Renting an Apartment in Portugal: A Detailed Guide for 2025

Renting a home is one of the most popular ways to adapt to a new life in Portugal, especially for those who have just relocated, are on long-term travel, or are planning to apply for a residence permit. In 2025, the real estate market continues to offer a wide range of options for different lifestyles, and for many newcomers, it is an optimal way to settle in and explore the country. Renting is beneficial for many reasons: it reduces the burden of immediate large investments, provides flexibility in choosing a location, and allows time to study the area and local specifics. This article explains how to find housing in Portugal, what to consider when signing a lease, how to avoid pitfalls, and how to choose the optimal option based on your goals, budget, and personal preferences.

Why Renting in Portugal Is a Smart Choice

For many foreigners, renting property in Portugal provides stability without long-term commitments. This approach helps avoid significant financial obligations at the beginning of the journey, allows for a more flexible adjustment to new conditions, and makes it easy to change regions or neighborhoods. In addition, renting is often cheaper than a mortgage — especially in the short term.

In Portugal, many landlords are willing to offer housing for long periods with clear conditions. With a properly executed rental agreement, tenants receive all necessary rights and can register at the address in SEF, SNS, and other institutions. Furthermore, short-term rentals (for up to 1 year), often available on platforms like Idealista and Digital Nomad Hub or Trovit, can also serve as a good solution for the first stage, especially when minimum commitments are desired.

Real Estate Rental Market in Portugal in 2025

Overview of the Current Market Situation

As of early 2025, the rental market in Portugal is characterized by high demand and rising prices in major cities and tourist areas. Monthly rents in Lisbon range from €1,000 to €1,900 for a one-bedroom apartment. In Porto, average rents range from €800–1,100, depending on the location. In the Algarve, prices vary depending on seasonality, with a range of €1,100–2,500.

The market continues to stabilize. The government is introducing new measures to protect tenants, simplify the rental process (Arrendamento Acessível program), and regulate rental contracts.

Popular Rental Regions

• Lisbon: Ideal for those working in international companies or studying. Central neighborhoods are expensive but convenient. Eastern and northern districts are cheaper, but transportation costs should be considered.
  
• Porto: A cultural center with developed infrastructure and affordable rent.
  
• Cascais and Oeiras: Prestigious coastal areas suitable for families and retirees.
  
• The Algarve: Great for those who love the sea, especially in autumn and winter. Ideal for Lagos, Faro, Portimão — all popular rental areas with a resort feel.
  
• Madeira and the Azores: Islands with a special rhythm of life and affordable prices.
  

Seasonality and Demand

The busiest rental period is July through September. Many apartments are rented short-term to tourists, and landlords are reluctant to sign long-term contracts during this time. Ideal months for moving in are spring and early autumn. During this period, there is more choice and opportunities to negotiate terms with owners.

Searching and Choosing an Apartment

Renting in Portugal often begins with a rather difficult stage — the search for a suitable apartment. Many landlords prefer to communicate in Portuguese, and websites do not always have English-language versions. It’s important to be patient and ready for regular communication with property owners or agents. Often, landlords do not respond immediately, so it’s worth sending multiple inquiries and being persistent. Viewing the property in person is crucial: photos may not reflect the real condition, and you need to check not only the housing but also the neighborhood, noise levels, and surrounding infrastructure.

Where to Look: Reliable Sources You Can Trust

Apartment searches are often accompanied by non-professional listings and dubious agents. To avoid scams and wasted time, it’s important to use trusted sources that provide verified listings and direct contact with property owners. In 2025, the most reliable and up-to-date resources include the following websites:

• Idealista: One of the main platforms for finding real estate. Many listings are published directly by owners, both for long- and short-term rent. The site offers filters by region, number of rooms, amenities, rental duration, and price.
  
• imovirtual.com — второй по популярности портал. Часто дублирует предложения с Idealista, но бывают и уникальные варианты.
  
• OLX.pt и CustoJusto.pt — сайты объявлений от частных лиц. На этих площадках часто публикуются предложения без участия агентов, а значит, без агентской комиссии. Однако здесь есть вероятность мошенничества, поэтому при работе с OLX и CustoJusto важно проявлять максимальную осторожность.
  
