Non resident business accounts in Portugal

Snapshot

Non residents can open business accounts in Portugal, but a Portuguese NIF for the owners is generally required, and a non resident from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland usually needs a fiscal representative to obtain it. Neobanks can onboard remotely, while some traditional banks ask for in person identification.

First step: A Portuguese NIF for the owners, plus the NIPC for a company
Fiscal representative: Generally required for residents outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland
Documents: Passport or national identity card and proof of address, sometimes apostilled and translated
Remote onboarding: Available at some neobanks, in person identification at some banks, as of 7 May 2026

Fees and features as of 7 May 2026Last reviewed 7 May 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Non residents can open business accounts in Portugal, but the checks are heavier than for a resident. The owners generally need a Portuguese NIF, and a non resident whose tax address is outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland usually must appoint a fiscal representative to obtain it. A company also needs its NIPC and the RCBE beneficial owner filing. Neobanks and cross border providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business and Qonto onboard remotely and can be faster, while some traditional banks ask for in person identification. As of 7 May 2026, acceptance is never guaranteed, so verify your position with the provider.

Opening a business account in Portugal as a non resident

Non residents can open business accounts in Portugal, but the checks are heavier than for a resident and the first step is almost always a Portuguese tax number. A non resident whose tax address is outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland generally must appoint a fiscal representative when applying for a NIF or acquiring a Portuguese asset such as a bank account. A resident of the European Union or the European Economic Area can usually obtain a NIF without a representative. As of 7 May 2026, confirm what applies to your country of residence with the provider and the Autoridade Tributaria.

What a non resident usually needs

A Portuguese NIF for the owners, obtained with a fiscal representative where the owner lives outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
The company tax number, the NIPC, and the RCBE beneficial owner filing for a company.
A valid passport or national identity card and proof of address from the country of residence.
For documents issued abroad, an apostille and a certified translation may be required.

Traditional banks against neobanks

Traditional banks may ask for in person identification at a branch, which lengthens the timeline for someone abroad. Neobanks and cross border providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business and Qonto onboard remotely and can be faster, though each sets its own acceptance rules and a Portuguese NIF is still commonly required. Acceptance is never guaranteed. As of 7 May 2026, verify your specific position with the provider rather than assume.

Compare business accounts available in Portugal

These providers serve business customers in Portugal. Fees and eligibility shown as of 7 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about non resident accounts in Portugal

Can a non resident open a business account in Portugal?

Yes, non residents can open business accounts in Portugal, though the checks are heavier. A Portuguese NIF is generally required for the owners, and a non resident from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland usually needs a fiscal representative to obtain it. Acceptance varies by bank, so verify with the provider. As of 7 May 2026.

Do I need a fiscal representative?

If your tax address is outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you generally must appoint a fiscal representative when you apply for a NIF or acquire a Portuguese asset such as a bank account. A resident of the European Union or the European Economic Area can usually apply without one. Confirm your case with the Autoridade Tributaria or your adviser. As of 7 May 2026.

Do I need a NIF to open the account?

In practice yes. Most Portuguese banks require a NIF for the owners, whether resident or non resident, and a company also needs its NIPC. The NIF must be in place before the account is opened. Confirm with the provider. As of 7 May 2026.

Can I open the account remotely?

Sometimes. Neobanks and cross border providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business and Qonto onboard remotely, while some traditional banks ask for in person identification at a branch. Each provider sets its own rules and acceptance is not guaranteed, so confirm before you rely on it. As of 7 May 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 7 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Non resident accounts in Portugal