To open a Portuguese bank account, applicants are divided into three main categories. The documents and requirements you must provide depend on which category you fall into:
Nationals of the European Union, Schengen Area, or United Kingdom
Rest of World Nationals WITH Residence Title for EU, Schengen, or UK
Rest of World Nationals WITHOUT Residence Title (EU/Schengen/UK)
⚠️ If you are a non-EU national without EU residence, we can only assist if you can show proof that you are in the process of obtaining a Portuguese visa (appointment confirmation, visa fee receipt, or visa sticker) and provide the supporting documents required for your visa type.
👉 For a detailed explanation of the requirements for non-EU national without EU residence, see: Bank Account Opening Requirements for Non-EU Clients.
1) Nationals of the European Union, Schengen Area, or United Kingdom
Required Documents
Passport
Portuguese NIF
Foreign Tax ID
Proof of Address (≤12 months): bank statement, utility bill, or tax assessment
Proof of Professional/Income Status (≤6 months): payslip, pension, student enrollment, or equivalent
💰 Savings Expectations
No minimum savings required.
Income or professional activity proof is sufficient.
If living off assets, the bank may request a bank statement.
2) Rest of World Nationals WITH Residence Title (EU, Schengen, or UK)
Required Documents
Residence Title/Card for EU/Schengen/UK + passport
Portuguese NIF
Foreign Tax ID
Proof of Address (≤12 months)
Proof of Professional/Income Status (≤6 months)
💰 Savings Expectations
No fixed requirement.
Proof of income or professional activity is usually enough.
If retired or living off assets, a bank statement may be requested.
3) Rest of World Nationals WITHOUT Residence Title (EU/Schengen/UK)
Who Qualifies?
Holder of a Residence Visa (D1–D8)
Applicant in process of Residence Visa (D1–D8)
Golden Visa (ARI) applicant
Alternative option (for property buyers): If you do not have a visa, you may still open an account by showing savings of at least €150,000. In this case, visa documents are not required, as the account is opened based on financial capacity.
Always Required Documents
Passport (valid 12+ months)
Portuguese NIF
Foreign Tax ID (if applicable)
Proof of Address (≤12 months)
Proof of Professional/Income Status (≤6 months)
Visa-Specific Requirements + Savings
D2 – Entrepreneur Visa
Business plan, company incorporation, or service contract (≥1 year).
💰 Expectation: €5,000–€10,000+ in savings.
D3 – Highly Qualified Activity Visa
Employment contract (≥1 year) with salary above thresholds.
💰 No fixed minimum. Bank may request a bank statement.
D4 – Higher Education, Internships & Volunteering
Acceptance letter + study plan (≥1 year).
💰 If self-funded, provide bank statement covering tuition/living costs.
D5 – Teaching / Cultural Activity Visa
Service/employment contract (≥1 year) OR invitation.
💰 No fixed minimum. Statement may be requested.
D7 – Passive Income / Retirement Visa
Pension documents OR proof of passive income.
💰 Expectation:~€9,840–€12,000 per adult
~€4,920–€6,000 per dependent adult
~€2,964–€3,600 per child
D8 – Digital Nomad Visa
Employment contract (≥1 year) + employer details.
💰 No fixed requirement, but banks may ask for 3–6 months of income statements.
Golden Visa (ARI)
Proof of qualifying investment.
💰 Expectation: investment itself (e.g., €500,000+). No additional savings needed.
💰 Savings Expectation Summary Table
Visa / Client Type | Typical Bank Savings Expectation | Notes |
EU/Schengen/UK Nationals | None | Only income/professional proof needed |
RoW with Residence Title (EU/Schengen/UK) | None | Income/professional proof required |
D2 – Entrepreneur | €5,000–€10,000+ | To support business plan/investment |
D3 – Highly Qualified | No fixed minimum | Contract & salary are main focus |
D4 – Higher Education | No fixed minimum | If self-funded, show funds for tuition/living |
D5 – Teaching / Cultural | No fixed minimum | Bank may request statement |
D7 – Passive Income / Retirees | ~€9,840–€12,000 per adult | Plus ~€4,920 per dependent adult, ~€2,964 per child |
D8 – Digital Nomad | No fixed minimum | May request 3–6 months income proof |
Golden Visa (ARI) | Investment threshold (e.g., €500,000) | Savings = investment itself |
⚠️ Please note: the savings figures above are guidelines based on typical bank expectations and visa requirements. Final approval always depends on the bank’s compliance team and may vary by branch or case. Having clear, organized documentation and a reasonable balance that aligns with your visa type will help ensure a smoother account opening process.