• Группы в Facebook и Telegram — в Lisbon, Porto, Algarve действуют десятки локальных групп вроде “Rentals in Lisbon”, “Apartments in Cascais”, где владельцы публикуют объявления без участия агентов. Однако в таких чатах нет никакой модерации, поэтому особенно важно проверять подлинность объявлений.
  

Совет: заведите таблицу (например, в Google Sheets), в которой будете фиксировать интересные варианты, район/адрес, цену, контакты, дату просмотра и ваши комментарии. Это поможет не потеряться в потоках информации и объективно сравнить предложения.

How to Choose the Right Neighborhood: Non-obvious Factors and Real Cases

Choosing a neighborhood depends not only on budget, but also on lifestyle, plans for relocation, and work or study. So, don’t limit yourself to a single criterion — you might end up in an inconvenient or even unsafe area with an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Here are some examples:

1. Transport Accessibility. For instance, in Lisbon, it’s more comfortable to live near the red metro line Alameda – Saldanha if you work in the business center or study at the university. In Porto, many families choose areas like Trindade and Casa da Música.
   
2. Language Environment. If you don’t yet speak Portuguese, it’s easier to adapt in areas where English is widely spoken — these are usually districts with many expats. In Lisbon, these include Alvalade and some parts of the historical center; in Porto, they include Cedofeita and areas near universities.
   
3. Safety. While Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, there are still less favorable areas. Tourists are often targeted by pickpockets. It’s better to avoid deserted or poorly lit locations. Even if an apartment is cheaper — check the safety of the area.
   
4. Noise and Crowds. Lisbon city center (e.g., Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré) is noisy and lively, often packed with tourists. Even though the housing there is attractive, it might not be the best place for those looking for peace and quiet — consider neighborhoods away from tourist routes.

Example: A couple with a child chose to rent an apartment in Lisbon. They liked Alvalade for its historical charm, but every day they had to walk along noisy tourist routes, pass through construction zones, and the apartment turned out to be cold and poorly insulated. Then they looked at Lumiar — a quiet district with lots of greenery, pleasant areas for walking, and excellent schools. This choice turned out to be more suitable for the family.

How to Properly Evaluate an Apartment: Not Just Square Meters

The first impression from the apartment can be deceiving. A stylish renovation and new furniture may hide poor insulation, poor lighting, or an uncomfortable neighborhood. Below is a detailed checklist of what to pay attention to when inspecting the property:

• Condition of windows and doors. Plastic windows are not always a guarantee of good insulation. Wooden frames are often drafty. Check for external noise and heat loss.
  
• Lighting. Many buildings often face neighboring walls or internal courtyards. Check for natural light, especially if the apartment is on the lower floors.
  
• Furniture and appliances. Some “furnished” apartments include only a worn-out sofa and a tiny table. Clarify what is included and, if possible, ask for photos.
  
• Moisture and smell. The smell of dampness is a red flag. Mold often hides in closets and corners.
  
• Energy efficiency certificate (Certificado Energético). This document is mandatory for the contract. It shows the energy efficiency level of the apartment (from A+ to F). Low classes — F and E — mean high electricity bills and poor insulation. According to law 118/2013, landlords are required to provide this certificate before signing the lease agreement.
  
• Additional costs. In Portugal, rent is often accompanied by:
  
  • Utilities (water, gas, electricity) — on average €80–150 per month.
    
  • Condominium (condomínio) — building maintenance fees, especially in new buildings (€20–100 per month).
    
  • Internet and TV — €30–50 per month.

Legal and Financial Aspects of Renting

When it comes to renting an apartment in Portugal, it’s very important to understand not only the rental regulations but also the legal form of the relationship between the tenant and the landlord. In the informal case, there is a high risk of conflict due to a lack of responsibility, unregulated conditions, or even the threat of forced eviction. Below is a detailed breakdown of key legal and financial points that every tenant should consider in 2025.

Lease Agreement (Contrato de Arrendamento): What Must Be Included

Any rental relationship in Portugal should be formalized through a written lease agreement signed by both parties. This requirement is enshrined in the Portuguese Civil Code (Código Civil), Article 1022 and beyond, as well as in the Lei do Arrendamento Urbano.

