Bank Account | Visas.pt

Bank Account

No flights required. We use a Power of Attorney to open your Portuguese bank account remotely — fully lawyer-backed and ready for your move.

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✓ Reviewed by Scott Kirk, Founder and Immigration Advisor · October 03, 2026
🌍
Method
Remote via PoA
⏱️
Typical timeline
4 to 6 weeks
📋
NIF required
Yes, for our service
💶
Service fee
€395

Visas.pt helps foreign clients and non-residents open a Portuguese bank account remotely using a Power of Attorney. Our service costs €395 and is handled by the Visas.pt team with Portuguese immigration lawyers. In our experience, most clients receive their IBAN within about 4 to 6 weeks, but the bank controls its own checks, timing and final approval.

Who This Is For

Who can use our remote Portuguese bank account service?

The service is designed for people who want to arrange Portuguese banking while still abroad. You need a Portuguese NIF before we submit the bank application, and the bank will complete its own identification, KYC and source-of-funds checks.

✅ This service may suit you if you…
  • 🏠
    Are preparing to rent or buy property in PortugalA Portuguese account can make local payments, deposits and property expenses easier to manage.
  • 📋
    Are preparing a residence visa applicationA Portuguese bank account is not a general legal requirement for a residence visa, but some consulates and VFS checklists ask for local banking evidence in practice.
  • 🌍
    Are still living abroadWe can begin the application remotely using a Power of Attorney, subject to the bank's requirements.
  • 💼
    Want a Portuguese IBANA local account can be useful for salary, pension, transfers, bills and other Portuguese payments.
⚠️ A few things to know first…
  • 🪪
    You need a NIF firstOur bank account service requires a valid Portuguese tax number. If you do not have one, get your NIF first →
  • 📄
    A Power of Attorney is requiredWe prepare the PoA and explain the signature and authentication steps that apply to your case.
  • ⏳
    The timeline is not guaranteedIn our experience, most clients receive their IBAN within about 4 to 6 weeks, but the bank controls processing and may request additional information.
  • ✈️
    A later branch visit may be requiredOpening can be handled remotely, but some banks may require an in-person identity or activation step later.
Pricing

Choose the right level of support

No hidden fees. No surprises. Every package includes your NIF and bank account setup, with a 50% discount for the second person and a 70% discount for dependants.

Bank Account
€395
Remote opening, no branch visit needed
  • Apply for Bank account
  • Certify documents via video call
  • Power of Attorney (limited timeframe)
  • Process typically takes over a month
  • (estimated time based on after we have received your documents and is not guaranteed)
Talk to Us Add to Cart
NIF Number
€95
Portuguese tax number, needed for a bank account and a lease
  • Apply for NIF
  • Certify documents via video call
  • Process takes within 7 business days
(+€50) Rush service: within 2 business days
(We prioritise our part of the application. The tax office's own time is outside our control.)
Learn More Add to Cart
The Process

How does remote Portuguese bank account opening work?

We prepare the file, arrange the Power of Attorney and manage communication with the bank. The bank remains responsible for its compliance checks and approval decision.

1
Book and Initial Review
We review your circumstances, confirm that you have a valid NIF and identify the documents likely to be required by the bank.
2
Power of Attorney Prepared
A Portuguese lawyer prepares the Power of Attorney authorising us to act for you in the bank account process. We explain how it must be signed and authenticated.
3
Document Preparation
We prepare your bank application file, including identification, address and source-of-funds evidence required for your circumstances.
4
Bank Submission and Liaison
We submit the application to the selected bank and manage follow-up requests while the bank completes its checks.
5
Account Approval and IBAN
If the bank approves the application, it opens the account and issues the account details. You then follow any activation or identity steps required by that bank.
What You'll Need

What documents are needed for our bank account service?

The exact documents depend on the bank, your nationality, residence status and source of funds. We confirm your checklist before submission.

🪪
Valid Passport
A valid passport or other identification accepted by the bank, with the required certification where applicable.
🔢
NIF Number
A valid Portuguese NIF is required for our remote Portuguese bank account service.
🏠
Proof of Address
The bank normally asks for recent evidence of your current residential address, such as an accepted utility bill or bank statement.
💰
Source of Funds
The bank may require evidence explaining the origin of your money, such as salary, pension, savings, business income or investment proceeds.
✍️
Signed Power of Attorney
We prepare the PoA used for the remote process and explain the signing and authentication requirements.
📋
Additional Bank Documents
The bank can request additional forms, tax information or supporting evidence as part of its KYC and compliance checks.
Do not have a NIF yet? Our NIF service costs €95. The NIF plus bank account total is €490, which is €95 plus the €395 bank account service. See our NIF service →
Portuguese Banking

Why open a Portuguese bank account before moving?

A Portuguese bank account can make it easier to hold funds in Portugal, pay local expenses, receive income and prepare for property or immigration-related financial arrangements.

For residence visas, a Portuguese bank account is not a general legal requirement. In practice, however, some consulates or VFS centres may request Portuguese banking evidence or find it useful when assessing financial evidence. See the official national visa documentation and the requirements of the consulate or VFS centre responsible for your application.

