João Medeiros de Barros Updated: June 11, 2025
Whether you’re looking to rent in Lisbon, Porto, the beautiful Algarve region, or elsewhere in Portugal, you’ll find plenty of options for top rental properties. However, when it comes to renting in Portugal, there are crucial aspects to consider. After you’ve decided on the location, you’ll need to factor in your budget, how much space you’ll need, and if you’re searching for a furnished or unfurnished apartment.
To help you get to grips with renting property in Portugal, we’ve created this ultimate guide, where we’ll help you navigate top locations, types of properties available on the market, rental costs, and rental contracts. We’ll also provide top tips when it comes to renting houses in Portugal and provide an easy step-by-step guide to renting, making your search for accommodation as simple as possible.
Renting in Portugal
Demand for renting property in Portugal remains high in 2025, despite increasing rent prices. At the end of 2024, advertised homes for rent in Portugal received, on average, 21 contacts before leaving the market, highlighting high demand.
While many individuals rent directly with the owner of the property, as an expat, it’s often simpler to go through a real estate agent who is familiar with the real estate market and speaks English.
Most expats choose Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve, although many are increasingly setting their sights outside these hotspot locations.
Property for Rent in Portugal: Popular Places to Rent in Portugal
Across the country, you will find a wide selection of houses, villas, and apartments for rent in Portugal. The beauty of the different Portuguese regions is that each has its own charm. With so much to explore, it’s no wonder people enjoy the freedom of movement that comes with renting a home in Portugal.
In the sections below, we will explore a few of the best areas to find Portugal rentals, including the sunny Algarve, the bustling city of Lisbon, the captivating Porto, and serene rental options in the Alentejo and Silver Coast regions.
Lisbon
The Portuguese capital of Lisbon and the greater Lisbon area generally offer more expensive neighborhoods to live in. However, renting outside the city center is where you’ll find property prices drop considerably.
Lisbon offers a bustling and culturally rich cosmopolitan center and tranquil beaches surrounding the city’s coastline. Rent prices vary based on where the rental property is located, be it downtown Lisbon, the city center, popular neighborhoods like Príncipe Real, or residential neighborhoods like Campo de Ourique.
Lisbon offers some stunning apartments for rent in Portugal. However, the cost of Lisbon apartments for rent will vary depending on the type of property you are looking for.
The average rental price for an apartment in Lisbon is:
One-bedroom apartment in the city center | €1,411 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €1,090 |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | €2,652 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €1,792 |
Algarve
The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, popular for beach house rentals, vacation rentals, and coastal property investments. Known for its breathtaking coastline and golden sandy beaches, the Algarve offers fantastic surfing spots, hidden bays, bird-filled lagoons, and rugged cliffs.
You will find several rental options, especially in the areas that are popular with expats renting in Portugal, including the Algarve’s capital, Faro, Albufeira, and Lagos. If you are looking for a waterfront apartment for rent in the Algarve, Portugal, you’ll find an array of options.
The monthly rental costs for an apartment in the Algarve’s Albufeira, as an example, are:
One-bedroom apartment in the city center | €1,163 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €1,100 |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | €2,712 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €1,483 |
Silver Coast
Costa de Prata, Portugal’s Silver Coast, runs from Aveiro to Torres Vedras. Treat yourself to a rental here with access to magnificent beaches and breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The Silver Coast has stunning ocean views and, without the heavy footfall of tourists, offers an idyllic and quieter coastal experience. You’ll also find quiet, secluded beaches here, quaint villages to explore, and a laid-back lifestyle.
The monthly rental costs for an apartment in the Silver Coast’s Aveiro are:
One-bedroom apartment in the city center | €787 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €588 |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | €1,350 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €979 |
Porto and Northern Portugal
Following Lisbon, Porto is the second most populous region in Portugal, with a lot of locals and expats choosing to relocate to the second largest city in the country. The iconic historical and cultural heritage of Porto and the surrounding region attracts many, as does the delicious wine produced here. Porto’s historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding to its cultural appeal.
Besides its captivating beauty, Porto also offers a wide range of rentals to cater to every taste and requirement, including villas with private gardens and modern apartments with waterfront views.
The cost of rentals varies greatly depending on the city, the type of property, the size of the property, and whether they’re long-term rentals or short-term rentals.