It’s important to understand that only a written agreement protects the tenant. Only a written contract allows you to:

• Register the lease with the tax authority (through the landlord or Finanças, the Portuguese tax office).
  
• Defend your rights in court in case of disputes;
  
• Officially pay rent (by transfer) and confirm payments.
  

Mandatory details in the agreement:

• Personal details: full name, NIF number, address.
  
• Apartment details: address of the property.
  
• Lease term: must be clearly defined (for example, 1 year with the possibility of extension).
  
• Payment terms and methods: amount, due date, payment method.
  
• Rent amount (in euros).
  
• Responsibilities for utility payments.
  
• Terms of termination (by either party, with or without notice, and under what conditions).

Rental Period. In 2025, most contracts are signed for a minimum of 1 year with automatic renewal, unless another period is specified by mutual agreement (for example, 6–12 months). A short-term fixed-term contract is also possible (for instance, for 6 months), but in this case, the tenant should clarify this through a Contrato de Duração Limitada, otherwise automatic renewal may apply.

Deposit and Guarantees: caução, fiador, and Other Requirements

A deposit (commonly referred to as caução) is a standard practice in rental agreements. Usually, the landlord requires:

• 1 to 2 months of rent as a deposit;
  
• Sometimes — an additional guarantee, especially if the tenant does not have stable income in Portugal.
  

For example, you may be asked to provide:

• Fiador — a guarantor with a permanent income and tax residency in Portugal. If the tenant cannot pay, the fiador must cover the rent.
  
• Adiantamento — rent paid several months in advance, especially if the tenant does not have credit history in the country.
  

Important: the deposit is refunded after the tenant vacates, if the return of the apartment is consistent with the contract. It is usually refunded within 30 days after moving out, if there are no damages or unpaid rent. If the landlord delays the refund for no valid reason — you can try to resolve the issue through court.

Tip: when transferring a deposit, always specify it as a deposit (caução) and indicate the amount. This will be your financial safety net.

Rights and Responsibilities of the Parties: Tenant and Landlord

Tenants and landlords have mutual obligations, and violation of these obligations can be the basis for terminating the rental agreement. These obligations are regulated by Portuguese law (Código Civil, artigos 1039–1113):

Tenant’s Rights and Obligations:

• Pay rent on time, as specified in the contract.
  
• Use the apartment for the stated purpose (for example, not to set up an office in a residential property without the owner’s consent).
  
• Maintain cleanliness and keep the home in a habitable condition.
  

• The landlord is obligated to carry out any major repairs in the event of serious problems (roof leaks, heating malfunctions, electrical issues — not caused by the tenant and not resolved independently).
  
• Do not make significant alterations without written consent (for example, you cannot demolish walls or replace windows on your own).

Legal and Financial Aspects of Renting

When it comes to renting an apartment in Portugal, it’s very important to understand not only regional differences, but also the legal nature of the relationship between landlord and tenant. In case of informal arrangements, there is a high risk of misunderstanding, insecurity, violation of obligations, and even legal problems. Below is a detailed breakdown of key legal and financial aspects that should be considered by every tenant in 2025.

Landlord’s Rights and Obligations

• Provide housing suitable for habitation.
  
• Ensure necessary conditions of safety and comfort (electricity, plumbing, furniture, etc.).
  
• Carry out repairs in case of breakdowns or force majeure at their own expense.
  
• Regularly issue recibos (receipts) for payment.
  
• Register the contract with the tax office under Article 3-B of Lei n.º 6/2006 and Decreto-Lei n.º 160/2006.
  

Example: if there is a pipe burst due to old communications — the landlord is obligated to fix the issue at their own cost. But if the damage was caused by the tenant’s negligence — the repair is paid for by the tenant.

Taxes and Fees: What the Tenant Must Pay Themselves

From a tax perspective, the obligation to pay taxes falls not on the tenant, but on the landlord. However, if the landlord does not declare income, there is a risk that you are not protected by any official documents, and the cost of rent may be inflated.

• IRS — Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Singulares. This is a tax on individual income. If the landlord receives income from renting out property, they are obligated to report it and pay tax.
  
  • If the landlord is an individual, the rate depends on the amount of income and can range from 14.5% to 48%.
    
