How to open a bank account in Portugal

A Portuguese account is one of the first practical steps after you arrive. Without it, it's hard to rent a home, receive income and prove financial means for AIMA.

Which documents you need

• NIF — the Portuguese tax number (mandatory).
• Your passport
• Proof of address (rental agreement, utility bill or a certificate)
• Proof of income or employment (sometimes a work contract or bank statement)

Which banks to choose

Newcomers most often open accounts at Millennium BCP, Novobanco, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Santander, and the mobile-first ActivoBank. Terms, fees and friendliness to foreigners vary — it's worth comparing a few options for your profile.

Step by step

1. Get your NIF (in person, by power of attorney or remotely).
2. Prepare your document package and proof of address.
3. Choose a bank and book a branch appointment (or open remotely).
4. Open the account, set up online banking and get your card.

Remote opening and a "bridge"

In some cases you can open an account before moving — by power of attorney or with our support. For the first few weeks, Wise or Revolut are handy as a temporary solution, and you can switch to a local bank later. For a business, a separate corporate account is opened.

The list of documents and terms depend on the specific bank and can change. Check the current requirements before your visit or reach out to us for support.