The average rental price per month for an apartment in Porto is:
One-bedroom apartment in the city center | €1,012 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €809 |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | €1,893 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €1,365 |
Central Portugal
The Central Portugal region is celebrated for its natural beauty, affordability, and cultural richness and includes the popular cities of Aveiro, Coimbra, and Viseu. Its central location allows for easy access and exploration of Portugal’s more popular cities like Lisbon and Porto, and the Silver Coast, which, as we mentioned, has staggering sea views to rival those in the Algarve.
The monthly rental costs for an apartment in Central Portugal’s Coimbra are:
One-bedroom apartment in the city center | €666 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €550 |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | €1,214 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €957 |
Alentejo
Located in Southern Portugal between the Tagus River and the Algarve, the Alentejo region has much to offer. Alentejo is bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. The region is more rural than places like Lisbon and less densely populated, but offers enticing landscapes like green rolling hills and hidden beaches.
You will find more affordable prices in Alentejo, also depending on the type and size of property you are looking to rent.
The monthly rental costs for an apartment in the Alentejo’s Évora, for example, are:
One-bedroom apartment in the city center | €700 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €525 |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | €1,425 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €1,000 |
Buying vs Renting in Portugal
To buy, or to rent – which is best for you?
Renting a house in Portugal is often the more flexible option, especially if you are new to the country and unsure where you’d prefer to live. It involves less paperwork than buying, doesn’t require a mortgage, and most rentals come furnished, so you can move in right away.
Renting an apartment in Portugal also gives you the freedom to explore different areas of the country, learn about local amenities and public transportation, and connect with both local and expat communities before deciding where to settle down.
However, if you’re planning to live in Portugal long-term, buying a home is a smart investment in an asset that will appreciate over time. Not only can it offer more stability, but it also opens up the opportunity to earn rental income if you’re not living in your home all year.
Explore our definitive guide to buying property in Portugal
Types of Property to Rent in Portugal
Most people will rent a property when moving to Portugal, although many young professionals or students may choose to rent a room in a shared apartment, which is the cheaper option. While some may choose to rent a house outside the cities, it is more common to rent an apartment if looking to rent property in the city.
When it comes to navigating the definitions of apartment types on real estate listing websites, the number of rooms is in the real estate listing title. For example, a T1 is a one-bedroom apartment, a T2-is a two bedroom apartment, and so on, with a To being a studio apartment.
While Portugal is famous for its warm climate, it can get cold in the winter months inside, as many properties are poorly insulated. Bear this in mind when looking for properties to rent to make sure you have sufficient heating in the winter months.
Finding a Place to Rent in Portugal
Whether you’re searching for a cozy apartment in the city or a peaceful home in the countryside, there are plenty of ways to find the right rental in Portugal. From expert agents to online property portals, here are the top resources to help you get started.
- Rental service agents: Working with an experienced rental service team is perfect for expats needing expert local insight. Goldcrest offers property search services that can help you find the perfect rental property, bringing you expert local knowledge, negotiation assistance, and help with securing a lawyer to review your lease agreement.
- Online portals: One of the quickest ways to browse available properties is through online portals. You’ll be able to filter by price, size, and location to get a feel for the market. However, bear in mind that there is no online portal in Portugal that lists all available Portugal homes for rent, and it’s possible to fall prey to an online scam without the help of a real estate professional
How to rent a house in Portugal?
Foreigners can rent vacation homes in Portugal, as well as long-term rentals in the country. Wondering how to rent a house in Portugal? Like the process a Portuguese citizen will follow, you will need to sign a rental contract with a property agency or private landlord and pay a rental deposit.
To sign tenancy contracts, foreign renters will need to acquire a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). The NIF number is the Portuguese tax number required for all financial transactions and legal matters in the country. You can apply for your NIF number at your local Finanças Office (Portuguese tax office) or citizen shop (Loja do Cidadão).
You can learn more in this article, How to Get A NIF (Tax Identification Number) Portugal: A Guide for Expats, by our citizenship and residency division, Global Citizen Solutions.
Depending on whether you are renting directly from a property owner or a rental agency, you will also need to provide valid identification documents and your last pay slip or tax return. If you are unable to provide these documents, you may have a guarantor provide their particulars on your behalf.