  • If the landlord is registered as an individual entrepreneur or legal entity (such as Recibos Verdes), they also pay tax based on a simplified system.
    

It is important to ensure that the rental contract is registered and declared in the tax system. Only in this case does the tenant receive official receipts confirming the payment. Without these recibos:

• You cannot use the contract for immigration purposes.
  
• The landlord may violate legal obligations.
  
• You are not protected in case of a conflict.
  

This is another reason why contract registration and obtaining recibos is essential. It helps confirm your legal address of residence, obtain residence permits, and confirm the stability of your rental situation.

Documents and Administrative Procedures

Many foreigners encountering the long-term rental market in Portugal for the first time find themselves unprepared administratively. However, by 2025, the rental process will become more structured, and landlords increasingly expect tenants to be organized — it will be easier for those who prepare in advance. Below are the key documents and procedures that a tenant should be familiar with when concluding a rental agreement, immediately after moving, and what to do if you are a foreigner without residency.

What Documents a Tenant Needs

Before starting the search for long-term housing, it is important to prepare a basic set of documents. This will help you move more quickly through the selection and agreement process and simplify communication with landlords.

Mandatory documents:

1. NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — Portugal’s tax number. You need it to sign most official agreements. You can obtain it at the local tax office (Autoridade Tributária). Foreigners without residency are allowed to receive a NIF with the help of a tax representative.
   
2. Identification document — a passport or residence card (EU/EEA citizen card).
   
3. Proof of solvency, such as:
   
   • Work contract (contrato de trabalho),
     
   • Income certificate,
     
   • Bank statements,
     
4. or a letter from an employer or sponsor (e.g., for students).
   
5. Portuguese bank account: Although it’s sometimes possible to pay from a foreign account, in practice most landlords require Portuguese bank transfers with an IBAN, so opening an account will make the process easier.
   

Important: If you’re moving under a D7, Digital Nomad, student, or other visa, you will need to register your residence and obtain a NIF — these administrative steps are mandatory. In most cases, they are done within the first few weeks after arrival.

Rental Agreement Registration: who is responsible, why it’s needed, and how to check it

According to Article 3-B of Law 6/2006, all rental agreements must be registered with Portugal’s tax authority (AT). This responsibility lies with the landlord, not the tenant. However, as a tenant, it is very important to verify registration because only a registered contract is legally valid.

Why this matters:

• Only a registered rental contract has legal force.
  
• It is required when applying for a NHR or residency extension (AIMA).
  
• Only a registered agreement can confirm your address of residence when applying for social insurance, NISS, opening a company, etc.
  
• It allows you to officially request recibos, which may be required when filing a tax declaration (e.g., when applying for an NIF in Portugal).
  

How to verify registration:

• Ask the landlord for a copy of Modelo 2 de Arrendamento submitted to the tax authority.
  
• Or check it yourself via your personal account on the tax website:
  https://www.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt (you need to have access to the portal and a digital signature Chave Móvel Digital).
  

Opening a Portuguese Bank Account: why and how

Most landlords require rent to be paid monthly via a Portuguese bank account, especially if the agreement is officially registered. This is more convenient for both parties and allows you to avoid problems when submitting proof of rent payment.

You will need the following documents to open an account:

• Passport or residence card
  
• NIF
  
• Rental agreement (or other document confirming your place of residence)
  
• Proof of income (not always required, but may help)
  
• Initial deposit (usually from €100–250)

The most accessible banks for foreigners in 2025 include:

• ActivoBank — allows opening an account online, often accepts foreign clients without a residence card.
  
• Millennium BCP — requires more documents but actively works with foreign residents.
  
• NOVO Banco and Caixa Geral de Depósitos — reliable, but bureaucratic banks, popular among Portuguese clients.
  

Tip:
Try using MB Way — it’s a convenient payment service through which you can pay rent, utilities, and receive transfers without commission.

Residence Registration: Junta de Freguesia

After moving, many people register their place of residence at the Junta de Freguesia — the local administrative office. This is important even if you have a temporary rental agreement, because:

• The registration confirms that you actually live at the stated address.
  
• It is often required when registering with the public health service (SNS), applying for NISS, school enrollment, opening an account at the health center, etc.
  

