OPENING A PORTUGUESE BANK ACCOUNT

Introduction

Opening a Portuguese bank account can make everyday life much easier when living in Portugal. It allows you to pay household bills, arrange direct debits, receive income and manage local payments without relying on an overseas account.

Choosing a Bank

Portugal has a wide choice of traditional banks and online banking services. Before opening an account, compare monthly charges, card fees, online banking facilities and international transfer costs.

Some banks offer accounts specifically designed for foreign residents, property buyers and people who are still living outside Portugal.

Documents You May Need

Banks will normally ask for proof of identity, your Portuguese NIF tax number, proof of your home address and information about your employment, pension or source of income.

The exact documents required can vary between banks, so it is sensible to check before visiting a branch or starting an online application.

Resident and Non-Resident Accounts

You may be able to open a Portuguese bank account before becoming a permanent resident. Non-resident accounts are available from some banks and are often useful for people purchasing property or preparing to move to Portugal.

Once your residency status changes, the bank may ask you to update your personal information and provide new documents.

Opening the Account

Many Portuguese banks allow you to begin the application online, although you may still need to visit a branch to confirm your identity and sign the final paperwork.

Once the account is approved, you will normally receive access to online banking, a debit card and the ability to arrange direct debits and standing payments.

Online and Mobile Banking

Most Portuguese banks provide secure online and mobile banking services. These allow you to check your balance, transfer money, pay bills and manage your account from your phone or computer.

Some banking apps are available in English, which can make managing your finances easier when you first arrive in Portugal.

Paying Household Bills

A Portuguese bank account is useful for paying electricity, water, internet, insurance and other regular household expenses. Many providers prefer payment by direct debit, which helps ensure that bills are paid on time.

You can also use your account for mortgage payments, property taxes and condominium charges.

International Transfers

If you are moving money from another country, check the bank’s exchange rates and transfer fees before sending large amounts. Specialist currency transfer services may sometimes offer better rates than traditional banks.

Always confirm the recipient details carefully before making a property-related or high-value transfer.

NEED HELP OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT

Opening a Portuguese bank account is an important step when buying property or relocating to Portugal. We can guide you through the process, explain the documents you will need and help make opening your account as simple and stress-free as possible. Whether you're purchasing a holiday home, investing in property or moving permanently, we're here to help you every step of the way.

Guide to Supermarkets in Portugal

Shopping for groceries in Portugal is simple, convenient and affordable, Whether you are relocating permanently, buying a holiday home or investing in property, you will find a wide range of supermarkets offering everything from fresh local produce to international brands. Many stores also provide bakeries, cafes, loyalty cards and home delivery services, making everyday shopping easy for residents and visitors alike.

woman in white coat holding green shopping cart

Popular Supermarkets in Portugal

Portugal offers an excellent range of supermarkets to suit every budget and lifestyle. Whether you are shopping for everyday essentials, premium groceries or international brands, you will find modern stores throughout the country. Most supermarkets offer fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery products, quality meat and fish, household goods, loyalty cards and convenient home delivery services in many areas.

Continente is Portugal’s largest supermarket chain and one of the country’s favourite places to shop. It offers a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, groceries and household essentials. Larger stores also sell clothing, electrical items and homeware. The Continente Card gives shoppers access to regular discounts, vouchers and special offers.

Pingo Doce

Pingo Doce is one of Portugal's best-known supermarket chains and is popular for its fresh food, quality products and excellent value. Many stores are located in town and city centres, making them convenient for everyday shopping. Customers will find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, dairy items and a wide selection of Portuguese and international groceries.

Many Pingo Doce stores also have an in-store café or restaurant serving freshly prepared meals at affordable prices. Regular promotions and a loyalty card help shoppers save even more, making Pingo Doce a favourite choice for both locals and visitors..

Mercadona

Continente

Mercadona is one of the fastest-growing supermarket chain in Portugal that has earned a strong reputation for quality, fresh produce and excellent customer service. Originally from Spain, Mercadona offers a carefully selected range of groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products and household essentials at competitive prices.

