Opening a bank account from overseas

Hi Philip,
To open a portuguese bank account you must have a physical address. If you are applying as non-resident you will need to provide proof of your home country address, if you apply as resident in Portugal you will need to provide proof of your Portuguese address.

But first you will need to request a NIF as non-resident. Having a valid NIF is a requirement that applies to both resident and non-resident individuals. You will need to hold a valid NIF if you plan to engage in any activities such as purchase or sell properties, get a bank account in Portugal, get a driving license, ...


You can request NIF prior to your arrival in Portugal:

If you cannot be physically present to apply for a NIF number you can name a legal representative to apply on your behalf. According to Portuguese law, your legal representative can be any Portuguese citizen or individual who is a permanent resident in Portugal. You will need to provide your legal representative you with a PoA (Power of Attorney), which grants them the right to represent and act on your behalf.

NIFs can be requested:
- by you or by your legal representative, at the Tax Office or the Citizen’s Bureau in Portugal, or
- by using internet, at the Portuguese Tax Authority Website (Portal das Finanças), BUT only by your legal representative.

The application procedure is straight forward and a minimum set of documents is required. To submit your application, you will need to provide a valid ID (passport or ID card*) and proof of residency. Children, who do not hold a passport or an ID card, can use their birth certificate.

If you are applying as non-resident you will need to provide your home country address, if you apply as resident you will need to provide proof of your Portuguese address. NIF numbers are issued upon application, meaning that you will receive your numbers as soon as your application is approved.

*EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can apply using their national ID cards. All other individuals should apply using their passport.


How to open a Portuguese bank account as EU-citizens and Non EU-citizens:

https://nomadgate.com/open-portuguese-bank-account/https://www.golden-visa-portugal.info/r … ers-expatshttps://www.portugalproperty.com/financ … -portugal/

Hi Johnny,
Thank you for the detailed explanation. I already have a NIF, but I don't have a physical address in Portugal as I am still in Singapore.

I attempted to apply for a bank account with activo, millennium bcp and also santander, all of them rejected me because they say  I don't have a citizen card and don't have a Portugal address even though I have a NIF registered already.

Some of the banks even need a mobile key to apply but since I don't have a registered address or citizen card, I don't have access to get the mobile key.

I hoping if you can help to point me to a bank in Portugal that allows a non resident to apply for a bank account without a Portuguese address and also without a citizen card.

I am lost now because the resident visa requires a bank account in Portugal and I don't have one, so my application will be denied.

Can you help me to let me know which bank in Portugal that I can apply for, from Singapore?

I read that many people say it can be done, but with my attempts, all 3 have rejected me and activo actually gave me a video call and say that they don't do opening of account because I am a foreigner and don't have a resident card and address.

Thank you so much Johnny.

Philip

The answer is here:
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 55#4980870

Please, you don't need to repeat the same question in more than one thread

Dear Johnny,

Thank you! So sorry, cos I'm not very familiar with forum writings.

Regards
Philip