You’ll need:

• Passport or residence card
  
• NIF
  
• Rental agreement
  
• Proof of address (such as utility bills)
  
• Sometimes the Junta will request a Declaração de Residência — a declaration signed by the landlord or two witnesses confirming your residence.
  

Private Cases: If You Rent a Room, Live with Friends, or Have an Informal Rental

Sometimes a rental is not done according to the standard scheme but is arranged through “acquaintances,” friends, or just “unofficially.” This may be cheaper and easier, but it carries risks, especially since informal rentals are not legally protected.

If:

• You rent a room, you must have a written agreement, even if it’s a simple paper signed by the owner of the apartment.
  
• You live with a roommate whose rental agreement is in their name — ask to be registered as a co-tenant or have a residence declaration from the Junta.
  
• The rental is informal — write everything down in writing, and be aware that in case of a conflict you will not have legal protection.
  

Step-by-Step Guide for Tenants

To rent housing in Portugal smoothly and without stress, it is important to understand the entire process — from viewing to signing — and not to miss a single detail. This guide will walk you through the process, helping not only avoid mistakes but also save time, nerves, and money.

1. Preparatory Stage: Documents, Budget, and Search Strategy

Before you start looking for an apartment, it’s necessary to do some preparatory work:

Collect the documents:

• NIF (tax number)
  
• Passport or residence card (BI/NR)
  
• Proof of income (employment contract, bank statement, etc.)
  
• Portuguese bank account (recommended)
  
• Portuguese guarantor (fiador) — if available
  

If you are applying for D7, Digital Nomad, or other types of visas, the NIF — along with proof of income and a bank account — is required early, as it will be needed for the lease agreement.

Determine Your Budget:

• Consider not only the rent itself, but also additional expenses:
  
  • Security deposit: 1–2 months
    
  • Utilities: €100–150
    
  • Internet, TV: €30–50
    
  • Startup costs (relocation, furniture, appliances, etc.)
    

Example: if your rent is €1000, be prepared to pay €3000 upfront (1 month rent + 2 months deposit) + €200–300 for minor expenses.

Define Your Preferences:

• What areas suit you in terms of price and infrastructure?
  
• Are you willing to rent through an agency and pay commission?
  
• How much time are you ready to spend searching? (On average — 2–6 weeks)
  

2. Apartment Search: Online Platforms, Filters, and Meetings

Where to look:

• Idealista.pt, imovirtual.com — new listings appear daily.
  
• Facebook groups: «Apartamentos para arrendar em Lisboa/Porto/Cascais…»
  

Tips:

• Contact an agent (especially if you don’t have time or Portuguese skills).
  

How to reply to a listing:

• Keep it short, polite, and mention your status if you are not a Portuguese citizen.
  

Example in Portuguese:

Olá! Estou interessado no apartamento para alugar. Sou estrangeiro residente em Portugal, com NIF, contrato de trabalho e conta bancária. Podemos marcar uma visita?

When viewing a property, pay attention to:

• Check windows, doors, plumbing, lighting, and mobile signal.
  
• Take photos or videos (you can later use this as proof of the apartment’s condition).
  
• Ask what utilities are included, whether it is a condominium.
  
• Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions: “Is the contract registered with the tax office?”, “Do you issue official receipts?”
  

3. Reviewing Terms and Signing the Contract

Read the contract carefully before signing. If anything is unclear — consult a translator.

What to pay attention to:

• Are there penalties for early termination: can you leave earlier, and under what conditions?
  
• How is the deposit returned and under what conditions?
  
• Who is responsible for repairs, including urgent ones?
  
• What condition is the apartment rented in (check photos and inventory)?
  
• Will utility payments be included (e.g., through the landlord, MBWay)?
  

Important: Never make payments before signing the contract and verifying the landlord’s identity. Scams — unfortunately — do happen, especially in popular cities.

4. Making the Payment and Receiving the Keys

After signing:

• Transfer the payment strictly to the IBAN specified in the contract.
  
• Obtain a Recibo de caução (receipt for the deposit).
  
• Make sure that the Recibo de renda (receipt for the rent payment) will be issued monthly.
  

According to the law, the landlord is required to issue a recibo for each payment, especially if the contract is officially registered. This is the only document confirming your financial relationship with the landlord.

