Moving to a new country comes with plenty of practical steps, and setting up your utilities is one of the most important. In Portugal, the process is generally straightforward, with reliable public and private providers offering a range of options for new residents. 

Whether you’re renting or buying, understanding how water, gas, and electricity services work will make settling into your new home much smoother.

Setting Up Utilities in Portugal: An Overview

Portugal’s utilities market has become increasingly competitive thanks to major reforms and liberalization over the past two decades. Today, consumers enjoy more choice and better service across electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications.

The electricity and gas markets were fully liberalized in 2006, giving residents the freedom to choose their suppliers and compare tariffs, including options from both traditional and renewable energy providers. Water, however, is still managed by local municipalities, meaning consumers typically cannot select their water supplier.

Telecommunications in Portugal has long operated in an open market, offering plenty of choice for mobile, internet, and landline services. With competitive pricing and widespread fiber-optic coverage, newcomers can easily find a plan that suits their needs.

Cost of Utilities in Portugal

The estimated monthly cost of utilities and home communications for a basic 85m² apartment in Portugal is generally as follows:

Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water)

Expect to pay around 100€ to 120€ per month. This covers electricity for daily use, heating and cooling, and the water supply.

Telecommunications

 Prices typically start at 25€ per month with a 24-month contract, depending on internet speed, number of SIM cards, and TV channels included. Most packages combine internet, phone, and TV services, with prices varying by provider and plan.

Setting Up Utilities in a New Home

When moving to a new country as an expat, such as Americans moving to Portugal, one of the first practical steps is arranging utilities for your new property. In Portugal, the process can vary depending on whether you’re buying or renting a home.

Buying a Property

If you are purchasing a new property in Portugal, you will normally need to connect all utilities yourself. This includes electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications, as you’ll be the first owner and responsible for initiating all service connections.

For second-hand properties, utilities are often already active. In this case, you simply need to transfer the accounts into your name. It’s important to notify each provider so billing, communication, and responsibility are properly updated.

Renting in Portugal

When renting in Portugal, the situation can differ depending on the agreement. Some rentals include utilities in the monthly rent, but this must be clearly stated in the contract.

However, in most cases, utilities are not included, and it becomes the tenant’s responsibility. Depending on the arrangement, you may either need to transfer the existing accounts into your name or, in some situations, continue paying the bills under the landlord’s name (if both parties agree and the provider allows it).

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Setting Up Electricity in Portugal

How to Connect Electricity in Portugal

Connecting electricity in Portugal is a simple and straightforward process. Portugal allows you to select your preferred provider, so take the time to research and compare different options. 

Next, gather the necessary documentation. You will typically need:

  • Identification (passport or ID card) 
  • Portuguese Fiscal number (NIF)
  • Proof of address (rental agreement)
  • Bank details in case you decide to apply for direct debit into your Portuguse bank account.

Contact your chosen electricity provider to initiate the connection process. This can be done through their website, by phone, or by visiting their local office. 

If you are moving into a new property, the electricity provider will need the CPE of the property. The CPE (Código de Ponto de Entrega) is the unique identification number for the electricity connection, similar to a supply point code. 

You can usually find the CPE on previous electricity bills, in the property’s technical documents, or by requesting it from the landlord, real estate agent, or developer.

If the property already has an active electricity connection, you may need to transfer the ownership to your name.

Electricity Suppliers in Portugal

In Portugal, there are several electricity suppliers that provide energy services to consumers.All suppliers offer a range of plans, pricing options, and services to meet the diverse needs of customers. Here are some of the major electricity suppliers in Portugal:

  • EDP 
  • Galp Energia
  • Endesa
  • Iberdrola
  • Goldenergy

Electricity Prices in Portugal

Among the southern European countries, Portugal stands out with the lowest electricity prices per kilowatt-hour (€/kWh).

According to Eurostat data, Portugal’s electricity rate is impressively low at just €0.22/kWh. Not only does Portugal offer competitive pricing within its regional counterparts, but it also falls below the European Union (EU) average price of €0.28/kWh. 

