Proof of Funds for a Portugal Visa (2026)
Updated August 2026: Portugal does not use a blocked account. In 2026 you prove means with a Portuguese bank account (ActivoBank is the cheapest and can open remotely), a signed Termo de Responsabilidade from a resident sponsor, a scholarship letter, or documented passive income. The D7 route requires income of at least EUR 920 per month, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% per child.
What's your situation?
Jump straight to the answer.
How Much Money Do You Need to Show for a Portugal Visa?
The amount depends on the visa route. Consulates apply the guaranteed monthly minimum wage as the baseline.
Figures as of August 2026. Verify the current RMMG and consulate requirements before applying.
What Counts as Proof of Funds in Portugal?
Acceptance is not equal. Consulates and AIMA weigh the evidence based on how directly it shows available, regular means in Portugal.
Portuguese bank statements
The strongest evidence. A consistent balance over 6-12 months in a Portuguese IBAN is preferred.
Termo de Responsabilidade
A sponsor declaration from a Portuguese resident who proves income and housing. Replaces own funds.
Scholarship or grant letter
Accepted for students if it states the monthly amount and duration.
Passive-income documents
Pension statements, rental contracts or dividend evidence for the D7 route.
Which Providers or Documents Can You Use?
These five instruments cover almost every Portugal visa applicant.
Employment contract or promise of contract (work-visa income proof)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Salary at minimum wage satisfies the means test outright
- No savings balance needed at the visa stage
- Salary below RMMG fails the means test even with a contract
Plan(1)
- Employment contract or promise of contract (work-visa income proof)No fee
Salary at minimum wage satisfies the means test outright · Salary below RMMG fails the means test even with a contract
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 0,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Signed contract or binding promise with salary stated; Employer registration evidence where requested; IEFP vacancy-compliance evidence where applicable
Best for General proof of funds
ActivoBank Conta Activo (bank statements as proof of funds, Portugal)
Best proof-of-funds account. Zero monthly fee and remote onboarding make it the strongest funds evidence for newcomers who already have a NIF.
- Zero monthly account maintenance fee
- Portuguese IBAN strengthens visa and AIMA files
- Requires a NIF before opening
Plan(1)
- ActivoBank accountNo fee
Zero monthly account maintenance fee / opens in 5 days · Requires a NIF before opening
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- 5 days
- English support
- Partial, app in Portuguese, some English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Passport; NIF; Proof of address
Best for Newcomers who need a Portuguese IBAN before arrival
Novo Banco Conta +351 (non-resident account used as proof of funds)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Portuguese PT50 IBAN: the evidence format consulates trust most
- Funds remain fully accessible after the visa decision
- Remote opening for non-residents reported as unavailable by one 2026 source; conflicting reports
Plan(1)
- Novo Banco Conta +351 (non-resident account used as proof of funds)6,00 €/month
Portuguese PT50 IBAN: the evidence format consulates trust most · Remote opening for non-residents reported as unavailable by one 2026 source; conflicting reports
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 6,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 11.040,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Passport; Portuguese NIF; Proof of address (foreign accepted, under 90 days old)
Best for General proof of funds
Millennium BCP Mais Portugal (account for people living abroad, used as proof of funds)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Largest private branch network in Portugal (~695 branches)
- Representative offices abroad can open accounts for non-residents
- US applicants report restrictive FATCA handling in 2026
Plan(1)
- Millennium BCP Mais Portugal (account for people living abroad, used as proof of funds)6,00 €/month
Largest private branch network in Portugal (~695 branches) · US applicants report restrictive FATCA handling in 2026
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 6,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 11.040,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Passport; Portuguese NIF (process can reportedly start with foreign tax number in some cases); Proof of foreign address
Best for General proof of funds
Bordr remote Portuguese bank account setup (NIF + account from abroad)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Fully remote: no travel or apostille needed
- Signature certified by Portuguese law firm included
- Income/savings eligibility gate excludes low-income applicants
Plan(1)
- Bordr remote Portuguese bank account setup (NIF + account from abroad)320,00 € one-time
Fully remote: no travel or apostille needed · Income/savings eligibility gate excludes low-income applicants
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 320,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 250,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Valid passport; Proof of address outside Portugal; Proof of employment (not for retirees)
Best for General proof of funds
e-residence Portuguese bank account opening (remote or accompanied in person)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Published eligibility table with exact thresholds
- Written refund policy in public terms
- EUR 499 fee is the priciest mainstream remote route
Plan(1)
- e-residence Portuguese bank account opening (remote or accompanied in person)8,20 €/month
Published eligibility table with exact thresholds · EUR 499 fee is the priciest mainstream remote route
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 499,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 8,20 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 250,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Passport; Proof of address; Income or savings evidence per profile
Best for General proof of funds
Termo de responsabilidade (notarised sponsor declaration, Lei 23/2007 art. 12)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Substitutes cash proof entirely on CPLP and job-seeker routes
- Can also cover the accommodation requirement in one document
- Sponsor becomes legally liable including removal costs; it is an enforceable title
Plan(1)
- Termo de responsabilidade (notarised sponsor declaration, Lei 23/2007 art. 12)15,00 € one-time
Substitutes cash proof entirely on CPLP and job-seeker routes · Sponsor becomes legally liable including removal costs; it is an enforceable title
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 15,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 0,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Approved termo model with certified signature; Sponsor ID or residence permit copy; Sponsor IRS declaration (last year)
Best for General proof of funds
Termo de Responsabilidade (sponsor declaration, Portugal)
Best sponsor route. Official MNE sponsor form that replaces own-funds proof when a resident sponsor meets the income requirements.