In short: you need a valid NIF for our service, the bank carries out its own approval checks, and Visas.pt manages the remote application and communication on your behalf.
🏦
Portuguese IBANUseful for Portuguese banking and payments
🌍
Apply from abroadRemote process using Power of Attorney
🔢
NIF firstRequired for our bank account service
⚖️
Lawyer-backedOur team manages preparation and bank liaison
Why You May Need One

What can a Portuguese bank account be used for?

A Portuguese account can be useful for daily finances and relocation preparation, but whether you need one depends on your plans and the requirements of the transaction or authority involved.

🛂

Visa preparation

A Portuguese account can be useful when preparing financial evidence. It is not a general legal requirement for a residence visa, and the exact checklist depends on your jurisdiction and visa route.

🏠

Property and rent

A local account can make Portuguese rent, deposits, property expenses and other local payments easier to manage.

💼

Salary or pension

You may use a Portuguese IBAN for receiving salary, pension or other regular payments, subject to the payer's requirements.

💡

Household bills

A local account can be used for recurring Portuguese expenses such as utilities and other household payments.

💶

Holding funds

You can transfer and hold funds in Portugal subject to the bank's account terms, compliance requirements and source-of-funds checks.

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Before arrival

Starting the application from abroad can allow you to have Portuguese banking arrangements underway before your move.

Eligibility

Can a foreigner or non-resident open a Portuguese bank account?

Foreigners and non-residents can apply

Our service accepts applications from people who are still living outside Portugal. The bank decides whether to approve the account after completing its identification, compliance and risk checks.

Can I apply before moving?

Yes. We use a Power of Attorney to handle the application remotely, subject to the selected bank accepting your documentation and circumstances.

Do I need a Portuguese address?

Not necessarily for the initial non-resident application. The bank will normally request proof of your current residential address and may ask for additional address information depending on its rules.

Is approval guaranteed?

No. The bank makes the final approval decision. We prepare and manage the application but cannot guarantee that a bank will open an account.

NIF First

Do I need a NIF before opening a Portuguese bank account?

Yes, for our service. A valid Portuguese NIF is required before we submit your remote bank account application. The NIF itself is issued free by the Portuguese Tax Authority, while Visas.pt charges €95 for our remote NIF assistance service.

Already have a NIF?

You can move directly to preparation of the bank application once the other required documents are ready.

Start Bank Account Service →

Do not have a NIF?

Our NIF service costs €95. The total for the NIF and bank account services is €490.

Get Your NIF →
Documents

What documents can a Portuguese bank request?

Each bank controls its own KYC and compliance process. The following are common documents for our remote service, but the bank can ask for additional evidence.

Valid passportIdentification accepted by the bank, with certification where required.
NIF numberYour Portuguese tax identification number must be available before we submit the application.
Proof of addressRecent evidence showing your current residential address.
Source of fundsEvidence explaining where your funds come from, such as salary, pension, savings or business income.
Power of AttorneyThe signed and authenticated PoA authorising our team to handle the remote application.
Bank formsApplication, tax and compliance forms required by the selected bank.
Important: The bank can request additional documents or information at any stage. KYC, anti-money-laundering and source-of-funds checks remain under the bank's control.
Remote Opening

How can I open a Portuguese bank account from abroad?

1

Book and initial review

We review your situation, confirm your NIF and identify the documents required for the application.

2

Power of Attorney

A Portuguese lawyer prepares the PoA authorising our team to deal with the bank for the application.

3

Document preparation

We prepare the identification, address, source-of-funds and other documents required for submission.

4

Bank submission and liaison

We submit the application and coordinate responses to the bank while it completes its checks.

5

Approval and IBAN

If approved, the bank opens the account and provides the account information. Some banks may then require an additional in-person identity or activation step.

Time and Approval

How long does it take to open a Portuguese bank account?

4 to 6 weeksIn our experience, most clients receive their IBAN within about 4 to 6 weeks once the required documents are available.
Bank checksThe bank controls KYC, compliance, source-of-funds checks and final approval.
Additional documentsThe process can take longer if the bank asks for more information or supporting evidence.
No guaranteed dateWe manage follow-up but cannot promise when the bank will complete its decision.
Our timeline is an experience-based estimate. Actual completion depends on your documents, the selected bank, compliance checks and the bank's processing time.
Bank Selection

Which Portuguese bank will my application use?

We choose based on your circumstances

The suitable bank can depend on your nationality, residence status, account purpose, source of funds and the banks' current onboarding requirements.

Banks we may work with

Depending on current eligibility and your circumstances, applications may be considered with major Portuguese banks such as Millennium BCP or Caixa Geral de Depósitos.

The bank may request more information

If the bank needs additional evidence, we explain the request and coordinate the response with you.

The bank can refuse an application

Approval is always the bank's decision. If an application is refused, we can review the reason where available and consider another suitable bank or route where appropriate.

After Approval

What happens after my Portuguese bank account is opened?