Setting Up Gas in Portugal

How to Connect Gas in Portugal

Installing gas in your home in Portugal generally follows a process similar to setting up electricity, and some suppliers even offer both services on a single invoice, which can make life much easier for newcomers. The documentation requirements are almost the same:

  • Identification (passport or ID card) 
  • Fiscal number (NIF)
  • Proof of address (rental agreement)

And just like electricity requires the CPE, gas requires the CUI (Código Universal da Instalação) — the unique code that identifies the gas installation in the property.

Before proceeding with the gas connection, you’ll need to schedule a gas inspection to obtain the mandatory safety certificate. This inspection usually costs around €60, and some suppliers may offer discounts or even include the inspection fee in your first invoice as part of a welcome package.

Do i Need do Install Gas in the House?

It depends on the property you’re moving into. If you are renting a home that already uses gas for hot water, cooking, or central heating, you typically cannot change the system. In that case, you simply need to proceed with the gas activation or transfer of the existing contract.

Many newer developments in Portugal no longer use gas at all. These properties run entirely on electricity, including heating, water systems, and kitchen appliances.

If you are buying a new property, you usually have the freedom to choose the type of energy setup you prefer — gas, electricity, or a combination — depending on what the building supports and your personal preferences.

Is Natural Gas Expensive?

Natural gas in Portugal can be relatively expensive compared to other energy sources. This cost factor may influence your decision, particularly if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option.

Many new houses in Portugal are now being designed and built without gas installations. This shift towards alternative energy sources reflects the growing demand for more sustainable and efficient heating systems. 

Warming House in Portugal

Keeping your home warm in Portugal can be done in several efficient and sustainable ways. Electricity is widely available across the country and is commonly used for heating, whether through portable electric heaters, air conditioning units with heating functions, or integrated electric systems.

Renewable energy solutions are also becoming more popular. Solar panels, in particular, offer an eco-friendly option for both electricity and heating, helping reduce long-term energy costs while improving efficiency.

While Portugal is known for its mild climate, winters can still feel quite cold — especially in the north, the interior, and in older homes with limited insulation. For this reason, having a reliable heating system is essential.

Gas Suppliers in Portugal

In Portugal, the main companies that supply electricity usually offer natural gas as well. For convenience, you can sign up with the same provider for both services, and many of them offer better prices when you combine the two.

Natural Gas Prices in Portugal

Household gas costs in Portugal tend to be slightly above the EU average, so energy expenses may be a bit higher than what many newcomers expect.

Even so, many expats find gas usage in Portugal manageable because modern homes increasingly rely on electricity or renewable energy instead of gas. Newer properties often come with electric heating, water systems, and appliances, allowing residents to avoid higher gas costs altogether.

Setting Up Water in Portugal

How to Connect Water in Portugal

Connecting water in Portugal works differently from other utilities because you cannot choose your provider. Water services are managed locally, and each municipality has its own supplier. This means the company you register with depends entirely on the area where your property is located.

To set up your water connection, you’ll need to prepare a few essential documents:

  • Proof of identity
  • NIF (Portuguese tax number)
  • Portuguese bank account details for direct debit payments
  • Proof of address, such as a rental contract or utility bill

Can I Drink Water From the Tap in Portugal?

Yes, tap water in Portugal is generally safe to drink. The country has modern water treatment systems and strict quality controls, ensuring clean and safe drinking water in most regions. Many locals and expats drink tap water daily without any issues.

That said, the taste and mineral content can vary from one region to another. In some areas, the water may have a slightly different flavor or higher mineral levels than what you might be used to. If you prefer a different taste or have concerns about the local supply, bottled water is inexpensive and widely available throughout the country.

Water Suppliers in Portugal

As you probably know, you can’t choose your water provider in Portugal — it’s tied directly to the municipality where you live. Still, to help you get familiar with the names, here are a few examples:

  • Lisbon – EPAL
  • Porto – Águas do Porto
  • Setúbal – Águas do Sado
  • Braga – AGERE
  • Aveiro region – ADRA
  • Algarve (Faro) – FAGAR

Water Prices in Portugal

Water prices in Portugal can vary by region, but Lisbon stands out for having some of the highest tap water costs in Southern Europe. Recent data shows that the price in Lisbon reaches €1.63 per cubic meter, placing it at the top of the list in this part of Europe.

