Visa and residence applications
Many residence routes expect a Portuguese account as part of the file, so opening one early keeps your application moving.
Portugal bank account
Open a bank account in Portugal without flying in
A Portuguese account sits underneath almost every part of a move: your visa file, your lease, your bills and your taxes. We set it up for you remotely, so it is ready before you land.
Talk to an advisor- Fully remote, no trip needed
- Bank chosen to fit your profile
- Compliance checked before submission
Relocate to Portugal 
Overview
Why a Portuguese bank account comes first
Getting a local bank account is one of the earliest practical steps in relocating to Portugal, whether you are coming to live, work or study. It is commonly asked for in visa and residence applications, and landlords, utility companies and the tax and social security systems all expect to deal with a Portuguese account.
For people who are not yet resident, the process is rarely simple. Banks apply strict identity and anti-money laundering rules, ask for documents in a particular form, and usually expect you to come into a branch in person. That is hard to arrange when you are still living abroad.
Our service removes the trip. We prepare your file, deal with the bank directly and keep the application compliant with Portuguese banking rules, so the account can be opened entirely at a distance and be up and running before you move.
When you need it
What a Portuguese bank account is used for
Renting or buying property
Landlords and sellers generally want rent, deposits and purchase payments to come from a local account.
Utilities and service contracts
Electricity, water, internet and mobile contracts are usually paid by Portuguese direct debit.
Tax and social security
Payments to the tax authority and to social security are far easier to make from an account held in Portugal.
Everyday spending
Salary, card payments, local transfers and day-to-day costs all run more smoothly through a domestic account.
Arriving ready
Because we open it remotely, the account can be active before your flight rather than becoming one more task on arrival.
Requirements
Documents needed to open a bank account in Portugal
Each bank sets its own detail, but these are the items you should expect to provide.
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Valid passport or national ID
An official, in-date identity document. Expired or soon-to-expire documents will hold up the application.
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Portuguese tax number (NIF)
A NIF is mandatory: no Portuguese bank will open an account for you without one, so it has to be in place first.
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Proof of address
Evidence of where you live. The address can be in Portugal or in your current country abroad.
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Proof of employment or income
Banks may ask for an employment contract, recent payslips or other evidence of where your money comes from.
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Initial deposit, where required
Some banks only activate the account once a minimum opening balance has been paid in.
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Compliance and verification
Every document is checked as part of the bank’s anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer review.
Process
How opening a Portuguese bank account remotely works
- 01
Assess your case and get your NIF
We look at your residency status, income and plans, and make sure you have a Portuguese tax number before anything goes to a bank.
- 02
Choose the right bank
We recommend a bank that fits your profile and that accepts remote applications from people in your situation.
- 03
Prepare the application file
We gather your ID, proof of address and proof of income, check them against the bank’s requirements and complete the forms.
- 04
Submission and compliance review
We submit the file and handle the bank’s questions during its AML checks, so small gaps do not turn into delays or a refusal.
- 05
Activation and access
Once approved, any opening deposit is made, and your online banking credentials and debit card are set up.
Our service
What our bank account opening service includes
Case review and bank selection
A personal look at your situation and clear guidance on which bank is the best match.
Document preparation and submission
We put together every document the bank asks for and submit the application on your behalf.
Direct liaison with the bank
Our team handles the back-and-forth with the bank, so you are not chasing answers across time zones.
Compliance check up front
We review your file against compliance rules before it is sent, to cut the risk of delays or rejection.
Online banking and debit card
We see the process through until your online access is working and your debit card is arranged.
One point of contact
A single named advisor follows your case from the first call until the account is live.
After the visa
Legal & Financial Setup
Our support carries on once your visa is granted. From your Portuguese NIF number to your bank account, we take care of the details so you can settle in with confidence and peace of mind.
Taxes
Start compliant from day one, with tax guidance built around expats and businesses.
NIF / Bank
Get your Portuguese tax number (NIF) and a Portuguese bank account quickly and without the hassle.
Learn moreCompany Formation
Launch your business in Portugal with full legal support, from setting it up to registering it.
Employee Relocation
Move your team smoothly, with visa, tax and legal support at every step.
Portugal questions
Open a Bank Account in Portugal: questions answered
Get answers to common questions about visa applications, requirements, and processes.
Can I open a bank account in Portugal without being there?
Yes. Opening an account as a non-resident normally involves visiting a branch, but our service handles the whole process remotely. You do not need to travel, and the account can be ready before you move.
Do I need a NIF before opening a Portuguese bank account?
Yes. A Portuguese tax number (NIF) is mandatory before any bank will open an account. If you do not have one yet, we can arrange it first as part of your setup.
Can I use a foreign address as proof of address?
Yes. Banks accept a residential address either in Portugal or abroad, as long as you can document it. Most people opening an account before their move use their current home address.
Is there a minimum deposit to open the account?
It depends on the bank. Some require a minimum opening balance before the account is activated, while others do not. We tell you what applies to the bank you choose before you apply.
What counts as proof of income?
Banks may ask for an employment contract, payslips or other evidence of your income. The exact documents depend on whether you are employed, self-employed or living on savings or a pension.
Why do banks delay or refuse applications?
All documents go through anti-money laundering and compliance checks, and missing or inconsistent paperwork is the most common reason for delays. We review your file before submission to reduce that risk.
Do I need a Portuguese bank account for my visa?
A Portuguese account is often required for visa and residence applications, as well as for renting a home and paying utilities, tax and social security. Opening it early keeps the rest of your move on schedule.
Right here with you, wherever you're headed
Local offices. Global support.
Relocating is easier with people on your side. With offices in Portugal, the UK, the UAE, Turkey and Australia, our team is on the ground to help you settle in with confidence.
- PT
Coimbra, Portugal
Praça da República 9, Sala 8, 3070-304 Mira, Coimbra, Portugal +351 938 599 748 - GB
London, United Kingdom
30 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6EF, UK +44 (0) 203 393 1028 - AE
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Silicon Oasis, Digital Park, IFZA Buildings A2, Dubai +971 56 00 65 007 - TR
İstanbul, Turkey
Bostancı Mah, Bağdat Cad. No: 472/A, Kadıköy / İstanbul +90 530 754 35 67 - AU
Melbourne, Australia
Suite 329/98-100 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia +61 1300 440 170
Other services
More ways we help in Portugal
Ready to go?
Talk to an advisor Get your Portuguese bank account sorted before you move
Talk to an advisor and we will take care of the paperwork and the bank for you.