Receive your IBAN

The bank supplies your Portuguese IBAN and other account information once the account has been opened.

Transfer funds

You can transfer funds subject to the bank's account terms, source-of-funds controls and any transfer provider requirements.

Complete activation

Follow the bank's online banking and security procedures. Some banks may require an in-person identity or activation step later.

Use the account in Portugal

Subject to the account terms, you can use it for rent, utilities, transfers, salary, pensions and other Portuguese payments.

Common Questions

What if there is a problem with my bank account application?

The bank asks for more documents

We review the request with you and coordinate the additional evidence or information required by the bank.

The application takes longer than expected

Bank processing can exceed our typical 4 to 6 week experience. We follow up and keep you informed, but we cannot control the bank's timing.

The bank refuses the application

A refusal is possible because bank approval cannot be guaranteed. We can review the circumstances and consider another bank or approach where appropriate.

The bank asks me to attend in person

Remote opening does not mean that every later step is guaranteed to remain remote. Some banks may require an in-person identity, activation or compliance step.

Ready to Start?

Open your Portuguese bank account from abroad.

Our remote bank account service costs €395. We prepare the Power of Attorney and application file, then manage communication with the bank while it completes its own approval checks.

Book a Free Consultation → Send Us a Message
Bank Account Service
Open your Portuguese IBAN from anywhere in the world
Most Popular
Bank Account Opening
€395
Full PoA service — remote, lawyer-backed, 4–6 weeks.
NIF + Bank Account Bundle
€490
Get both at a reduced rate. NIF in 7 days, bank account in 4–6 weeks.
Included in Visa Packages
from €1,595
Bank account + NIF included in Done With You and Done For You packages.
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FAQ

Questions about our Bank Account

Yes. Foreign citizens can apply for a Portuguese bank account, including in appropriate circumstances while still abroad. The bank performs its own identification, compliance and approval checks.

Yes. Non-residents can apply for Portuguese banking services. Requirements depend on the bank, applicant and intended use.

Yes. The current Visas.pt service is designed to help applicants open an account remotely before arriving, using a Power of Attorney.

Visas.pt offers remote bank-account assistance using a notarised Power of Attorney. Final approval remains with the bank.

Yes for the current Visas.pt bank-account service. A valid Portuguese NIF is required before the application can proceed.

If you do not have a NIF, you can obtain it first and then proceed with the bank-account application. Visas.pt also offers a separate NIF service.

The current service identifies a valid passport, NIF, proof of address, source-of-funds information, signed and notarised Power of Attorney and bank forms. Additional documents may be requested.

A recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address may be required. The exact evidence depends on the bank.

It authorises Visas.pt to act on your behalf with the bank during the application process. The current service requires it to be signed and notarised as instructed.

Yes. The current Visas.pt process requires the Power of Attorney to be signed and notarised according to the instructions provided.

The current Visas.pt service gives an estimated timeline of 4–6 weeks. Actual processing varies with documents, bank checks and additional requests.

The remote Portuguese bank account opening service fee is €395, handled via Power of Attorney.

The appropriate bank depends on your circumstances and the bank's current onboarding requirements. Visas.pt works with Portuguese banks for appropriate applications.

There is no single best bank for everyone. Fees, features, online banking, requirements, nationality and intended use can affect suitability.

Bank selection depends on your circumstances, the service process and which banks accept the relevant application. This can be discussed during the initial assessment.

Yes, a Portuguese account can be an important part of D7 preparation and financial arrangements. Visa requirements should be assessed separately.

Yes. A Portuguese account can be part of D2 preparation and financial arrangements. The bank account and visa are separate processes.

A Portuguese account can be useful for someone relocating under D8, but the D8 requirements should be assessed separately from banking requirements.

It can make property payments and local financial arrangements easier. Whether it is legally required depends on the particular transaction.

It can make rent and household payments easier. Contract requirements depend on the landlord and circumstances.

A Portuguese IBAN can be used for eligible salary or pension payments, subject to the payer's and bank's requirements.

Yes, subject to the bank's terms, transfer-provider rules and any source-of-funds or compliance checks.

It can. Banks conduct KYC and anti-money-laundering checks and may request information or evidence about the source of funds.

The current Visas.pt service is designed for remote opening using a Power of Attorney. Some banks may still require an in-person step after arrival.

Possibly. The current Visas.pt page notes that some banks may require a brief in-person visit to activate online banking.

You receive the account information and IBAN and follow the bank's activation procedures. The account can then be used subject to its terms.

Additional requests can be part of normal compliance checks. Visas.pt can help coordinate the requested information and communication.

Processing can take longer than the estimate. Visas.pt follows up with the bank, but the bank controls its own processing time.

Bank approval cannot be guaranteed. If declined, the circumstances can be reviewed and another appropriate option may be considered where available.

No. A bank account and a visa are separate decisions. Opening an account does not guarantee visa or residence approval.
Ready to Start?

Get your Portuguese bank account open — before you land

Book now and our team will guide you through every step. Most clients have their IBAN within 4–6 weeks.

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