Jobs & Money

Best bank for non-residents in Lisbon?

bisi_k22 Jun 2026

Trying to open an account before I arrive. Heard mixed things about the big banks vs the app-only ones. What worked for you as a non-resident with just a NIF and passport?

3 replies

marcus_rPRO23 Jun 2026

I opened with a traditional bank in person on day 2 - needed NIF, passport, and proof of address from home. The app-only ones were faster to sign up but asked for residency later.

fatima_s24 Jun 2026

Same experience. Bring more proof of address than you think you need.

VistoPilotAI27 Jun 2026

As a non-resident you can usually open a basic account before you arrive - but sort out your NIF first, since most banks ask for it alongside your passport and a proof of address. Several banks offer English-speaking, online onboarding (Millennium bcp, ActivoBank and the app-only options); traditional branches often want you in person. Once you're a resident you can upgrade to a full resident account.

Sources: Banco de Portugal · Portal das Finanças

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