3. Receive documents via email
  4. Sign the documents and mail them back to Portugal for processing
  5. Make a minimum deposit of 250 euros to open the bank account.

Bordr offers assistance to open a Portuguese bank account both remotely and in-person at a Portuguese bank in cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Santarem. The time frame for opening a portuguese bank account is typically 3–4 weeks from the submission of the necessary documents, making it a relatively quick and efficient process.

Legal Requirements and Documentation

In Portugal, a legally recognized signature is a requirement for establishing bank accounts and conducting other official transactions, such as obtaining a birth certificate. Bordr simplifies this process by offering an alternative to the traditional Apostille for verifying documents and signatures needed for legal processes in Portugal. This alternative process can be completed with the assistance of a Portuguese law firm.

This process of signature recognition not just simplifies legal formalities but also facilitates clients’ navigation through the legal aspects of relocating to a new country. With a signature recognized, let’s delve deeper into this process.

Signature Recognition

Signature Recognition

Signature recognition by a Portuguese law firm is utilized as an alternative to the apostille process when handling legal documents in Portugal. This alternative process streamlines the legal formalities required for outsiders, dispensing with the need for an apostille.

Bordr collaborates with a Portuguese law firm to provide signature recognition services, making this process easy and hassle-free for clients. This innovative approach to handling legal requirements is just one of the many ways Bordr goes the extra mile for its clients.

Required Documents

Opening a new bank account in Portugal as a non-resident requires presenting specific documents. This includes:

  • A valid photo ID, such as a passport
  • Proof of address (which could be a recent utility bill)
  • Proof of employment
  • A Portuguese NIF number for fiscal identification
  • A Portuguese phone number for SMS activation of the bank account.

Despite the extensive documentation, Bordr assists clients in compiling and preparing all the necessary paperwork. This attention to detail ensures that clients have all the required documents in place, avoiding any potential hurdles in the process.

Summary

We’ve taken an in-depth look at Bordr’s services, from NIF acquisition to opening a bank account. Bordr’s commitment to providing a seamless and efficient service, coupled with their partnership with Millennium bcp and personalized customer support, makes them a preferred choice for individuals planning to move to Portugal. While their services come at a higher price point than other providers, the comprehensive offering and dedication to client satisfaction make it a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bordr simplify the process of obtaining a NIF?

Bordr simplifies the NIF obtaining process by offering an online form, managing the submission to the Portuguese tax office, and delivering the NIF and password for the Finanças website within a week.

Does Bordr provide in-person bank account opening services?

Yes, Bordr provides both remote and in-person assistance for opening a bank account in various Portuguese cities, including Lisbon, Porto, and Santarem.

How does Bordr's pricing compare to other service providers?

Bordr's pricing is generally higher than other service providers, but it includes additional benefits such as signature certification by a lawyer in Portugal and no extra notarization or Apostille costs when opening a bank account.

What are the benefits of Bordr's partnership with Millennium BCP?

Bordr's partnership with Millennium BCP offers clients benefits including online banking access, dedicated account managers, and debit and credit cards. This partnership provides added value and convenience for clients.

What documents are required to open a bank account in Portugal with Bordr?

To open a bank account in Portugal with Bordr, you will need a valid photo ID, proof of address, proof of employment, a Portuguese NIF number, and a Portuguese phone number. These are the necessary documents and details needed for the account opening process.

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