Moving to Portugal: visas, banking and SIM cards

By Inês Carvalho, Portugal host 13 October 2026 6 min read

Explore a bustling street scene in Lisbon, Portugal, featuring stunning classic architecture and lively urban traffic. — Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels

The air in Lisbon right now carries that specific October weight—mild enough to walk without a jacket by midday, but with a grey sky threatening the first real rains of the season. If you are standing here, perhaps near the chestnut roasters just starting up their stalls on Rua da Prata, you might be feeling the thrill of arrival mixed with the sudden, sharp anxiety of logistics. The city is alive, yes, but it is also a bureaucracy. I remember my first week vividly: the confusion of trying to open a bank account with only a passport and no proof of address, the frustration of SIM cards that wouldn’t activate, and the sheer relief when the pieces finally clicked into place. This is not a guide to tourism; this is your survival manual for the first fourteen days.

Before You Land: The Paper Trail

In Portugal, nothing happens without a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). It is your tax number, and it is the key to almost everything: signing a lease, opening a bank account, buying a SIM card, even registering for utilities. If you are an EU citizen, this is relatively straightforward. For non-EU residents moving long-term, you can obtain a NIF before you arrive through a fiscal representative, or upon entry at certain AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) offices. Do not wait until you are settled to sort this out; landlords will not sign contracts without it.

Your visa status dictates your next steps. Short stays fall under the Schengen 90/180-day rule. If you plan to stay longer, you need a national residence visa. Common routes include the D7 for passive income holders, which currently requires proving around €920 per month (matching the national minimum wage), or the D8 digital nomad visa, requiring roughly €3,680 monthly. There is also the D2 for entrepreneurs. Once you have your visa, you must apply for your residence permit card through AIMA. Expect fees of approximately €133 plus €114.30 for the card issuance. While you wait for your appointment, ensure you register your address at your local Junta de Freguesia to get an atestado de residência, and update your NIF to reflect your Portuguese address within 60 days of becoming a tax resident.

Banking on the Tagus

You cannot live in Lisbon without a local bank account. Rent is typically paid via direct debit (débito direto), and many services require it. The onboarding process can feel slow compared to what you might be used to elsewhere. You will need your NIF, passport, proof of address (that registration certificate from the Junta de Freguesia helps immensely), and proof of source of funds. Some banks may ask for your visa approval letter.

The major players you will encounter are Millennium BCP, Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD), Novo Banco, Santander Totta, and ActivoBank. Many newcomers find success with ActivoBank due to its branch-light, digital-first approach, though traditional branches like those in Chiado or near the Sé offer more personal service if you struggle with apps. Banco de Portugal guarantees a minimum banking-services account for everyone, regardless of status, if you are rejected elsewhere. However, most people keep a low-cost transfer service like Wise as a backup for moving money in, while using the local bank for daily expenses. Be prepared for paperwork; patience is your best currency here.

Connectivity and Communication

A Portuguese phone number is effectively mandatory. It is required for the Chave Móvel Digital (Digital Mobile Key), which is essential for accessing government portals, tax documents, and even some banking features. You do not need to commit to a long-term contract immediately. Visit one of the stores for MEO, NOS, or Vodafone at the airport or in the mall. Prepaid tourist SIMs are widely available and affordable. Look for plans running roughly €10–15 per month for decent data and call allowances. Avoid buying from unofficial street vendors; stick to official carrier stores to ensure the SIM is properly registered and activated.

While you are setting up your digital life, take time to explore the physical layers of the city. Start in Alfama, the oldest quarter, where medieval lanes survived the 1755 earthquake. Or wander through Mouraria, the historic Moorish quarter below the castle, now vibrant with diverse communities. These neighborhoods offer a sense of history that precedes the modern bureaucratic hurdles you are facing.

Navigating Daily Life and Transit

Lisbon’s terrain is unforgiving, so mastering public transport is not just about saving money—it is about preserving your sanity. The integrated system is managed by Transportes Metropolitanos de Lisboa (TML). You should purchase a Cartão Lisboa Viva, which costs €7 initially (or ~€12 to replace if lost). Load it with the Navegante pass. For most expats living in the city, the Navegante Municipal at €30 per month is sufficient, covering unlimited travel within Lisbon. If you work in Cascais or Oeiras, you will need the Navegante Metropolitano at €40, which covers all 18 municipalities in the area.

Fares were frozen recently, but single rides on Carris buses or the Metro cost around €1.90. Note that construction is ongoing; for instance, check for closures at Praça de Espanha station on the Blue line, or be aware of planned disruptions on the segment between Terreiro do Paço and Santa Apolónia due to drainage tunnel works. If you prefer taxis, expect a base fare of €3.49 plus roughly €0.94 per kilometer. For short hops, walking is often faster, provided you are willing to climb hills.

Food and drink remain some of the cheapest aspects of living here compared to other Western European capitals. An inexpensive meal at a local restaurant like Taberna Sal Grosso or A Nossa Casa will set you back around €14.57. A coffee (bica) at a café like The Folks Blue Street costs about €0.65–1.00. However, housing is the main squeeze. A modest one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about €1,267 per month, which is tight against an average net salary near €1,280. Consider areas slightly further out, like Príncipe Real or parts of Alcântara near LX Factory, for better value.

Lisbon is generally safe, but opportunistic pickpocketing is a real risk, particularly on Tram 28 between Martim Moniz and Sé, and around Praça do Comércio. Keep bags in front of you. Locals often recommend Tram 12E for similar scenery with fewer crowds. Beyond theft, the biggest social challenge is language. While English is spoken in tourist hubs, learning basic Portuguese is crucial for integration. Attend local events, visit the Feira da Ladra flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, or join community groups. The mood in the city is currently tense regarding housing and tourism, so be respectful and mindful of the local debates.

As autumn deepens, look forward to São Martinho, when roasted chestnuts and new wine fill the streets. Getting your admin sorted allows you to stop worrying and start living. The view from Castelo de São Jorge at sunset, or the quiet reverence of Jerónimos Monastery, will remind you why you chose to stay. Take it one step at a time: NIF, then bank, then SIM, then home. You’ve got this.

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need to prove for a D7 visa in Portugal?

For 2026, the D7 visa for passive income requires proving a monthly income of approximately €920, which aligns with the national minimum wage.

What is the cost of a monthly public transport pass in Lisbon?

The Navegante Municipal pass for unlimited travel within Lisbon city is €30 per month. The broader Navegante Metropolitano pass covering the entire metropolitan area is €40 per month.

Can I open a Portuguese bank account without a NIF?

No. The NIF (tax number) is a mandatory requirement for opening any bank account in Portugal. You must obtain this before approaching banks like Millennium BCP or ActivoBank.

Where can I buy a reliable SIM card in Lisbon?

Purchase SIM cards directly from official carriers like MEO, NOS, or Vodafone at airports, malls, or their branded stores. Avoid unofficial vendors to ensure proper activation for services like Chave Móvel Digital.

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