Portuguese banks ask non-residents for more documents than residents, because they have to check income earned abroad. A complete file from the start is what saves the most time: it is often the difference between a pre-approval in one week and one in a month. Here is the list, by profile. A bank may ask for additional documents depending on your situation.
For every applicant
- Valid passport or national ID card.
- Portuguese tax number (NIF). It can be obtained remotely; non-EU residents usually need a tax representative.
- Proof of address in your country of residence (utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old).
- Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months, for the accounts that receive your income and hold your down payment.
- Proof of where the down payment comes from (savings, sale of a property, gift). Banks must check this under anti-money-laundering rules.
- Details of your current loans and their monthly payments.
- A credit report from your country of residence, where one exists (for example in the US or the UK).
Employees
- Last 3 payslips.
- Employment contract, or a letter from your employer stating your position, start date and salary.
- Last 1 or 2 annual tax returns (US: Form 1040 and W-2; UK: P60; France: avis d’imposition).
Self-employed and business owners
- Last 2 or 3 personal tax returns (US: including Schedule C or K-1).
- Company accounts for the last 2 or 3 years, plus recent interim figures.
- Company registration document.
- A letter from your accountant confirming your income can help.
Retirees
- Pension statements or award letters (US: Social Security benefit statement SSA-1099).
- Statements for any annuities or investment income you rely on.
- Last annual tax return.
Most banks want the loan repaid by around 75 to 80, so the loan term will depend on your age.
Rental or investment income
- Lease agreements and the tax return showing the rental income.
- Statements for investment accounts.
US citizens
When you open a Portuguese bank account, you will also sign a FATCA form (W-9). It is a formality. See our page on mortgages in Portugal for US citizens.
Once you have found the property
The bank will then ask for the promissory contract (CPCV) or reservation, and the property documents: land registry certificate (certidão permanente), tax record (caderneta predial) and habitation licence. The seller or the agent usually provides them.
Language and format
Many Portuguese banks accept documents in English, French or Spanish; other languages may need a translation. Scans in PDF are enough for the application: originals are only needed for identity checks and at the deed.
How we help
We send you the exact list for your situation, you upload your documents to our secure platform, and we check that the file is complete and consistent before it goes to the banks. For the full process and timelines, see the 8 steps of a Portuguese mortgage and our page on mortgages for non-residents.
Article dated 2 November 2026. Each bank sets its own requirements; this list is for guidance.
