Renting in Portugal has become increasingly popular among both locals and newcomers. With Portuguese apartment rent prices on the rise and demand soaring in areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, many people are turning to rentals—sometimes in the city outskirts or smaller towns where prices are more manageable.

Once you’ve chosen the area that suits you best, it’s time to think about your budget, the amount of space you need, and whether you prefer a furnished or unfurnished apartment. A bit of planning upfront makes the whole process much easier and helps you find a home that truly fits your lifestyle.

Portugal Renting Overview

Rentals in Portugal are moving fast, and good properties don’t stay available for long. When you find a place that fits your needs, it’s important to act quickly. Many newcomers are surprised by how competitive the Portuguese apartment rent market can be. 

While you can renting a property in Portugal directly from a private owner, many expats prefer using a real estate agent who speaks English and can guide them through the process more comfortably.

Be prepared for some upfront costs while renting in Portugal. Most landlords ask for two months of rent plus two deposits, and non-residents may also be asked for a Portuguese guarantor or additional rent paid in advance.

Leases usually start at 12 months, and landlords often prefer longer terms of rentals in Portugal. Furnished apartments (mobilado) are more common in smaller units, while larger homes tend to be unfurnished.

Utilities might already be set up from previous tenants, or you may need to arrange them yourself—this varies by property.

If you’re planning to relocate, it helps to understand how Portuguese apartment rent varies from region to region.

Buying vs. Renting in Portugal: What to Choose?

Deciding whether to buy or rent in Portugal depends on your long-term plans and financial goals. Renting in Portugal offers flexibility, making it ideal for newcomers who want to explore different areas before settling. It also requires lower upfront costs, though competition can be high in major cities. 

Buying a property, on the other hand, can be a strong investment due to Portugal’s stable market, steady property appreciation, and high demand in popular regions. It’s a great choice for those planning to stay long-term or seeking short-rental income. In the end, renting suits short-term or uncertain plans, while buying is better for long-term stability and for instance buy-to-let investments.

Types of Rental Properties in Portugal

When renting in Portugal, most people choose apartments, especially if they want to stay in the city centre of larger cities and avoid the outskirts. If a full apartment is out of budget, it’s very common—particularly in Lisbon and Porto—to rent a single room and share the space with flatmates.

Many rentals properties in Portugal come furnished, often including a fully equipped kitchen, which makes moving in much easier. You can also find unfurnished options, usually in larger properties like three- or four-bedroom apartments, which are ideal if you prefer bringing or shipping your own belongings. In some houses, you might not find a washing machine, but that’s not unusual—many people simply use nearby laundrettes.

Although Portugal enjoys a warm climate, many homes lack proper insulation, so indoor temperatures can drop quite a bit in winter. You may find it helpful to have a small heater to stay comfortable.

Renting Out

How to Find Homes For Rent in Portugal

Finding homes for rent in Portugal is usually straightforward, but the process can feel unfamiliar if you’re new to the country. Whether you’re relocating, staying long-term, or testing an area before buying, knowing where to look makes all the difference. 

From trusted online portals to local agencies and the support of a buyer’s agent, there are several reliable ways to secure the right rental that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Online Portals

Most homes for rent in Portugal are appear on major platforms such as Idealista, Imovirtual, Casa Sapo, OLX, and Facebook Marketplace. These websites let you filter by price, location, type, and rental length, making it easy to compare options across the country.

Property Rental Services for Expats

For foreigners, workinng with a buyer’s agent can be incredibly helpful for rent house in Portugal. They filter listings based on your needs, verify details, and work with any realtor or agency on your behalf. This saves time, avoids language barriers, and helps you avoid common rental pitfalls—especially in competitive areas.

Real Estate Agencies

Local agencies often have listings of rental properties in Portugal that don’t appear online or are shared privately. Well-known examples include Remax, Century 21, ERA, and smaller regional agencies in each municipality. Visiting or contacting agencies in your preferred area can uncover additional rental opportunities.

