What you can do online, and what requires you to be there in person
You can start a bank account application online with most Portuguese banks, but you cannot complete it entirely remotely unless you are already a resident with a Portuguese tax number (NIF). Banks will let you fill out forms, upload documents, and begin verification online, but nearly all require you to visit a branch in person at some point to sign documents and confirm your identity with a physical ID.
The one exception is if you open an account with a digital-only bank that operates in Portugal—these sometimes allow full remote opening for EU citizens. But traditional banks like Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Banco BPI, and Santander Portugal will ask you to come in. If you are not in Portugal yet, you can prepare your documents and start the process, but you will need to schedule a branch visit before the account goes live.
The timeline matters: if you are moving to Portugal and need an account before you arrive, start the online application now. Most banks will hold your application for 30 to 60 days while you arrange travel to a branch. If you wait until you land, you can often complete the in-person step within a week.
Key Takeaways
- Most Portuguese banks allow you to begin an account application online, but require an in-person visit to a branch to finish it.
- You will need a valid passport or ID card, proof of address (utility bill or rental contract), and a Portuguese tax number (NIF) or proof you have applied for one.
- Digital-only banks operating in Portugal may allow full remote opening for EU citizens, but traditional banks do not.
- The entire process from online start to active account usually takes two to four weeks if you can visit a branch within that window.
Documents you need before you start an online application
Gather these before you fill out any form: a valid passport or national ID card, proof of your current address (a utility bill, rental contract, or bank statement from your home country dated within the last three months), and your employment status or source of income. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, bring a recent tax return or business registration document.
You will also need a Portuguese tax number (NIF). If you do not have one yet, you can request it at a Portuguese consulate in your home country, or you can apply for it after you arrive in Portugal at the tax office (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira). Many banks will let you start the application with a note that you have applied for a NIF and will provide it before your in-person visit.
Some banks ask for proof of income—a recent payslip, employment contract, or letter from your employer. If you are retired or living on savings, bring a bank statement showing your account balance. Have these documents in digital form (scanned or photographed) ready to upload during the online application.
Which Portuguese banks accept online applications from outside Portugal
Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD), the largest state-owned bank, accepts online applications from abroad and will let you upload documents remotely. You will still need to visit a branch to sign and verify your identity, but you can do most of the paperwork before you travel.
Banco BPI and Santander Portugal both have online application portals. Banco BPI's process is faster for EU citizens; Santander's can take longer if you are applying from outside the EU. Both require a branch visit to complete the account opening.
For digital-only options, Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) operate in Portugal and allow full remote account opening for EU citizens without requiring a branch visit. These are not traditional banks—they are payment platforms—but they give you an IBAN, allow direct deposits, and work for most everyday transactions. They are worth considering if you need an account quickly and do not need a full range of banking services.
The in-person step: what happens at the branch
When you visit a Portuguese branch, bring your original passport or ID card, the documents you uploaded (printed or on your phone), and any additional paperwork the bank requested by email. The branch staff will verify your identity against your documents, confirm your address, and ask you to sign the account agreement and any related forms.
This visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The bank will issue you a card (debit card, not credit) on the spot or mail it to your Portuguese address within five to seven business days. Your account number and IBAN will be active immediately after you sign, so you can receive transfers the same day, but you may not be able to use your card until it arrives.
If you cannot visit a branch yourself, some banks allow a family member or authorized representative to sign on your behalf, but you will need to provide a notarized power of attorney document. This adds time and cost, so it is usually faster to visit yourself.
Timeline from online start to account ready to use
If you apply online today and can visit a branch within two weeks, you will have an active account within 14 to 21 days. The online part takes two to five business days for the bank to review your documents and send you a branch appointment. The in-person visit takes one day. Your card arrives five to seven business days after that.
If you are applying from outside Portugal and cannot visit a branch immediately, the bank will hold your application for 30 to 60 days. Once you arrive and visit the branch, the final steps take another week. Plan for four to six weeks total if you are starting from abroad.
Digital-only banks like Revolut and Wise are much faster: you can have an active account and a virtual card within hours, and a physical card within seven to ten business days. But these do not offer the full range of services a traditional bank does—no overdraft, no loans, no investment accounts.
What to do if the bank rejects your application
Banks reject applications most often because the address proof is too old, the income documentation is unclear, or the tax number is missing. If your application is rejected, the bank will email you explaining why. You can reapply immediately with corrected documents.
If you have no income or savings, some banks will reject you outright. In that case, try a digital-only bank or a smaller regional bank—they have looser requirements. You may also need to provide a letter from a family member or employer confirming financial support.
If you are not an EU citizen, the process is slower and more restrictive. Non-EU citizens often need a residence permit, a work visa, or proof of enrollment in a Portuguese school before a bank will open an account. Some banks refuse non-EU applicants entirely. Check with the bank's customer service before you apply.
After your account opens: what you can do immediately and what takes longer
Your account number and IBAN are active the moment you sign at the branch. You can receive bank transfers, direct deposits, and standing orders immediately. You can also set up online banking access the same day.
Your debit card usually arrives within five to seven business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at ATMs using your online banking PIN, or you can visit the branch and ask for a temporary card.
If you want a credit card or overdraft, that takes longer—usually two to four weeks—because the bank needs to run a credit check. Portugal uses a credit reporting system, but if you are new to the country, you will have no history, so approval is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Portuguese bank account if I do not live in Portugal yet?
Yes, you can start the application online, but you will need to visit a branch in person to finish it. Most banks will hold your application for 30 to 60 days while you arrange travel. Digital-only banks like Revolut allow full remote opening for EU citizens.
Do I need a Portuguese address to open an account?
No, but you need proof of your current address wherever you live. If you are moving to Portugal and do not have a Portuguese address yet, use your current home address. Once you have a Portuguese address, you can update it with the bank.
What if I do not have a Portuguese tax number yet?
You can apply for a NIF at a Portuguese consulate before you travel, or after you arrive at the tax office. Most banks will let you start the application with a note that you have applied for a NIF and will provide it before your branch visit.
How long does it take to get a debit card after I open the account?
Five to seven business days if the bank mails it to your Portuguese address. Some branches can issue a temporary card the day you sign, or you can withdraw cash at ATMs using your online banking PIN while you wait.
Is a digital bank like Revolut as good as a traditional Portuguese bank?
For everyday spending and transfers, yes. For loans, overdrafts, or investment accounts, no. Digital banks are faster to open and cheaper to run, but they do not offer the full range of services. Choose based on what you actually need.