Which Bank Opens Bank Account Without Residence Card In Portugal?

Which Bank Opens Bank Account Without Residence Card in Portugal?

You are likely standing in a difficult position. You have your NIF and your passport, but traditional high-street banks like Santander, ActivoBank, or Novo Banco have likely turned you away because you lack a Título de Residência (Residence Card). This creates a critical problem.

You need a Portuguese bank account to show proof of subsistence for AIMA, but AIMA has not yet given you the card the banks demand. We understand this cycle is exhausting and leaves you feeling stuck in a legal loophole.

Direct Answer of Which Bank Opens Bank Account Without Residence Card in Portugal?

As of 2026, the primary traditional institution that consistently opens bank accounts for non-residents without a residence card is Banco Atlântico Europa.

This does not mean they ignore compliance rules. It means they have a specific department and digital infrastructure designed to verify international clients using only a Passport and NIF. It does NOT mean you can open an account with zero documentation; you must still prove your professional status and the origin of your funds.

Banco Atlântico Europa: Terms and Conditions

While most Portuguese banks have synchronized their systems to require a residence card for any new “resident” account, Banco Atlântico Europa maintains a pathway for those in transition. They operate primarily as a digital-first bank with a main hub in Lisbon.

Which Bank Opens Bank Account Without Residence Card?

1. Requirements for Opening

To open an account here without a residence card, you must apply as a non-resident or a “resident in process.” You will need:

A Valid Passport: They do not accept basic ID cards from non-EU countries.
Portuguese NIF: You must have the official PDF document from the Portal das Finanças.
Proof of Address: This is the most common point of failure. If you do not have a Portuguese address on your NIF, it can create problem. So, you must be having Junta de freguesia, issued in last 6 months.
Proof of Profession: A signed employment contract, a student enrollment letter, or a recent pay slip.

2. The Verification Process

Unlike traditional banks that require you to wait in line, Banco Atlântico Europa uses a video-call identification system. They also open account if you visit them in person. You must note that, if you are going to branch, make sure you arrive before time, because there are many people a single day to open the account. Banco Atlântico Europa only has 30 tokens each day to open account. That’s why you need to go early, if you are going to branch yourself.

Action: You download their mobile app and upload your documents.
The Interview: A bank officer will conduct a short video call to verify your face against your passport. They will ask about the purpose of the account and your expected monthly turnover.
Timeline: Once the video call ends, the compliance department usually takes 3 to 5 business days to activate the IBAN.

3. Costs and Minimums

You must be aware of the financial commitment. Opening this type of account is rarely free.

Maintenance Fees: Expect a monthly fee (often around €5.00 + stamp duty) unless you maintain a high balance.
Initial Deposit: You typically must make an initial transfer to activate the new Portuguese IBAN.

Why Other Banks Are Refusing You

It is important to understand what is happening inside the system. Most banks updated their internal risk software in late 2025. These systems now automatically flag any NIF that is not linked to a permanent residence permit as “High Risk.”

Banks like CGD or Millennium BCP may technically have the power to open your account, but branch managers often refuse to bypass the system’s “Residence Card” prompt to avoid personal liability. Banco Atlântico Europa remains the outlier because their business model specifically targets international residents and investors who are still in the middle of their immigration process.

What You Should Check Before Opening Account?

If you are currently without an account, do not keep walking from branch to branch of the same major banks. Follow these steps:

Check your NIF address: Ensure you know if your NIF is registered to a Portuguese address or a foreign one, as the bank will ask for proof of whichever is on the document.
Prepare your digital files: Scan your passport and NIF in high resolution.
Initiate the Digital Opening: Visit the Atlântico Europa Digital Account page to start the process immediately.

For more information, you can contact us.