How to Rent a House in Portugal

The process to rent a house in Portugal is quite similar to what you’ll find in many other European countries. You can either rent through a real estate agency or directly from a private landlord.

Renting through a property agency

Once you find a place you like, express your interest quickly — the rental market can move fast.  The next step is signing the lease. Before you rent a flat Portugal, you’ll need a tax number (NIF) and ID card or passport. If more than one person is renting, each tenant must provide their documents. Landlords or agencies may also request income proof such as bank statement, tax return, or proof of employment.

When the contract is signed, you’ll usually pay advance rent, often the equivalent of three months, and sometimes an additional security deposit (caução). Foreign renters may also be asked for a Portuguese guarantor (fiador), which they can usually replace by paying additional rent in advance or providing a higher security deposit.

Renting directly from a private landlord

You can also find rentals properties in Portugal directly from a private owner. The required documents are generally the same as with agencies. Keep in mind that some landlords may not speak English, which can make communication tricky. For this reason, many expats prefer working with specialized rental agencies that can guide them through the Portugal renting process.

Popular Places to Rent House in Portugal

The country offers a wide range of rentals in Portugal across its major cities, each with its own lifestyle, atmosphere, and price point. Below is a quick look at some of the most popular locations—along with typical rental prices for central 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments.

Lisbon

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and largest city, sitting where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic. It blends historic neighbourhoods with modern infrastructure, a lively cultural scene, and excellent international connections — all of which make it a top choice for people moving to Portugal.

Average Price of Renting a Property in Portugal, Lisbon

  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around €1,400/month
  • 3-bedroom in the same area averages about €2,550/month.

Porto

Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, set along the Douro River in the north. It’s a vibrant urban hub with great food, strong job opportunities, and a slightly more relaxed feel than Lisbon. The city offers good public transport, plenty of neighbourhood options, and a solid quality of life for renters.

Price of Renting an Apartment in Portugal, Porto

  • 1-bedroom central apartment is around €1,030/month
  • 3-bedroom in the centre averages about €1,850/month.

Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region of continental Portugal, known for its golden beaches, mild climate, and strong appeal to tourists and expats. It offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with sunny weather year-round.

Cost of Rent House in Portugal, Algarve

  • 1-bedroom apartment in town centre expect about €1,000/month
  • 3-bedroom in the centre costs around €1,800/month.

Braga

Braga, in northern Portugal’s Minho region, is a lively and affordable city with a strong job market and good day-to-day amenities. It offers a comfortable lifestyle, plenty of services, and a growing tech presence, making it a practical choice for many renters.

Price of Renting an Apartment in Portugal, Braga

  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for about €790/month
  • 3-bedroom in the centre goes for roughly €1,230/month.

Coimbra

Coimbra sits right in the heart of Portugal and is best known for its historic university, one of the oldest in Europe. The city has a charming mix of old streets, lively student life, and a slower pace that appeals to many renters looking for a cultured but relaxed place to call home.

Prices for Rent a Flat Portugal, Coimbra

  • 1-bedroom city-centre apartment to cost about €733/month
  • 3-bedroom in the centre is estimated around €1,000-1,200/month.

Types of Rental Contracts in Portugal

When renting in Portugal, you’ll come across two main types of agreements: fixed-term contracts (contrato com prazo certo) and long-term renting contracts (contrato por duração indeterminada). Most leases have a minimum duration of one year and often include an automatic renewal clause unless either party decides otherwise.

Fixed-Term Contract (Contrato com Prazo Certo)

A fixed-term contract sets a clear start and end date. It’s commonly used for standard yearly rentals and is renewed automatically if both the tenant and the landlord agree. This type of contract gives both parties clarity on how long the tenancy will last.

Long-Term Renting in Portugal (Contrato por Duração Indeterminada)

A contract for long-term renting in Portugal doesn’t have a predetermined end date. It continues indefinitely until either the tenant or landlord decides to terminate it, following the legal notice periods. This option offers greater stability for renters planning to stay in Portugal for several years.