One of its biggest attractions is its own-brand products, which are well known for their quality and value. Stores are clean, modern and easy to navigate, with a focus on providing a pleasant shopping experience. Although Mercadona currently has fewer stores than some of Portugal's larger supermarket chains, it continues to expand across the country and has become a favourite with many residents and newcomers.

Lidl

Lidl is one of Portugal's most popular discount supermarkets, offering excellent value without compromising on quality. The stores provide a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, dairy items and everyday groceries at competitive prices.

Lidl is especially well known for its freshly baked bread and pastries, weekly special offers and seasonal products. Shoppers can also find household goods, kitchen equipment, gardening items, clothing and electrical products during its popular promotional events. With modern stores, efficient service and excellent value for money, Lidl has become a favourite choice for both Portuguese families and international residents.

Aldi

Aldi has become an increasingly popular supermarket in Portugal, offering high-quality products at affordable prices. The stores are known for their simple layout, efficient shopping experience and excellent value on everyday groceries.

Customers can choose from a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, bakery items and frozen foods, along with household essentials and carefully selected international products. Aldi is also well known for its weekly special buys, which include homeware, gardening equipment, kitchen accessories and seasonal items. Its focus on quality, value and convenience has made Aldi a popular choice for both local residents and people relocating to Portugal.

Auchan

Auchan is one of Portugal's largest hypermarket chains, offering an extensive range of products under one roof. Customers can shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, quality meat and seafood, bakery products, groceries, clothing, electronics, homeware and household essentials, making it a convenient destination for both daily shopping and larger purchases.

Many Auchan stores also include cafés, pharmacies, petrol stations and other useful services. The supermarket is well known for its competitive prices, regular promotions and wide selection of Portuguese and international products. With spacious stores and a strong focus on customer choice, Auchan is a popular shopping destination for families and visitors throughout Portugal.

Intermarché is a well-established supermarket chain in Portugal, with many stores serving both towns and rural communities. It offers a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, quality meat, fish, bakery products, groceries and household essentials at competitive prices.

Many Intermarché stores also include a butcher, fish counter and bakery, allowing customers to buy fresh local produce. Some larger stores have petrol stations and additional services, making them a convenient place for everyday shopping. With regular promotions, friendly service and a focus on quality and value, Intermarché is a popular choice for both Portuguese families and people living in Portugal.

Intermarché

E.Leclerc

E.Leclerc is a popular French supermarket and hypermarket chain with a growing presence across Portugal. It offers a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, quality meat and seafood, bakery products, groceries, household goods and everyday essentials at competitive prices.

Many E.Leclerc stores also feature clothing, homeware, electrical products and petrol stations, making them a convenient one-stop shopping destination. Customers appreciate the supermarket for its value, fresh local produce and regular special offers. With spacious stores and an excellent selection of both Portuguese and international products, E.Leclerc is a favourite choice for many families and residents throughout Portugal.

Minipreço

Minipreço is a well-known convenience supermarket chain in Portugal, offering affordable everyday groceries in easily accessible neighbourhood locations. Its smaller stores make it ideal for quick shopping trips, whether you need fresh produce, bread, dairy products, meat, frozen foods or household essentials.

Customers appreciate Minipreço for its competitive prices, regular promotions and convenient locations, particularly in towns and residential areas. While the stores are generally smaller than the major hypermarkets, they provide a good selection of everyday products, making them a popular choice for both local residents and visitors across Portugal.

Froiz

Froiz is a well-established supermarket chain in Portugal, particularly popular in the north and central regions of the country. It offers a good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, dairy items, groceries and household essentials.

Froiz stores are known for their friendly service, quality fresh produce and convenient neighbourhood locations. Many branches are smaller than the large hypermarkets, making them ideal for regular local shopping. With competitive prices and a strong focus on everyday essentials, Froiz is a trusted choice for families, residents and visitors in Portugal.