Renting in Portugal: Everything you need to know

Moving to Portugal is exciting, but figuring out where to live can be stressful. Whether you're moving for work, traveling as a digital nomad, or going to study, this guide answers all your questions so you can find your dream rental and avoid hiccups in the process.

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Table of contents

Can an American rent property in Portugal? How much is rent in Portugal? What documents do I need to rent in Portugal? Renting abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise Types of property to rent in Portugal How do I find a property to rent in Portugal? Things to consider when looking for a place to rent How to apply for a property to rent in Portugal Tenancy contracts in Portugal What’s the best city to rent in Portugal?

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Can an American rent property in Portugal?

There are no restrictions preventing foreigners from renting properties in Portugal.

While 77% of the Portuguese own their homes, cities like Lisbon and Porto are becoming more and more popular with expats who prefer renting an apartment in Portugal.¹

As long as you have all of your documents in order, renting in Portugal should be relatively straightforward.

How much is rent in Portugal?

Rental prices in Portugal have been steadily increasing over the last few years. In fact, they rose by a whopping 5.9% per square meter (m2) year-on-year in January 2024.²

Yet, Portugal is still one of the most affordable countries in Europe. You can expect to pay around 1,300 USD per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon.³ In contrast, a one-bedroom in Zurich, Switzerland can cost well over 2,000 USD per month.⁴

These prices can fluctuate based on demand, season, and specific neighborhoods. Average rent in Portugal tends to be higher in city centers and close to popular tourist attractions.

City	Monthly rent for 1-Bedroom
Lisbon	1,000-1,700 USD⁵
Porto	800-1,300 USD⁵
Faro	700-1,200 USD⁵
Coimbra	600-1,000 USD⁵
Cascais	1,100-1,900 USD⁵

Wondering how much that would cost in EUR? Check out this handy conversion calculator

What additional costs will apply?

In addition to making your monthly rent payment, you'll need to cover a rental deposit, utilities, and an internet bill. Some landlords include utility costs in the rental price, but it's rare, especially if your apartment has air conditioning and heating.

Category	Cost
Rental deposit	Two-three months’ rent⁶
Utilities	100-200 USD³
Internet	30-55 USD³

What documents do I need to rent in Portugal?

To rent property in Portugal as a foreigner, you'll need to get together a few documents. Here's what you'll typically need:

• A passport or another form of ID
• Portuguese fiscal number (Número de Identificação Fiscal, NIF)
• Proof of income (employment contract, bank statements, or tax return)

If you're a student, you may need a parent or a guardian to show proof of income documents on your behalf.

Landlords may also sometimes require a guarantor (fiador), especially if they're not satisfied with your proof of income.

Your guarantor must be a Portuguese resident, which can be a problem for people who've just moved to Portugal and don't know many people yet. If you don't have a guarantor, some landlords might ask you to pay 6-12 months' rent upfront.

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Types of property to rent in Portugal

When it comes to renting in Portugal, you have options. There are many living arrangements available to suit different tastes and budgets, especially in major cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Apartments

Apartment rentals are popular in cities and towns, ranging from studios to multi-bedroom units. Most are furnished apartments, but you may be able to negotiate to remove some of the furniture if you need to.

Generally speaking, most people in Portugal rent apartments. They typically have a fully-equipped kitchen, but some may not have a washing machine. In this case, you can use laundromats, which are popular in Portugal.

Vacation Rentals

Short-term rentals can be a great option when you're new to Portugal and want to spend some time exploring different areas and the rental market before committing to something more permanent.

Student Housing

Affordable housing options near universities, sometimes with shared facilities, are perfect for students on a budget.

Houses

It's hard to find houses for rent in cities like Lisbon and Porto, but you may find good options in suburban and rural areas for more space and privacy.

Flatshares

With the average rental prices going up in Portugal, many people are considering renting rooms in shared apartments, known as flatshares, to save money.

Considering buying instead of renting? Read our full guide on buying property in Portugal here.

How do I find a property to rent in Portugal?

Searching for a place to rent in Portugal may feel daunting at first, but there are a few effective ways to find a good rental.

Real estate agents

Using a real estate agent makes the search process simple, especially when you're unfamiliar with the local market.

Your agent can find listings that fit your requirements and budget, arrange viewings, handle negotiations, and support you as you go through the process.

Real estate agents charge a fee for their work, but it can be worth it for the convenience. Plus, most real estate agents speak English. This comes in handy if you don't speak Portuguese.

Online property portals

Websites like Idealista, OLX, and Imovirtual list rental properties in Portugal that you can filter by location, price, and property type to find the right option for you.

When you use an online platform, you will most likely have to communicate with the landlord directly, which typically requires speaking some Portuguese. That said, many people in Lisbon, Porto, and other big cities speak some English.

How to avoid scams when renting in Portugal

Unfortunately, rental scams can happen in Portugal like in any other country. To protect yourself, follow these tips:

• Verify the property and landlord to make sure that the property exists and the person renting it out is legitimate
• Avoid paying deposits or rent before seeing the property and signing a rental contract
• Use reputable, well-known websites and registered real estate agents
• Consider opening a bank account in Portugal or using a secure platform to transfer money like Wise

Overall, stay vigilant and use common sense to avoid scams. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Things to consider when looking for a place to rent

Not all rental properties in Portugal were made equal. Make a list of important factors for you to keep in mind as you investigate different properties.