A Standard Rental Contract Should Include:

  • Name and identification of both parties
  • Property address
  • Monthly rent and payment due date
  • Contract duration, including renewal terms
  • Security deposit
  • Termination notice period

Rights and Obligations in Rental Contract

Understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential when renting a property in Portugal. Both tenants and landlords follow specific rules that help protect each side and keep the rental process fair and transparent. Below is a practical overview of what each party should know before signing a lease.

Tenant Rights and Obligations

Lease contracts for renting a property in Portugal can be fixed-term or open-ended. Once you’ve completed one-third of the initial contract duration, you may end the agreement by giving your landlord at least 120 days’ notice.

You’re generally allowed to make small alterations or add fixtures, but it’s always best to confirm with the landlord first. If any damage is found at the end of the tenancy, the landlord has the right to deduct the cost from your deposit.

Subletting (subarrendar) is usually not allowed unless your contract specifically permits it or you obtain written permission from the landlord.

After you give notice that you’re leaving, you’re required to allow property visits for future tenants, as long as the landlord informs you at least 72 hours in advance.

Landlord Rights and Obligations

Landlords must also respect the same 120-day notice period if they decide to terminate the contract, and they do not need to provide a specific explanation.

Owners can also set certain rules for rental in Portugal, such as not allowing dogs or other pets, as long as these conditions are clearly stated in the contract.

If a tenant fails to pay rent for three months, the landlord must send a formal notice. If the issue isn’t resolved, they may initiate an eviction process through the Balcão Nacional do Arrendamento.

Buying Property in Portugal

Do I Need a Guarantor for Renting in Portugal?

If you’re new to Portugal renting, it’s important to know what a guarantor is and why you may be asked for one. Landlords often ask for a guarantor (fiador), especially when renting a property in Portugal to foreigners, students who aren’t working, or anyone without a long local employment history. A fiador is typically a Portuguese resident who agrees to cover the rent if the tenant is unable to pay.

If you don’t have a local guarantor, there are usually alternatives. Many landlords will accept a higher security deposit, several months of rent paid upfront, or proof of sufficient savings. Some tenants also use rental insurance or guarantee services, which can act as a substitute for a traditional fiador.

Rental Costs in Portugal

Understanding the costs of Portugal renting is essential before signing any lease, as expenses can vary depending on the property, location, and landlord. 

Rental Deposit

Most landlords request one to two months’ rental in Portugal as a security deposit, refundable at the end of the lease if the property is returned in good condition.

Upfront Rentals

While renting in Portugal it’s common to pay the first month’s rent upfront, and in competitive areas some landlords may request additional months in advance.

Agency Fees

In Portugal renting, tenants typically don’t pay any real estate commission. The agent’s fees are usually covered by the landlord.

Utilities

House utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet are usually not included in rentals in Portugal. They are paid separately by the tenant but on average you should expect to pay around €100 per month. Always confirm what’s included in the rent to avoid surprises.

Utilities and Telecommunications in Portugal

In most Portugal renting cases, utilities are not included in the monthly rent, so you’ll need to budget for them separately. If you’re moving into a property that was previously occupied, the landlord may already have an account set up with a provider. In that case, you simply request an ownership change (mudança de titularidade).

If no services are in place, you’ll need to set them up yourself — which can be a bit challenging at first, especially with the language barrier. The good news is that the same company can usually supply both electricity and gas. Water, however, is almost always handled separately because it’s managed by the local municipality.

You’ll likely also need to arrange internet and TV service. Portugal has several major providers, so it’s worth comparing packages to find the best deal for your needs. If you’re staying in a serviced apartment, these costs are typically included in the total monthly rate, making things much simpler.

For more videos about investing or moving to Portugal, explore our YouTube channel here: YouTube Channel Portugal Residency Advisors.