Rental Costs in Portugal
However, it is important to keep in mind that rental prices depend greatly on the type of property you are looking for, where the property is located, and other factors like whether it is an unfurnished or furnished apartment or whether it has exclusive amenities such as air conditioning or private parking. Of course, furnished apartments and exclusive amenities will come with a higher rental cost.
According to Numbeo, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center in Portugal is €928 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment in the same location can cost you €1,592 per month. However, prices will vary depending on location, as you’ll see below.
Security deposit
Typically, this will be equal to up to three months’ rent.
Agency fees
If you’re renting through an agency, check which fees are your responsibility and which are covered by the landlord.
Utilities and telecommunication
Tenants usually cover water, electricity, gas, and internet. Expect to pay around €114/month for basic utilities for an 85 square meter apartment and about €38/month for internet, depending on your usage plan.
Tenancy Rental Contracts in Portugal
If you have decided on renting a house in Portugal, you will need to sign a rental or tenancy contract. Basic Portugal rental agreements should include information about the tenant and landlord, such as nationality and date of birth, as well as information about the apartment and the terms and conditions of use.
Most landlords or agencies specializing in rental property in Portugal will provide you with tenancy contracts that will include the following standard contract information:
Property description (size, condition, furnished or unfurnished, property features, i.e., pet-friendly, air- conditioning)
- Lease terms such as lease lengths and renewal terms
- Utility costs and maintenance agreements pertaining to utilities and property upkeep, and each responsible party
- Tenant rights and responsibilities, which are laws and regulations that protect tenants and outline their obligations
- Landlord rights and obligations, which explain the legal requirements and duties of property owners, such as paying municipal property taxes
- Proof of rental licenses and permits for renting properties, like the Alojamento Local (AL) for short-term rentals
- Rent value
- Rent payment date
- Payable agency fee
- Bank transfer details
Property description (size, condition, furnished or unfurnished, property features, i.e., pet-friendly, airIn some areas, especially in smaller towns, a less formal rental agreement (with no contract) can be entered into when dealing directly with a landlord. This is common among landlords who do not have a rental license for the property and want to avoid tax implications applicable to landlords, such as income tax considerations for rental income.
To avoid scams, ensure you receive a formal contract and have viewed the property before signing any legal documents or paying a month’s rent upfront. Having something in writing will protect you in case of any disputes, particularly if there is a language barrier between you and the landlord.
Renting in Portugal and Tenants Rights
When renting in Portugal, rental contracts usually renew automatically unless either the tenant or landlord decides to end it—just make sure to give at least two months’ notice.
Tenants can often make small changes to the home, like updating fixtures, but it’s always best to double-check the contract or ask the landlord first. Subletting isn’t usually allowed unless it’s clearly stated in the agreement. At the end of your lease, the landlord can keep part or all of the deposit if there’s any damage.
On the landlord’s side, they also need to give two months’ notice if they want to end the lease and may need a valid reason, like needing to move in themselves or do major renovations. If a tenant hasn’t paid rent for three months, the landlord can start an eviction process.
Expert Tips for Renters in Portugal
To help you rent with confidence, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:
- Never send money before viewing the property and signing a formal rental contract. For added assurance, seek the help of a real estate lawyer in Portugal to review the legitimacy of the contract.
- Take photos on move-in day, especially if there’s no inventory list—this can help avoid disputes later.
- Confirm any repairs needed before signing the contract to ensure everything is sorted in advance.
- Review all fees in the rental agreement so there are no surprises.
- Check rules on things like subletting, smoking, and pets.
- Ask about where the fuse box is and other essential details of the home.
- Record meter readings for gas, electricity, and water when you move in. You will need to provide this information to each service so they can start calculating your bill.
- Make sure you have your landlord’s contact information, especially for emergencies.
- Clarify what changes (like painting or hanging pictures) are allowed in the property.
Goldcrest: How We Can Help Find a Place to Rent in Portugal
Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent located in Lisbon, Algarve, and Porto that also provides property search services for renters. We can find your ideal rental property based on your lifestyle aspirations.
We also assist in securing a rental property for when you first move to Portugal, to get you settled quickly and to provide proof of accommodation for when you apply for residency.
Whether you’re a family looking to relocate, find a rental property or invest in property, our team of experts can help you find the right property without the hassle or fuss. Book a complimentary call with us today to begin your exciting relocation journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting in Portugal
Can foreigners rent property in Portugal?
