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Bank Account Opening Requirements for Non-EU Clients

Updated over a month ago

Opening a Portuguese bank account requires different documents depending on your nationality, residence status, and visa type.

We divide applicants into three main categories:

  1. Nationals of the EU, Schengen Area, or United Kingdom

  2. Rest of the World Nationals

⚠️ Important: If you are a non-EU/UK national, we can only assist you if you have:

  1. Proof that you are applying for or have received a Portuguese visa; and

  2. Visa-specific supporting documents (see below).


General Requirements (All Clients)

Basic Documents (Everyone Needs These)

  • Valid passport (must be valid for at least 12 months).

  • Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)Get yours here.

  • Proof of address – Utility bill or bank statement issued within the last 12 months.

  • Proof of Income/Employment – Payslip, employment contract, pension statement, or other proof.

  • Foreign tax ID – From your home country (if applicable).

Additional for Non-EU Clients

  • Proof of intent to immigrate to Portugal, such as:

    • Visa appointment confirmation (Consular or VFS), or

    • Visa application payment receipt, or

    • Visa sticker already issued in your passport.


Visa-Specific Requirements

D2 (Entrepreneur Visa)

  • Company incorporation documents and a business plan, or

  • Service contract with a term of at least 1 year.

    💰 Expectation: €5,000–€10,000+ in savings to support the business plan.

D3 (Highly Qualified Work Visa)

  • Employment contract with a term of at least 1 year.

  • Role must fall within CITP international classification groups 1 or 2.

  • Salary must meet the minimum threshold.

    💰 No fixed savings requirement, but banks may ask for a bank statement.

D4 (Higher Education / Student Visa)

  • Proof of acceptance by a Portuguese higher education institution.

  • Study plan with duration of at least 1 year.

    💰 No fixed savings requirement, but if self-funded, show funds covering tuition and living costs.

D5 (Qualified Teaching & Cultural Activities Visa)

  • Service contract with a term of at least 1 year, or

  • Employment contract with a term of at least 1 year, or

  • Invitation from an educational institution with duration of at least 1 year.

D7 (Passive Income / Retirement Visa)

  • If retired: Proof of retirement status and pension income.

  • If passive income: Documentation showing income from property, intellectual property, or financial assets (e.g., investment statements, income declarations).

    💰 Expectation:

  1. ~€9,840–€12,000 per adult

  2. ~€4,920–€6,000 per dependent adult

  3. ~€2,964–€3,600 per child

D8 (Digital Nomad Visa)

  • Employment contract with a term of at least 1 year for remote work.

  • Employer verification (e.g., company website, description, location).

  • Employer must be based outside Portugal.

    💰 No fixed savings requirement, but banks may ask for 3–6 months of income statements.

ARI (Golden Visa)

  • Proof of qualifying investment in Portugal.


Next Steps

Make sure you gather all required documents before starting your bank account application.

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