# Proof of Funds for a Portugal Visa (2026) > How much money you need and which documents Portuguese consulates accept as proof of funds in 2026: bank statements, sponsor declaration, scholarships and passive income. By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-portugal.com/moving/proof-of-funds **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. ## 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. | Route | Required means | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | D7 passive income | EUR 920/month main applicant; +50% spouse; +30% per child | RMMG 2026 | | Student visa | Enough to cover tuition, accommodation and living costs; often shown by Portuguese bank balance plus scholarship or income | VFS Global / MNE checklist | | D1 / D3 work | Employment contract or evidence of salary at least matching the role | AIMA / consulate | | Family reunification | Sponsor must show means for all family members, typically the same minimum-wage multiples | AIMA | 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. Illustration of a bank, a padlock, and a euro coin, for proof of funds and blocked accounts for Portuguese permits.Bank, lock, funds: proof of funds in Austria. ## 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) 4.4Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://files.dre.pt/1s/2018/09/17500/0471804757.pdf)Plan(1) - Employment contract or promise of contract (work-visa income proof)No feeSalary 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer0,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsSigned contract or binding promise with salary stated; Employer registration evidence where requested; IEFP vacancy-compliance evidence where applicableBest for General proof of funds ### ActivoBank Conta Activo (bank statements as proof of funds, Portugal) 4.3Best 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 [Visit site](https://www.activobank.pt/)Plan(1) - ActivoBank accountNo feeZero monthly account maintenance fee / opens in 5 days · Requires a NIF before opening Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site. More detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens in5 daysEnglish supportPartial, app in Portuguese, some English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsPassport; NIF; Proof of addressBest for Newcomers who need a Portuguese IBAN before arrival ### Novo Banco Conta +351 (non-resident account used as proof of funds) 4.2Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://www.novobanco.pt/)Plan(1) - Novo Banco Conta +351 (non-resident account used as proof of funds)6,00 €/monthPortuguese 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee6,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer11.040,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsPassport; 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) 4.1Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://ind.millenniumbcp.pt/)Plan(1) - Millennium BCP Mais Portugal (account for people living abroad, used as proof of funds)6,00 €/monthLargest 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee6,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer11.040,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsPassport; Portuguese NIF (process can reportedly start with foreign tax number in some cases); Proof of foreign addressBest for General proof of funds ### Bordr remote Portuguese bank account setup (NIF + account from abroad) 4.0Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://bordr.com/portugal/bank)Plan(1) - Bordr remote Portuguese bank account setup (NIF + account from abroad)320,00 € one-timeFully 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 detailsOne-time setup320,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer250,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsValid 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) 3.8Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://e-residence.com/open-bank-account/)Plan(1) - e-residence Portuguese bank account opening (remote or accompanied in person)8,20 €/monthPublished 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 detailsOne-time setup499,00 €Monthly fee8,20 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer250,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsPassport; Proof of address; Income or savings evidence per profileBest for General proof of funds ### Termo de responsabilidade (notarised sponsor declaration, Lei 23/2007 art. 12) 4.3Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://aima.gov.pt/)Plan(1) - Termo de responsabilidade (notarised sponsor declaration, Lei 23/2007 art. 12)15,00 € one-timeSubstitutes 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 detailsOne-time setup15,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer0,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsApproved 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) 4.0Best 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 [Visit site](https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/termo%20responsabilidade_aima_2024_2.pdf)Plan(1) - Termo de ResponsabilidadeNo feeZero 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens in7 daysEnglish supportForm and process in Portuguese onlyOpen from abroadYesKey documentsSponsor 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) 3.4Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://globalscholarsguide.com/portugal-student-visa-d4-d5-requirements/)Plan(1) - Own funds in a home-country bank (statements plus transferability letter)No feeNo 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer11.040,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documents3-6 months of statements with bank stamp/signature; Bank letter confirming balance and free transferability to Portugal; Translation where consulate requires itBest for General proof of funds ### Passive-income documentation bundle for D7 visa (pension, rents, dividends, Portugal) 4.1Best 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 [Visit site](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/portugal/uk/english/pdf/PORTUGUESE-NATIONAL-VISA-GENERAL.pdf)Plan(1) - D7 income proofNo feeNo 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens in30 daysRecommended buffer10.640,00 €English supportN/A, depends on issuing institutionsOpen from abroadYesKey documentsPension statements or rental contracts; 6-12 months bank statements; Tax returns evidencing incomeBest for D7 applicants with pension, rent or dividends ### Caixa Geral de Depósitos current account (bank statements as proof of funds, Portugal) 3.9State-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 [Visit site](https://www.cgd.pt/)Plan(1) - CGD account4,95 €/monthLargest 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee4,95 €Opens in1 