Yes, a foreigner can rent a house in Portugal. You will need to get a NIF number (Portuguese tax number) and provide ID and your latest pay slip or tax return.
Many expats find rentals through local agents or online platforms before or after arriving in the country. Goldcrest also offers a rental property search service to help foreigners find good places to rent in Portugal.
Do I need a Portuguese fiscal number (NIF) to rent a property in Portugal?
Yes, the NIF number is the Portuguese tax number required for all financial transactions in the country, including renting property.
How much is rent in Portugal?
The cost of renting a property in Portugal varies based on a number of factors, including the area you live in, the type of property you are renting, whether it’s a vacation rental, and the lease period.
According to a 2025 Numbeo cost of living report, the average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in Portugal is €928 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment in the same location can cost you €1,592 per month.
How is rent paid in Portugal?
Rent in Portugal is paid monthly. The rental amount will be stated in your rental agreement, as will the security deposit required. It is common to pay the cost of two or three months’ rent upfront. Some landlords may ask for a bigger deposit from foreign tenants who do not have proof of income or a guarantor in Portugal.
How do I find rental properties in Portugal?
You can search for Portugal houses for rent on online property portals, classified ad sites, Facebook groups, and Facebook marketplace. Alternatively, you can work with a real estate agent or a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest that also offers rental search services.
Buyer’s agents like Goldcrest not only work with clients who buy and sell property in Portugal, but they also assist clients with finding properties to rent in Portugal.
How long can you rent house in Portugal
The most common rental contracts start at one or two years but can go up to six years. It is less common to have rental contracts for longer than six years, but it is possible. The maximum period is 30 years.
What documents are required to rent a property in Portugal?
To sign a contract for a rental property in Portugal, you will need a NIF number (Portuguese tax number), valid identification documents, and your latest pay slip or tax return. These required documents can vary depending on whether you are renting short- or long-term and on what the owner of the property requires. So be sure to clarify the exact requirements with the landlord beforehand.
What are the typical lease terms for renting in Portugal?
Lease terms are dependent on the parties involved in the lease agreement. However, the typical lease term in Portugal carries a lease length of either 12 months or 6 months. Lease agreements will also typically include information pertaining to tenant rights and responsibilities, landlord rights and obligations, rent value, rent payment date, and lease renewal terms.
Can landlords increase the rent during the lease term in Portugal?
Yes, however, the increase must be stated in the original lease agreement and the landlord will need to give the tenant at least two months’ notice.
Are pets allowed in rental properties in Portugal?
This depends on the property type and the private landlord or agency you are renting property from. Be sure to check the lease agreement before signing or paying any deposits.
What are the most popular areas for expats to rent in Portugal?
The major cities for expats to rent property in Portugal include the capital city of Lisbon, Porto, and Faro and Albufeira in the Algarve region.
How does the rental process work for non-residents in Portugal?
The rental process for non-residents is similar to the process a Portuguese citizen will undertake. You will need to sign a rental contract with a property agency or private landlord and pay a rental deposit.
Remember, foreign renters will need to acquire a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). The NIF number is the Portuguese tax number required for all financial transactions and legal matters in the country.
You may also need to provide valid identification documents and your last pay slip or tax return. If you are unable to provide these documents, you may have a guarantor provide their particulars on your behalf.
What types of rental properties are available in Portugal?
You will find a varied selection of houses, villas, mansions, apartments and even commercial properties for rent in Portugal.
Can you live in Portugal on $3,000 a month?
Yes, $3,000 a month is more than enough to live comfortably in Portugal. This budget can cover rent, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and leisure, even in Lisbon or Porto. In smaller towns, your money will go even further, allowing for a higher quality of life.
Can I live in Portugal with $1,500 a month?
Yes, it’s possible to live in Portugal on $1,500 a month, especially in smaller cities or rural areas. You’ll need to budget carefully, but many expats do so by choosing affordable housing and living modestly. In larger cities like Lisbon, it might be more challenging without shared housing or extra savings.
Is it cheaper to live in Portugal or the USA?
It is generally cheaper to live in Portugal than in the USA. Overall costs, including rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare, are considerably lower in Portugal, offering a more affordable lifestyle for many, particularly expats. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Portugal, including rent, is around 33 percent lower than in the USA.