5. Moving In, Registration and Adaptation

After moving in:

• Take photos of the apartment (just in case).
  
• Register your address with the Junta de Freguesia.
  
• If you don’t yet have a residence permit — this will serve as proof of residence.
  
• Notify AIMA (if you are applying for a residence permit via BNH) of your new address.
  
• Set up payments: create recurring rent payments via online banking or services like MBWay.
  

Don’t forget:

• Connect electricity, water, gas, internet (if not included and not already set up).
  
• Notify your bank of the address change (especially for non-residents or students with sponsorship).
  

This step may seem complicated, especially if this is your first time renting an apartment in Portugal. But once everything is in place, you will enjoy stability and the ability to build credit history and a life in Portugal.

Tips and Recommendations for Renters

Being in a new market, especially in a different country, it’s easy to fall into the trap of unrealistic expectations, unclear conditions — or, in the worst case — direct fraud. In Portugal, despite a relatively high level of safety and trust, there are scams in the rental sector, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Expats, especially foreigners, should act with caution and strategic thinking. Below are practical tips to help you go through the rental process with confidence and safety.

How to Avoid Rental Scams

1. Don’t send money before signing a contract and confirming the landlord’s identity

The most common scam is asking for a deposit before you’ve seen the apartment, especially when the landlord claims to be from another country, “can’t show it now,” or asks for payment before you arrive.

Examples of suspicious messages:
– “I’m in Germany, can’t show the apartment, but if you transfer me 1 month’s rent + deposit, I’ll mail you the keys and the contract. Everything will be fine.”
This is a red flag — never send money.

2. Verify the identity and ownership of the landlord

You can ask the landlord to provide:

• A copy of their Cartão de Cidadão (citizen ID card)
  
• A certificate of ownership (Caderneta Predial)
  

If the apartment is rented through a real estate agency — ask for the AMI number, check the agency’s license on the website www.inci.pt

3. Don’t agree to vague contract terms

Even if the landlord says: “We’ll sort it out later” or “a contract isn’t needed, everything’s fine,”
don’t rent without one.

You should have at least:

• A written agreement signed by both parties
  
• Proof that the landlord is registered with AT and issues recibos

4. Too cheap — almost always a red flag

If you see a listing where the price is 1.5–2 times lower than the market average, especially in a “prestigious” area with a view of the ocean — it’s almost certainly a scam.

Example:
In the Algarve, there’s a listing for an apartment by the sea at €400/month when the average is €850–1,200 — that’s a red flag. Make sure the listing wasn’t copied from another site (search by photo), and verify the landlord.

How to Negotiate with Landlords

Negotiation is part of the rental culture in Portugal, especially if you are looking for long-term housing. With the right approach, you can often get better conditions, lower rent, or additional services.

1. Talk about stability

Landlords value reliable and long-term tenants. Mention:

• your financial solvency
  
• regular income
  
• willingness to sign a 1–2 year contract
  

Phrases that often work:

“Estou interessado em arrendar uma casa para alugar a longo prazo, com estabilidade e responsabilidade. Podemos assinar contrato de 1 a 2 anos, com salário comprovado e pagamento pontual.”
“I’m interested in renting a home long-term, with stability and responsibility. We can sign a 1–2 year contract. My income is stable and I always pay rent on time.”

2. Ask for improvements before moving in

If the apartment lacks renovation, has old furniture or worn-out appliances — ask for updates before moving in. Landlords are often open to negotiation. For example:

• request a new refrigerator
  
• ask for curtains
  
• request a new mattress
  

You can agree that the cost of these updates will be deducted from the rent if the landlord is not ready to pay out of pocket — many agree, especially with proof (like receipts or price estimates).

3. Ask for a discount — with arguments

Don’t be afraid to offer rent lower than the listed price, especially if:

• the contract is long-term;
  
• you are ready to pay 2–3 months in advance;
  
• the apartment has been listed for a while (you can check the publication date).
  

Specifics of Renting for Foreigners

1. You can rent housing without a residence permit (ВНЖ) — but with limitations

In theory, foreigners without residence permits can sign a rental agreement if they have a NIF. But in practice, landlords may hesitate — especially if the tenant:

• has no contract in Portugal,
  
• has no fiscal representative,
  
• has no guarantor (fiador).
  