daysEnglish supportLimited, mainly PortugueseOpen from abroadNoKey documentsPassport or Cartão de Cidadão; NIF; Proof of addressBest for Residents who want a large branch network ### Wise / Revolut account statements as proof of funds 2.2Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://www.portugalist.com/opening-portuguese-bank-account-online/)Plan(1) - Wise / Revolut account statements as proof of fundsNo feeOpens 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer11.040,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsAccount statement in applicant's name; Balance meeting the route thresholdBest for General proof of funds ### Scholarship or grant award letter (bolsa de estudo) 4.5Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://files.dre.pt/1s/2018/09/17500/0471804757.pdf)Plan(1) - Scholarship or grant award letter (bolsa de estudo)No feeFull 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer0,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsAward letter stating monthly amount and duration; Evidence for any uncovered remainderBest for General proof of funds ### Scholarship / grant award letter as proof of funds (DGES, Erasmus+, FCT, Portugal) 3.8Best 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 [Visit site](https://www.dges.gov.pt/)Plan(1) - Scholarship letterNo feeDirectly 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 detailsOne-time setup0,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens in30 daysEnglish supportYes for Erasmus+/FCT letters on requestOpen from abroadYesKey documentsAward letter stating monthly amount and duration; Enrolment confirmationBest for Students with a grant or scholarship ### Expatrio Blocked Account (Germany-only; no Portugal product) 1.0Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://www.expatrio.com/blocked-account)Plan(1) - Expatrio Blocked Account (Germany-only; no Portugal product)5,00 €/monthFully 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 detailsOne-time setup89,00 €Monthly fee5,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer11.904,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsPassport; German university admission or visa-route evidenceBest for General proof of funds ### Fintiba Blocked Account (Germany-only; no Portugal product) 1.0Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://fintiba.com/)Plan(1) - Fintiba Blocked Account (Germany-only; no Portugal product)9,90 €/monthFast digital blocking confirmation (for Germany) · Germany-specific; no Portuguese visa or AIMA relevance Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site. More detailsOne-time setup159,00 €Monthly fee9,90 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer11.904,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsPassport; German admission or visa evidenceBest for General proof of funds ### Coracle Blocked Account (Germany-only; new applications suspended) 0.5Accepted 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 [Visit site](https://www.coracle.de/)Plan(1) - Coracle Blocked Account (Germany-only; new applications suspended)99,00 € one-timeNo 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 detailsOne-time setup99,00 €Monthly fee0,00 €Opens inn/aRecommended buffer11.904,00 €English supportOpen from abroadYesKey documentsPassport; German admission letterBest for General proof of funds [View all proof-of-funds plans→](#providers) ## 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. ## Compare two providers Already down to two? Each comparison declares a winner on every criterion that decides the purchase. [bordr remote account vs e-residence remote accountBordr wins on price and speed at roughly EUR 320 versus EUR 499 with similar eligibility gates.](/moving/compare/bordr-remote-account-vs-e-residence-remote-account)[Novo Banco Conta 351 vs Millennium Mais PortugalMillennium BCP wins for most non-residents because it offers three concrete opening routes, including offices abroad.](/moving/compare/novo-banco-conta-351-vs-millennium-mais-portugal)[Own funds at your home bank vs Novo Banco Conta 351A Portuguese account wins whenever the stakes are high: it is the only evidence format no consulate or AIMA officer questions.](/moving/compare/own-funds-at-your-home-bank-vs-novo-banco-conta-351)[Termo de responsabilidade vs Own funds at your home bankWith a genuine sponsor in Portugal, the certified termo wins: it is statutory, near-free and can also satisfy accommodation.](/moving/compare/termo-de-responsabilidade-vs-own-funds-at-your-home-bank)[Scholarship letter vs Own funds at your home bankA scholarship letter that states amount and duration beats cash evidence on every axis for a student.](/moving/compare/scholarship-letter-vs-own-funds-at-your-home-bank)[Expatrio blocked account vs Fintiba blocked accountFor Portugal the answer is neither: no Portuguese consulate or AIMA office asks for or formally credits a German blocked account.](/moving/compare/expatrio-blocked-account-vs-fintiba-blocked-account)[Joint NIF, NISS and NNU request vs Separate countersThe joint Espaço Cidadão service wins decisively for eligible foreigners in the 12 covered cities: one free visit replaces three, and CMD is activated in the same sitting.](/moving/compare/joint-nif-niss-and-nnu-request-vs-separate-counters)[Free NIF at the counter vs Paid NIF serviceUse the free Finanças counter if you are in Portugal: same-day, EUR 0.](/moving/compare/free-nif-at-the-counter-vs-paid-nif-service)[CMD at the counter vs eIDAS loginChave Móvel Digital wins for anyone staying beyond a few months: one counter visit unlocks every Portuguese portal and qualified signatures.](/moving/compare/cmd-at-the-counter-vs-eidas-login)[AIMA digital renewal vs AIMA counterUse the digital renewal portal whenever your title type is accepted: it is 25% cheaper and produces an instant filing receipt.](/moving/compare/aima-digital-renewal-vs-aima-counter)[CRUE at the Câmara vs CRUE at the Loja do CidadãoIt is the same EUR 15 certificate; choose by queue, not by authority.](/moving/compare/crue-at-the-camara-vs-crue-at-the-loja-do-cidadao)[IMT online exchange vs IMT counterThe online portal is now the only way to start a licence exchange and saves 10% (EUR 27 vs 30).](/moving/compare/imt-online-exchange-vs-imt-counter) ## Related Guides [### Student Visa Proof-of-funds requirements for students.](/moving/student-visa)[### Work Permit Routes D1, D3 and other work-related visas.](/moving/work-permit-routes)[### Housing How to rent before and after arrival.](/moving/housing)[### Open a Bank Account Compare Portuguese bank accounts.](/finance/open-bank-account) ## 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. --- Source: https://www.how-to-portugal.com/moving/proof-of-funds Last updated: n/a Format: LLM-readable Markdown twin (.md) of the canonical HTML page.