Guide
Opening a bank account in Portugal: what Israelis need
A Portuguese bank account is usually the first practical step of a property purchase or a move — and most of the paperwork is Israeli documents the bank needs to read in English.
First things first: the NIF
Before any bank will open an account, you need a NIF — the Portuguese tax identification number. It is usually obtained through a lawyer or fiscal representative, and it isn't a translation matter at all; it simply has to come first.
Once the NIF exists, the bank's own checklist takes over — and that is where the Israeli documents come in.
What banks typically ask for
Passport
Identification — no translation needed.
NIF
The Portuguese tax number, issued in Portugal.
Proof of address
Any recent utility bill — electricity, water or gas — an arnona bill, or a municipal confirmation. If it's in Hebrew, it needs an English translation.
Proof of income or employment
Recent payslips and often an employment confirmation (אישור העסקה); some banks also ask for Form 106.
Bank reference or statements
Some banks want an account-management letter (אישור ניהול חשבון) or recent statements from your Israeli bank.
Which of these need translation
Portuguese banks generally accept documents in English, so the Hebrew items — the utility or arnona bill confirming your address, payslips, employment and account letters, statements — are translated into English. The exact list varies from bank to bank, and whoever handles your account opening will confirm it.
What matters is that the translations read cleanly: layout mirrored against the original, every name and number checked, a signed certificate of accuracy on request.
The sensible order
Get the NIF first. Collect the Hebrew documents while the account appointment is being arranged, and have them translated as one batch — it is quicker, cheaper, and keeps names and spellings consistent across every document.
The same file usually feeds the mortgage application later, so a clean set pays for itself twice.
Common questions
Can the account be opened from Israel?
Many banks allow remote opening through a lawyer or representative, and policies differ from bank to bank. Whoever handles your opening will confirm the process — our part is making sure the Israeli documents in the file read cleanly in English.
Do the documents need to be in Portuguese?
Usually not. Portuguese banks generally accept documents in English, so in most cases an English translation is what you'll submit — though some banks ask for a Portuguese translation or an apostille. Where that happens, we can advise on the steps.
What does the translation set cost?
Confirmation and municipal letters start at ₪99 including VAT, payslips at ₪99, and bank statements at ₪129. A batch is quoted as one job, and every quote is confirmed with you before any work begins.
Getting your documents ready for a Portuguese bank?
Print-ready PDF · handled in confidence · a few days for most jobs