# Opening a Business Bank Account in Portugal for Your Lda.

> What banks ask for when you open an account for a new Portuguese Lda., how the share capital deposit works, and tips for non-resident founders.

Source: https://getlda.pt/guides/opening-a-business-bank-account-in-portugal · Updated 2026-09-27

**Quick answer:** To open a business account for a new Lda., banks usually ask for the company's certidão permanente access code, its NIPC, the RCBE declaration, the managers' ID and NIF, and proof of address. Non-residents should expect detailed anti-money-laundering checks. Partners can defer paying in the share capital until the end of the company's first financial year.

A Portuguese bank account makes it much easier to pay suppliers, receive payments from Portuguese clients, pay taxes and pay salaries. Here's what to expect.

## Before or after incorporation?

Most founders open the account **after** the company is registered. Partners can declare that they will pay in their capital contributions by the **end of the company's first financial year**, so the bank account doesn't have to exist before the company does.

## Documents banks typically ask for

- Access code to the company's **certidão permanente**.
- The company's **NIPC** and **articles of association**.
- Proof of the **RCBE** declaration.
- **ID documents, NIF and proof of address** for every manager, and for beneficial owners.
- A description of the business: expected turnover, main clients and suppliers, countries involved.
- For corporate partners: the ownership chain up to the individuals who control it.

## Tips for non-resident founders

- **Expect questions.** Anti-money-laundering rules require banks to understand where money comes from. A short business plan and evidence of your professional background speed things up.
- **Check whether a visit is needed.** Some banks require managers to be identified in person or by video call.
- **Compare fees.** Monthly maintenance fees, card fees and international transfer costs vary a lot between Portuguese banks and EU digital banks.
- **Use an IBAN that clients and the Tax Authority accept.** Some Portuguese public services and clients prefer a Portuguese (PT50) IBAN.

## Paying in the share capital

Once the account is open, each partner transfers their share of the capital to the company's account. Keep the transfer receipts: your accountant needs them, and the managers must confirm the capital has been paid in by the deadline.

## Can GetLDA.pt help?

Our Premium package includes bank account assistance — we prepare the documents banks ask for and introduce you to banks used to working with foreign founders.

## Related guides

- [How to Register a Company (Lda.) in Portugal: Step-by-Step Guide](https://getlda.pt/guides/how-to-register-a-company-in-portugal.md)
- [RCBE: Portugal's Beneficial Ownership Register Explained](https://getlda.pt/guides/rcbe-beneficial-ownership-register.md)
- [NIF for Foreigners: Getting a Portuguese Tax Number to Open a Company](https://getlda.pt/guides/nif-for-foreigners.md)

Ready to open your Lda.? Licensed Portuguese lawyers handle it 100% online: https://getlda.pt/register