Renting in Portugal in 2025: What Americans Should Know

Renting a home abroad sounds simple until you have to start

For many Americans considering a move to Portugal, the rental process seems like it should be straightforward: browse some listings, sign a lease, and move in. But once you start digging into the details, it becomes clear that renting in Portugal works differently. From how properties are listed to what’s included in the home, there are some notable differences from you might expect.

This blog unpacks the practical side of renting in Portugal as an American in 2025, so you can avoid surprises and make confident decisions.

How the Rental Process Works in Portugal

If you’re coming from the U.S., it helps to reset your expectations. While the overall process is manageable, the norms are different:

• Most leases are for 12 months or longer and are renewable, often with automatic renewal clauses unless terminated by notice. Short-term rentals (under 12 months) typically fall under different legal protections and they may not be suitable for residency applications.

• Furnished vs unfurnished: In Portugal, furnished may still mean basic. Unfurnished often means completely empty. No fridge, washing machine, or even light fixtures in some cases.

• Tenant requirements often include:

  • A Portuguese tax ID (NIF)

  • A Portuguese bank account

  • Proof of income or a guarantor (sometimes waived for upfront payment)

    
    

Landlords may prefer local tenants, which means expats often need to show strong financial stability or agree to pay several months in advance.

What's Included (and What’s Definitely Not)

Unlike in the U.S., utilities are almost never bundled into your rent. Expect to handle:

• Electricity, gas, and water bills separately

• Internet and mobile service as individual contracts

• Condominium fees (if applicable), which may or may not be included

  
  

Also surprising to many Americans: air conditioning and central heating are not standard. Many Portuguese homes rely on portable heaters or wall units. Make sure to confirm what’s installed especially if you’re sensitive to temperature.

Be Ready for Upfront Costs

In competitive areas like Lisbon, Porto, or coastal Algarve towns, landlords often request:

• Two months’ rent as deposit

• First month’s rent upfront

• 6–12 months of rent in advance (common for expats without local income history)

• Agency fee: If you use a real estate agent, expect to pay the equivalent of one month’s rent as a finder’s fee

  
  

For Americans, these upfront costs can feel excessive but they are not unusual in the Portuguese market, particularly for foreign tenants.

What Surprises Americans Most

Beyond logistics, there are a few cultural and practical adjustments you’ll likely encounter:

• There’s no central MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Listings are spread across multiple platforms like Idealista, Imovirtual, and OLX and many great rentals are posted informally in Facebook groups or shared via WhatsApp.

• Rental contracts are almost always in Portuguese. Even when landlords speak English, the official paperwork must be in Portuguese for legal recognition. Having a lawyer or translator review the contract is strongly advised.

• Tenant protections are strong. Portuguese rental laws tend to favor the tenant once a lease is signed, with limited ability for landlords to evict or raise rents suddenly. This can be a benefit but it also means landlords screen tenants more carefully upfront.

Tips for a Smoother Rental Experience

To set yourself up for success, start with these basics:

• Get your NIF and bank account early

• Have proof of income (or plan to offer advance rent if needed)

• Decide whether you want a furnished, semi-furnished, or fully unfurnished property

• Use reputable platforms but stay alert to scams on informal listings

• Hire a buyer’s agent or relocation professional if you want someone on the ground scouting for you

Here’s a quick glance at average rental prices (monthly) in early 2025:

Region	1-Bedroom (City Center)	2-Bedroom (Suburb)
Lisbon	€1,300 – €1,800	€1,000 – €1,400
Porto	€900 – €1,400	€800 – €1,100
Algarve	€950 – €1,500	€850 – €1,200
Silver Coast	€700 – €1,000	€650 – €900

Prices vary by neighborhood, building quality, and season (expect higher demand in spring and summer).

Easy Does It

Renting in Portugal is different but once you understand the local norms, it becomes far easier to navigate.

Need help finding the right rental or preparing your relocation paperwork? 

Our team partners with local professionals who assist Americans with everything from NIFs to long-term housing. Whether you're relocating for lifestyle or through the Golden Visa, we’re here to make the process easier.