The Ultimate Guide to Renting in Portugal in 2025

Renting in Portugal is a good option for expats who are not ready to purchase their dream property when relocating to Portugal’s sought-after shores.

Whether it’s Lisbon, Porto, or elsewhere in Portugal, the Portuguese rental market offers a great selection of properties to choose from.

Once you’ve chosen the area you want to live in, you’ll also need to consider key factors like your budget, contract terms, the amount of space you need, and the amenities and facilities you’d like to have nearby.

In this Portugal rental property guide we will delve into the intricacies of rentals in Portugal, discuss how property agents can help with the process, explore the average rental prices, and delve into the best places to find Portugal rentals for expats.

Where to Find Affordable Rentals 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.

Affordable rentals in 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:

Affordable rentals in the 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:

Affordable rentals in 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:

Affordable rentals in 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:

Affordable rentals in 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:

Affordable rentals in 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:

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Exploring the rental contract 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 protecting tenants and outlining their obligations
• Landlord rights and obligations which explain the legal requirements and duties of property owners, such as paying municipal property tax
• 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

In 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.

Landlord and Tenant Rights and Obligations

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.

Breaking Down Rental Costs in Portugal

Renting a home in Portugal comes with a few key costs to keep in mind. Here are all the costs you can expect to incur while renting: 

• Monthly rent: Rental prices vary depending on location and property type. Most landlords expect payment via bank transfer, so make sure the rent fits comfortably within your budget.
• 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.

Final 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.