Here are a few common things to consider:

Item	Details
Amenities	Look for grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, hospitals, schools, parks, and entertainment options for a higher quality of life
Repairs	Note any repairs the apartment needs and discuss them with the landlord so they can be fixed before you move in
Furnishing	Verify what furniture and appliances are included in the rental and make sure they're in good working order
Utilities	If utilities are not included, ask for an estimate of the monthly costs
Heating and cooling systems	Portugal gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so make sure that your apartment has heating and cooling systems or a portable heater
Lease term	In Portugal, a rental contract gets automatically renewed unless one of the parties ends it. Be sure to understand the duration of the lease and notice periods
Noise	Visit the rental to check for outside disruptions. City apartments may have traffic, construction, or nightlife noise
Subletting	Ask your landlord if you're allowed to sublet your apartment in case you're traveling or if you have a spare room for extra income

Don't commit to the first rental you see. Investigate different options and take your time to make an informed decision. With the rental property supply soaring by 81% in the first quarter of 2024, there are more than enough options for you in Portugal.⁷

How to apply for a property to rent in Portugal

The process of applying for a rental in Portugal is relatively straightforward.

Property agencies

When you work with a property agency, your agent will schedule viewings of a few places to rent in Portugal. You'll tour the properties together and will be able to ask questions about the conditions and amenities. Your real estate agent will help you translate if needed.

Once you decide what property you want to rent, you'll need to submit the required documents, including your ID, Número de Identificação Fiscal, and proof of income. Your real estate agent might help you prepare these documents or obtain any additional ones.

Then, you'll sign your contract and pay the deposit. You'll also need to start paying your rent on the date outlined in your contract.

Private landlords

The steps of applying to rent a property from a private landlord are similar to working with an agency. You'll need to schedule a viewing, submit the necessary documents, and sign your contract.

The difference is that you're on your own and need to manage all of the communication and document prep by yourself. This can make the process more stressful, especially if you don't speak Portuguese.

There's typically little room to negotiate your rent with the landlords. You're welcome to try, but the rental market in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro is competitive, so there's a lot of demand. It may be easier to negotiate housing in Portugal in a smaller town or rural area.

Tenancy contracts in Portugal

Tenancy contracts in Portugal are called contrato de arrendamento. They are legally binding documents that outline the terms of your rental agreement and protect both you and your landlord.

A standard contract typically includes:

• Names and IDs of both parties
• Property address
• The rent amount and when it must be paid
• Contract duration

Rental contracts in Portugal can be either fixed-term (contrato com prazo certo) or open-ended (contrato por duração indeterminada). Usually, the contracts have a minimum duration of one year and renew automatically unless one of the parties terminates it.

If you want to end the contract, you must give at least two months' notice. The same applies to your landlord, but it's typically much harder for landlords to end contracts than it is for tenants.

Tenant laws and rights in Portugal

Portuguese laws are tenant-friendly.

Landlords are required to give a 2-month notice for terminating a lease, and can only start the eviction process if the tenant hasn't paid rent for 3 months.

If the landlord needs to renovate the property, they must find you a new accommodation in the same area. If you paid for any necessary renovations, you have the right to get reimbursed.

Your landlord can keep your deposit if there's any damage to the rental. To resolve disputes, visit Associação dos Inquilinos e Condóminos do Norte de Portugal.

What’s the best city to rent in Portugal?

The best city to rent in Portugal depends on your personal preferences because each of them has its unique charm and advantages. Living in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Cascais is more expensive than renting in smaller cities like Faro and Coimbra.

Lisbon

The most famous Portuguese city, Lisbon, is rich with culture and historic charm. It may not be the cheapest place to rent in Portugal, but its mild climate and diverse neighborhoods more than make up for it.

In April 2024, the average rental price in Lisbon was 20.89 USD per square meter.⁵

Porto

Porto is Portugal's second-largest city, and its historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to Lisbon as well as an impressive art scene.

The average rent in Porto is 15.04 USD per square meter depending on your neighborhood.⁵

Faro

Expats and locals alike move to Faro for its beautiful beaches and cobbled streets. It has a slower pace of life than cities like Lisbon and Porto, and you can expect to pay 14.72 USD per square meter in rent.⁵

Coimbra

A historic city in central Portugal, Coimbra is one of the most affordable cities in Portugal. You can expect the average rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center to run a little over 1,200 USD.⁸

In Lisbon, you'd be paying 2,500+ USD for similar accommodation.⁵

Cascais

A coastal town located just a short train ride from Lisbon, Cascais is known for its upscale living. It's one of the most expensive places to live in Portugal, with an average 3-bedroom apartment costing between 1,500 USD and 3,300 USD per month in rent.⁹

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Renting in Portugal gives you an opportunity to live in one of Europe's most beautiful countries. The only problem? Transferring money overseas often gets complicated and costs you in fees.

Take on the world with Wise and start sending, spending, and converting your money like a local, all at the mid-market exchange rate.

Read further
Moving to Portugal: full guide for Americans Cost of living in Portugal: Your guide Work in Portugal: Getting a Portuguese work visa How to retire to Portugal: A complete guide

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Sources:

1. Supercasa - To buy or to rent? 77% of the Portuguese continue to prefer to own their homes
2. Idealista - Rental prices rose 5.9% per m2 in Portugal in January 2024
3. Portugal.com - Cost of living in Lisbon
4. GlobalHealth - Cost of living in Switzerland
5. Statista - Average price of housing for rent in Portugal by region
6. Expatica - Renting in Portugal and tenants’ rights
7. The Portugal News - Portugal rental property supply soars
8. Numbeo - Property prices in Coimbra
9. GoldCrest Portugal Real Estate - Cost of living in Cascais

Sources checked on 07.29.2024