Do I need a guarantor (fiador)?

Many landlords ask for one. If you don't have a local guarantor, offer to pay 3–6 months of rent in advance to build trust.

Are utilities included in rent?

Typically no. Electricity, gas, and water are separate and paid monthly via your bank account using a reference number (Multibanco).

Is it safe to pay a deposit before seeing the apartment?

No. Never send money to a landlord or agent until you have signed the contract in person and have keys in hand.

Finding a long-term apartment in Lisbon

To find a long-term apartment in Lisbon, focus your search on local portals like Idealista and Flatio while avoiding generic tourist sites. You will need a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and proof of income to secure a lease, so prioritize these documents before your apartment search begins.

Obtain your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). You cannot sign a legal long-term rental contract in Portugal without a NIF. Visit a local Finanças office or hire a representative to get this tax ID assigned to you.
Filter local portals. Use Idealista.pt, Imovirtual.com, and Flatio.com. Avoid Facebook Marketplace for long-term rentals due to high scam rates. Set your filters to 'long-term' (longa duração) and look for listings that specifically mention the ability to register a contract.
Prepare your 'dossier'. Landlords are competitive. Have a PDF ready containing your NIF, passport copy, proof of income (last 3 months of pay stubs or bank statements), and your employment contract.
Attend viewings in person. Do not wire money to secure a place before seeing it. Book a temporary Airbnb or hotel for your first 14 days and use that time to visit properties daily. Listings move within 48 hours.
Sign the Contrato de Arrendamento. Ensure the contract is registered with the tax authority (Finanças). Expect to pay 1 month of rent plus 1–2 months of deposit upfront.

Do I need a guarantor (fiador)?: Many landlords ask for one. If you don't have a local guarantor, offer to pay 3–6 months of rent in advance to build trust.
Are utilities included in rent?: Typically no. Electricity, gas, and water are separate and paid monthly via your bank account using a reference number (Multibanco).
Is it safe to pay a deposit before seeing the apartment?: No. Never send money to a landlord or agent until you have signed the contract in person and have keys in hand.