Getting started with your application is simple and requires just 5 to 6 documents, depending on your country of residence.
Before starting your application, it's important to check if you're eligible for our bank account opening service. We assist individuals based on the country of passport issuance and current residence.
Below is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need and how to ensure your documents meet the requirements.
🌍 Step 1: Where Do You Live?
✅ If You Live in the Schengen Area or the United Kingdom
You can open an account with fewer restrictions.
There’s no need to prove visa intent or meet specific income or savings thresholds. You’ll just need to upload the standard documents listed below.
👉 Scroll down to the full document list below.
⚠️ If You Live Outside the Schengen Area and the UK
The bank applies stricter rules. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following conditions:
✅ Option 1: You’re Applying for a D7 Visa (or Another D-Type Visa)
Indicate: “Getting a D7 visa” as the reason for opening the account
Provide either:
A consulate appointment confirmation, or
A completed visa application form:
📄 National Visa Application Form (PDF)
💡 Even if you're applying for another D-type visa like the Digital Nomad (D8), the bank usually treats it the same. Just choose "D7 visa" as the purpose and follow the same steps.
💶 Minimum Financial Requirement
If you're opening an account for visa purposes, the bank typically expects a bank statement showing at least €9,840 in savings:
Main applicant: €9,840
Spouse/partner: +€4,920
Each child: +€2,952
This amount is usually enough — but the bank may ask for more proof or higher savings depending on your case.
✅ Option 2: You Meet Financial or Residency-Based Criteria
You must submit proof of one of the following:
💰 €35,000+ in savings (recent bank or investment statement)
💼 Monthly gross income of €5,000+ (paystubs + tax return)
🏠 Buying property in Portugal (e.g., CPCV or deed)
✅ Option 3: You’re Applying for a Golden Visa
Indicate: “Obtaining a Golden Visa”
Provide supporting documentation (e.g., investment fund, legal representation)
📑 Additional Requirement for Non-Schengen / Non-UK Residents
Certidão de Domicílio Fiscal
You must submit a Certificate of Portuguese Tax Residence, issued by Finanças.
⏳ If you recently got your NIF, expect a 2–3 week delay while waiting for your Finanças login credentials by post.
🔴 Mandatory Address Documents (All Clients)
Due to new bank policies, all clients must submit:
✅ A utility bill issued within the last 7 months
✅ A bank statement from your country of residence, issued within the last 3 months
Both documents must:
Show your name and residential address
Be submitted in PDF format only
📄 Full Document List for All Clients
1. Passport Scan
Provide a scanned copy of your passport. Please note that photos of your passport are not accepted. The scan must be:
Clear and legible.
Include all relevant details, such as your photo, name, date of birth, and passport number.
2. Proof of Address
You must provide:
A utility bill (issued within 7 months)
A bank statement (from your country of residence, issued within 3 months)
Each document must:
Be in your name
Show your current residential address
Be submitted as a PDF
3. Proof of Employment or Financial Means
🔹 If you live in the Schengen Area or UK:
You can submit any of the following:
Paystubs
Bank statements
Employment contract
Freelance contracts or invoices
Pension/Social Security statements
Recent tax return
🔸 If you live outside Schengen/UK and do not apply for a D7 or Golden visa:
You must meet at least one of the following:
✅ €35,000+ in savings (PDF bank/investment statement)
✅ Monthly income of €5,000+ (paystub + tax return)
✅ Proof of property purchase in Portugal (CPCV or deed)
Not sure which document to submit? Learn more about this requirement here.
4. Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a tax identification number issued by the Portuguese Tax Department. If you don’t already have one, you can easily apply for a NIF online through our service.
5. Tax Identification from Your Country of Residence
If you pay taxes outside Portugal, you’ll need to provide a document containing your Tax Identification Number (TIN) from your home country. Make sure:
The TIN matches the country listed on your NIF certificate.
The document includes your name and TIN clearly.
6. W-2 or W-9 Form (For U.S. Citizens/Residents Only)
If you’re a U.S. citizent/resident, you’ll need to submit one of the following forms based on your employment status:
Employed: Provide a W-2 form issued by your employer.
Self-employed or contractor: Submit a signed W-9 form.
7. Certificate of Portuguese Tax Residence (If you live outside Schengen/UK)
You must submit a Certificate of Portuguese Tax Residence, issued by Finanças.
⏳ If you recently got your NIF, expect a 2–3 week delay while waiting for your Finanças login credentials by post.
Language Requirements
All documents must be in one of the following languages:
English
Spanish
French
Portuguese
If your documents are in another language, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into one of the accepted languages.
Final Tips
Double-check that all documents are clear, complete, and meet the specified requirements.
Make sure to upload your documents in PDF or high-resolution image formats to avoid delays.
Still have questions? Reach out to our support team for guidance!