- Zero cost beyond notary certification fee
- Formally waives own bank-balance requirement
- Sponsor must show two years of IRS plus payslips
Plan(1)
- Termo de ResponsabilidadeNo fee
Zero cost beyond notary certification fee / opens in 7 days · Sponsor must show two years of IRS plus payslips
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- 7 days
- English support
- Form and process in Portuguese only
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Sponsor IRS declarations for previous 2 years; Sponsor payslips (3 months); Sponsor Portuguese bank statements (3 months)
Best for Applicants with a resident sponsor
Own funds in a home-country bank (statements plus transferability letter)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- No fees, no new account, no intermediary
- Fastest route when savings already exist
- Unstamped online printouts are rejected at several VFS posts
Plan(1)
- Own funds in a home-country bank (statements plus transferability letter)No fee
No fees, no new account, no intermediary · Unstamped online printouts are rejected at several VFS posts
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 11.040,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- 3-6 months of statements with bank stamp/signature; Bank letter confirming balance and free transferability to Portugal; Translation where consulate requires it
Best for General proof of funds
Passive-income documentation bundle for D7 visa (pension, rents, dividends, Portugal)
Best for D7. D7 applicants show regular pension, rental or dividend income at or above the Portuguese minimum wage.
- No blocked account needed, income documents suffice
- Consulates accept home-country and Portuguese statements
- Savings alone without recurring income risk refusal since 2025
Plan(1)
- D7 income proofNo fee
No blocked account needed, income documents suffice / opens in 30 days · Savings alone without recurring income risk refusal since 2025
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- 30 days
- Recommended buffer
- 10.640,00 €
- English support
- N/A, depends on issuing institutions
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Pension statements or rental contracts; 6-12 months bank statements; Tax returns evidencing income
Best for D7 applicants with pension, rent or dividends
Caixa Geral de Depósitos current account (bank statements as proof of funds, Portugal)
State-owned bank whose statements carry weight, but branch opening and monthly fees add friction.
- Largest branch network in Portugal
- Statements carry strong weight with authorities
- Monthly maintenance fee around 4.95 EUR
Plan(1)
- CGD account4,95 €/month
Largest branch network in Portugal / opens in 1 days · Monthly maintenance fee around 4.95 EUR
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 4,95 €
- Opens in
- 1 days
- English support
- Limited, mainly Portuguese
- Open from abroad
- No
- Key documents
- Passport or Cartão de Cidadão; NIF; Proof of address
Best for Residents who want a large branch network
Wise / Revolut account statements as proof of funds
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Opens online in minutes with no NIF
- Zero maintenance cost on standard plans
- Not a Portuguese bank account; consulates can and do refuse it
Plan(1)
- Wise / Revolut account statements as proof of fundsNo fee
Opens online in minutes with no NIF · Not a Portuguese bank account; consulates can and do refuse it
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 11.040,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Account statement in applicant's name; Balance meeting the route threshold
Best for General proof of funds
Scholarship or grant award letter (bolsa de estudo)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Full scholarships exempt the holder from means proof entirely
- Camões scholarships additionally waive insurance and tuition proof
- Letter must state amount and duration to be credited
Plan(1)
- Scholarship or grant award letter (bolsa de estudo)No fee
Full scholarships exempt the holder from means proof entirely · Letter must state amount and duration to be credited
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 0,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Award letter stating monthly amount and duration; Evidence for any uncovered remainder
Best for General proof of funds
Scholarship / grant award letter as proof of funds (DGES, Erasmus+, FCT, Portugal)
Best for students. Grant letters are accepted by consulates as proof of subsistence for students.