Moving In and Leaving Your Rental in Portugal

Once you’ve signed the rental contract and made the initial payment, you can move into your new home. This is the moment to take care of setting up your utilities, ideally in advance, as activation can take a few days.

For furnished rentals, some landlords include an inventory list with the contract. In Portugal renting, this list simply records the main items and appliances in the property to ensure everything is still there when you move out.

When it’s time to leave, the landlord may carry out a final inspection to check the condition of the property. In rentals in Portugal, any security deposit you paid at the start should be fully returned as long as there’s no damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Tips for Renting in Portugal

  • Don’t pay anything before viewing the property and signing a contract.
  • Agree on any needed repairs with the landlord before signing the contract.
  • Clarify exactly what’s included in the rent—furniture, appliances, condo fees, etc.
  • If there’s no inventory, take photos of the property yourself for reference.
  • Check the landlord’s rules on bringing pets.
  • Visit the property in person when possible to assess noise levels, condition, and sunlight.
  • Inspect heating and insulation, as older buildings can be quite cold in winter.
  • Look into nearby public transport and services to make sure the location suits your lifestyle.

How We Can Help

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. 

Holistic Approach

We offer a streamlined communication channel for the entire process, delivering a comprehensive service that encompasses all facets of your real estate investment journey, including property search, negotiation, legal matters, due diligence, and property management.

Independent Service

As an independent buying agent, we have the flexibility to collaborate with any agent, seller, promoter, or developer, providing you access to all available options in the real estate market. This enables us to objectively analyze every opportunity and find the right property for you at the best price, free from complications.

Simple Process

Technology plays a significant role in our company, allowing us to provide you detailed property market information and minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. As customers ourselves, we understand how to best serve your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Foreigners can rent property in Portugal with no restrictions, whether for short-term stays or long-term living.

In major hubs like Lisbon or Porto, a 1-bedroom city-centre apartment usually costs around €900–€1,200+ per month. Outside centres or in smaller cities, you’ll find prices closer to €600–€800. Longer-term listings in Porto even show rents with utilities included around ~€800 for a studio.

You’ll typically need a passport or ID, proof of income, Portuguese tax number (NIF), and sometimes proof of employment.

Yes, some landlords ask for a Portuguese guarantor. If you don’t have one, extra deposits (usually 2–3 months’ rent) may be required.

Most landlords ask for one or two months’ rent as a deposit, plus one or two months’ rent upfront.

In 2025, average monthly rent ranges from €800–€1,200 in Lisbon, €700–€1,000 in Porto, and €500–€800 in smaller towns.

Tenants have the right to a registered rental contract, fair notice before termination, and protection against unfair eviction.

Contracts usually run for 1–2 years but can be longer. Both landlord and tenant must respect the notice period set in the lease.

Yes. Landlords often request 2 months of rent in advance, separate from the security deposit.

Yes. By law, the landlord must register the contract with the tax authorities, which protects both parties.

Review the rent, lease duration, deposit terms, notice period, and ensure the property condition and inventory are clearly documented.

Most long-term rental prices do not automatically include utilities like electricity, water, gas, or internet. It depends on the specific rental agreement: some rooms or shared flats include them, but standard contracts usually list utilities as separate monthly costs. For budgeting, expect around €90–€130/month extra for utilities for one person.

Smaller inland towns typically have the lowest rents — places like Bragança, Guarda, Viseu, Castelo Branco tend to be much cheaper than the coast or big cities. Even within big cities, more peripheral neighbourhoods can be noticeably cheaper than central districts.

Lisbon offers an energetic, cosmopolitan vibe with plenty of career opportunities, culture, and nightlife. Porto, by contrast, has a calmer rhythm, a strong local character, and generally lower living costs. If you’re drawn to sunshine and coastal living, the Algarve—especially towns like Lagos or Faro—delivers beautiful beaches and well-established expat communities. Meanwhile, cities such as Braga and Coimbra offer a comfortable blend of affordability, urban convenience, and historic charm, making them great balanced options for everyday life.

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