For comparison, other major Southern European cities offer lower rates. Rome sits at around €1.05 per cubic meter, while Athens follows at €1.16. Madrid, although close to Lisbon, comes in slightly higher at €1.65 per cubic meter.

Setting Up Telecommunications in Portugal

How to Connect Telecommunications in Portugal

Setting up telecommunications in Portugal is straightforward, and most areas—especially cities and larger towns—have excellent optic-fiber coverage provided by the country’s three major telecom companies.

Start by comparing providers that offer the services you need, such as internet, TV packages, landline, and mobile plans. eSIM/virtual SIM options are also very popular among expats, especially iPhone users whose devices don’t support two physical SIM cards.

Once you choose a provider, you will typically need to present:

  • Passport or ID
  • Proof of address
  • Portuguese tax number (NIF)

Most companies offer their best prices with a 24-month contract, which usually includes free installation and activation. If you prefer not to commit to a long-term agreement, be prepared to pay upfront fees: installation costs are generally around €170, and activation fees range from €120 to €150.

Suppliers of Telecommunications Services

In Portugal, there are several home communications providers offering services such as internet, television, and telephone. Here are some of the main suppliers in Portugal:

  • MEO
  • NOS
  • Vodafone
  • NOWO

How Can I Pay Utility Bills in Portugal?

When it comes to paying your utilities bills in Portugal, you have several convenient options available. Here are some common payment methods:

Payment through Direct Debit

Setting up a direct debit is a popular and hassle-free way to pay your utilities bills. You can authorize your bank to automatically deduct the amount due from your account on the specified due date. 

Payment at Multibanco

Multibanco is a widely used payment network in Portugal. It allows you to pay your utilities bills conveniently at ATMs, online banking platforms, or payment terminals. 

Payment at Local Post Office

In some cases, you may also have the option to pay your utilities bills at the local post office (CTT – Correios de Portugal) where you can find in every small city or parish in major cities.

bank in Portugal

How We Can Help You

Local Expertise

We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.

Honest Guidance

We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.

All-in-One Solution

One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.

Seamless Process

Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many utility providers offer online or phone options for setting up services

In most of the cases the utility providers may require access to the property during the setup process. 

It is advisable to contact the utility and home communication providers at least a few weeks before your move-in date to allow sufficient time for processing applications, scheduling installations, and any necessary paperwork.

Portugal generally has mild winters, especially in the southern regions. While central heating systems are less common in Portuguese homes compared to colder climates, many houses and apartments are equipped with individual heating solutions like electric heaters, fireplaces, or heat pumps.

It can be beneficial to have during the summer months, especially in regions with hotter climates like the Algarve or Alentejo. Summers in Portugal can get quite warm, and air conditioning can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. However, it’s worth noting that not all homes in Portugal have air conditioning installed by default.

Typically, you’ll need proof of identity (such as a passport or ID card), proof of address (like a rental contract or property deed), and your Portuguese tax number (NIF). Some providers may also request bank account details for automatic payments.

To transfer utilities, you’ll need to contact the current provider with the property’s account information and your personal details. If renting, you may need a letter of authorization from the landlord.

Yes, many providers offer bundled packages that include internet, TV, phone, and sometimes utilities. Bundling can often save you money and simplify billing, so it’s worth exploring package options with local providers.

Most utility providers offer online portals or mobile apps where you can track your usage in real time. Installing smart meters or using energy-efficient appliances can also help you manage and reduce costs.

No, typically utility providers in Portugal do not require deposits or upfront fees. However, in some condominiums with central heating systems, you may be asked to leave an initial deposit to cover potential shared usage costs.

Yes. For electricity and gas, you can choose your provider. Water is the only utility managed by the local municipality, so you can’t select a different supplier.

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