- Directly names monthly subsistence amount
- Zero cost and issued before visa application
- Amount below minimum wage may need top-up proof
Plan(1)
- Scholarship letterNo fee
Directly names monthly subsistence amount / opens in 30 days · Amount below minimum wage may need top-up proof
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 0,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- 30 days
- English support
- Yes for Erasmus+/FCT letters on request
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Award letter stating monthly amount and duration; Enrolment confirmation
Best for Students with a grant or scholarship
Expatrio Blocked Account (Germany-only; no Portugal product)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Fully online with 24-hour blocking confirmation (for Germany)
- Insurance bundle available for German arrivals
- Serves German visas only; useless for a Portuguese application
Plan(1)
- Expatrio Blocked Account (Germany-only; no Portugal product)5,00 €/month
Fully online with 24-hour blocking confirmation (for Germany) · Serves German visas only; useless for a Portuguese application
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 89,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 5,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 11.904,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Passport; German university admission or visa-route evidence
Best for General proof of funds
Fintiba Blocked Account (Germany-only; no Portugal product)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- Fast digital blocking confirmation (for Germany)
- Structured guidance app for German arrivals
- Germany-specific; no Portuguese visa or AIMA relevance
Plan(1)
- Fintiba Blocked Account (Germany-only; no Portugal product)9,90 €/month
Fast digital blocking confirmation (for Germany) · Germany-specific; no Portuguese visa or AIMA relevance
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 159,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 9,90 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 11.904,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Passport; German admission or visa evidence
Best for General proof of funds
Coracle Blocked Account (Germany-only; new applications suspended)
Accepted evidence of means for Portuguese visas.
- No monthly fee when operational (Germany only)
- Accepts minors with parental consent (Germany only)
- Not accepting new blocked-account applications per 2026 reports
Plan(1)
- Coracle Blocked Account (Germany-only; new applications suspended)99,00 € one-time
No monthly fee when operational (Germany only) · Not accepting new blocked-account applications per 2026 reports
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
More details
- One-time setup
- 99,00 €
- Monthly fee
- 0,00 €
- Opens in
- n/a
- Recommended buffer
- 11.904,00 €
- English support
- Open from abroad
- Yes
- Key documents
- Passport; German admission letter
Best for General proof of funds
How Do You Open a Portuguese Proof-of-Funds Account?
- Get a NIF first. Banks require a Portuguese tax number. EU citizens can request it online or at Finanças; non-EU non-residents usually need a fiscal representative.
- Choose the bank. ActivoBank opens remotely for many nationalities; CGD usually needs a branch visit.
- Submit documents. Passport, proof of address and proof of income or employment.
- Fund the account. Transfer enough to cover the required months and keep the balance stable.
- Request statements. Use PDF statements stamped with the Portuguese IBAN for your visa file.
Can Someone Sponsor You Instead?
Yes. The Termo de Responsabilidade is an official MNE form in which a resident sponsor promises to cover your living costs. The sponsor must normally provide:
- IRS declarations for the previous two years
- Three months of payslips
- Three months of Portuguese bank statements
- Property deed or rental contract proving adequate housing
- Notarised or registry-certified signature
This route is common for students and family reunification applicants.
Why Do Proof-of-Funds Applications Get Rejected?
- Last-minute large deposits. Sudden transfers without a documented source raise questions.
- Non-Portuguese accounts only. Some consulates accept foreign statements, but Portuguese statements carry far more weight.
- Insufficient sponsor income. A sponsor whose IRS or payslips do not comfortably cover the applicant will fail.
- Scholarship amount too low. The grant must clearly cover tuition and living costs for the whole academic year.
- Currency or balance drops. The balance should remain above the threshold through the application period.
How We Compared These Options
We ranked the proof-of-funds instruments using the catalogue data in this repo: official recognition by AIMA and Portuguese consulates, ability to open before arrival, monthly cost, speed to obtain, English support, and acceptance strength in visa files. We update the catalogue when provider terms or consulate checklists change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Portugal require a blocked account?
No. Portugal does not have a formal blocked-account system. Consulates and AIMA accept Portuguese bank statements, a sponsor declaration (Termo de Responsabilidade), scholarship letters or documented passive income as proof of means.
How much money do you need for a D7 visa?
In 2026 the main applicant must show regular passive income at least equal to the guaranteed monthly minimum wage of EUR 920 per month, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% per dependent child. Consulates also like to see 12 months of savings as a buffer.
Can a friend or family member sponsor you?
Yes, through the Termo de Responsabilidade. The sponsor must be a Portuguese citizen or legal resident and prove stable income, tax compliance and adequate housing.
Which bank is best for proof of funds?
ActivoBank is the most convenient because it charges no monthly fee and can be opened remotely before arrival once you have a NIF. Caixa Geral de Depósitos has the largest branch network but usually requires an in-person visit and charges around EUR 4.95 per month.
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