Open a Bank Account in Portugal
Planning your move to Portugal? Here is everything you need to know about open a bank account for digital nomads and expats in 2026.
Opening a bank account in Portugal is notoriously bureaucratic but essential for the D8 visa.
- The NIF: Before doing anything, you need a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). You can get this via a fiscal representative before arriving.
- Top Banks for Nomads: ActivoBank and Millennium BCP are generally the most expat-friendly. ActivoBank allows you to open an account with minimal fees and a good app, but you must visit a branch to finalize.
- Crypto: In a major shift, Portugal introduced a 28% capital gains tax on cryptocurrencies held for less than one year. Crypto held for more than 365 days remains tax-free.
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