In this case, it may help to provide:

• A letter of intent confirming your plans for legalization.
  
• Documents proving regular income from abroad.
  
• References from previous landlords (if you rented outside Portugal).
  

2. A guarantee letter increases your chances

Many basic landlords prefer to rent to tenants recommended by reliable and proven administrative intermediaries. If you don’t know how to negotiate, but are ready to work with an agent, you can ask them to communicate with the landlord on your behalf.

3. Working with an agent — more expensive, but often safer

Specialized AMI-certified agencies help foreigners find housing and negotiate with landlords. They handle paperwork, explain local regulations, and are especially useful in complex situations (no residence permit, no income proof). They often require one month’s rent + VAT (23%) as a commission.

Additional Resources: Useful Websites, Agencies, and Government Services

To make your housing search easier and complete all formalities correctly, it’s important to know where to turn for reliable information, official documents, and legal support. Below is a selection of verified resources that have been proven effective and are widely used by foreigners in Portugal.

Online Platforms for Finding Housing

• Idealista.pt
  The leading real estate portal in Portugal. Convenient search with filters; you can track listings, save favorites, and subscribe to notifications. There’s also a mobile app.
  
• Imovirtual.com
  The second most popular platform. Often features duplicate listings from Idealista, but sometimes includes unique offers. Has a “save search” function.
  
• Casa.sapo.pt
  A portal from one of the largest Portuguese internet providers. It features a filter for type of contract (including short-term rentals).
  
• Bquarto.pt
  A specialized site for renting rooms and studios, popular among students and digital nomads.
  
• OLX.pt and CustoJusto.pt
  Classified ad websites. Use with caution — many unverified listings. It is recommended to communicate only through the platforms.
  

Real Estate Agencies and Realtors

• Remax, Era, Century21 — large networks of agencies with branches throughout the country.
  
  Requirements: valid AMI license, signed contract, commission payment. Disadvantages: high fees (typically one month’s rent + VAT paid by the tenant).
  
• Local agencies (e.g., ImobEstoril, Casas do Bairro, Janelas de Portugal, etc.)
  
  Often work with relocators. You can find them through Google Maps, Idealista, or Facebook groups. Check the AMI license — it is required by law for all real estate agencies.
  
  You can verify an AMI license on the website of the Instituto da Construção e do Imobiliário (INCI). https://www.impic.pt

Government and Legal Resources

AT — Portal das Finanças (Portuguese Tax Authority)
https://www.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
On this portal, landlords are required to officially register rental contracts. Here you can also get your NIF, request tax benefits, and check your rental registration status.

AIMA (formerly SEF) — Immigration Services
https://www.aima.gov.pt/
The official site for submitting residency applications, extending documents, and confirming address via rental contract.

ePortugal — Unified Government Portal
https://eportugal.gov.pt
The digital portal where you can register your residence, apply for documents at Junta de Freguesia, and access other government services.

Junta de Freguesia (Parish Administration)
You can find your local office by searching: “Junta de Freguesia + [your neighborhood]”.
They register your address, issue a residence certificate, and confirm where you live.

Conclusion

Renting property in Portugal in 2025 is not just about finding a roof over your head. You’ll deal with legal, social, and administrative processes — especially if you’re relocating from another country, applying for residency, or want to live here long-term in comfort and safety.

Where to begin?

• Get a NIF and open a Portuguese bank account
  
• Determine your budget and choose a neighborhood
  

Then:

• Prepare your documents, find housing via trusted platforms and groups
  
• Don’t agree to anything without a written lease
  
• Check if the lease is registered with the tax office and if receipts (recibos) are issued
  

Remember — you’re not alone. On the contrary, if you’re renting for the first time, consider hiring a relocation assistant or lawyer. If you’re renting officially and openly, your rights as a tenant are protected. If you run into problems or suspicions, don’t hesitate to ask for help — it’s always better to play it safe.

And finally — the top three tips from the Move to Cascais team:

Document everything. Verbal agreements mean nothing without written proof.

Double-check every detail. Even if the apartment seems perfect — without a recibo, it’s worth nothing.

Start your search early. The best places go fast, especially in spring and summer.

Welcome home — to Portugal!