KateB8

I am looking to open a bank account in Portugal. Principally with the purpose of saving as I plan to move there when I retire. I am British, living and working in the Middle East.

Can you tell me the procedures and what documentation I will need. I am scheduled to go to Lisbon in the next two weeks, so I'd like to be forearmed.

mfesharne

The only Portuguese paperwork you need is a fiscal/NIF number which takes about 20 minutes & a few Euros to obtain from a fiscal office which is usually in or near the Camara/Town Hall...... They'll also need to see your passport & require an address but not necessarily a Portuguese address.

If you need a recommendation for a bank, we use Millennium & find them very good indeed.

KateB8

Thank you. I've looked on Google Maps for Lisbon and found the Camara Municipal down near the Commercial Square. That will be my first port of call.
Do they need any proof of your address; the only document with my address on is my driving licence.
Thank you for the recommendation; I will be looking for a savings account that give a good rate of interest.

EMR

The banks are now tightening regulations for non residents.
We have had an account for years but recently had to provide proof of our UK residence.
Copy of passport, utility bills etc.
This has been discussed on other Portugal forums.
Thete are no accounts that give a decent return.

mfesharne

The banks in my area don't require proof of address but it might be a good idea to have a utility bill or two with you just in case they ask for it...... Portugal is known for it's 'flexible bureaucracy' lol

KateB8

Unfortunately, I don't have any utility bills as I rent out my property and have made my parents' address my official address for everything. Any suggestions? My UK driving licence has my address on it.

EMR

This is a new law only passed last year and implimented this year.
In the letter we received failure to provide the required proof of non residence could result in the account being frozen.

GeniB

I don't see a problem Kate. especially if you place enough money into the account. Banks don't usually refuse cash.lol. Interest seems a thing of the past though. they don't pay you for using your money.. ha ha what a ridiculous thought !! It seems to be a case of just go and give it a try Good luck p.s we arrange ours through our lawyer who charged peanuts

KateB8

Thanks EMR, do you have any idea of what other documentation might constitute 'proof' of address. Unfortunately I don't have any utility bills.

I am, however, travelling via U.K., so I could pick up any documents en route.

Red Eric

I'm almost certain that you'd be wasting your time going there to apply for a NIF.

It's a Serviço de Finanças or a Loja do Cidadão you'll want.

KateB8

You would have thought so Geni, but one the previous respondents says that it is now law.

Did you arrange this through a UK or Portuguese lawyer? And, sorry for all the questions, why did you use a lawyer; I was simply planning to go to the banks in Lisbon and enquire.

EMR

We provided copies of our passports our council tax bill and a water bill.

mfesharne

Kate

Anything with name & address on it will probably be acceptable.

Even a credit card statement or AA membership form etc....... If you have everything sent to your parent's address just give that as your address on the fiscal application form & you can always change it at a later date.

KateB8

Thanks Eric...

Can anyone else confirm that and possibly provide an address of an office in central Lisbon?

KateB8

Passport is easy, but utility bills I don't have as it's my parents' address. I simply use it for correspondence.