If you’ve decided to establish your home in beautiful Portugal, make it formal by establishing a bank account there. While having a Portugal bank account isn’t strictly needed, it will come in handy to submit taxes, compensate a Portuguese firm, and acquire resident status. The method, on the other hand, can be a bit confusing for non-residents.

Over 150 banks, notably multinational banks, small local banks, provincial banks, and internet banks, are located in Portugal.

Kinds of Portuguese bank accounts:

Portuguese banks provide bank accounts. They are as follows:

  1. Time-deposit accounts

These bank accounts pay greater profit returns. However, the deposits must be kept in the bank for a certain amount of time.

Savings account with quick access: If you’re trying to preserve funds while in Portugal, a savings profile will assist you in maintaining your budget. This sort of account pays greater return levels while still enabling you to retract money quickly if necessary.

  1. Current account

This wallet can be utilized for everyday expenditures, Cash withdrawal, utility payments, and so forth. Several banks have customized current accounts, like the student and non-resident profiles, all with their own set of advantages.

To create a bank profile in Portugal, what are the required documents?

Collect the below-mentioned documents:

  • Proper picture identification,
  • evidence of residency,
  • evidence of job (salary receipt or job agreement), 
  • your NIF number.
  • Present documentation of your overseas residency if you’re establishing a non-resident bank account. 
  • If possible, carry multiple papers for every item, like an electricity payment and an authorized statement from a government organization, to be cautious.

What is the procedure for opening a bank account in Portugal as a non-resident? 

The following stages should be simple once you’ve picked a bank and gathered the appropriate documents. If you want to use a conventional brick-and-mortar institution, bring your paperwork and the required minimum amount in cash to your nearest bank. Although most banks in Portugal know English, you should accompany a Portuguese-speaking acquaintance or interpreter with you anyway. Alternatively, phone beforehand to confirm that someone who speaks English is on duty.

You’ll be required to complete basic documentation and make a required deposit. Several banks will provide you with your debit card right away. In certain cases, you will get your card in the mail after a week. 

Occasionally, a request is refused if you cannot present all papers or fulfill the bank’s requirements. Suppose your request is denied, a check-up with the institution to see how it might be rectified. If you run across a snag, you can file a protest with the Banco de Portugal. 

Opening a bank account in Portugal as a non-resident

Setting up a bank account in Portugal as a non-citizen is quick and straightforward. Creating an account in many large cities and towns is difficult and time-consuming. Although it is not impossible, the lengthy procedure and tight prerequisites appear to be a difficult long task. However, for persons who are not actively residing in Portugal, opening a bank account is relatively simple.

Even though several banks in Portugal have begun to impose a rising number of charges in recent times, most do not charge any continuing charges at all. 

Documents required from an expat:

  • A traveling document and identification card
  • Proof of residence in Portugal
  • Evidence showing that you are employed by any Portuguese company
  • Details of your residence in your own homeland
  • Your past tax records