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Finances
Currency (Euros)
Fiscal (Tax) Number (Numero Fiscal de Contribuinte)
Banks
Currency Exchange
Foreign Currency Transfers
International Money Transfers
Mortgages
Social Security
News
Currency
Euro banknotes and coins replaced escudos as legal tender from 28 February 2002. The Bank of Portugal (Banco de Portugal) will receive and pay out the face value of escudo banknotes for a period of 20 years.
Euro Banknotes
On the front of the banknotes, windows and gateways symbolise the European spirit of openness and co-operation. The 12 stars of the European Union represent the dynamism and harmony between European nations. To complement these designs, the reverse of each banknote features a bridge. The bridges symbolise the close co-operation and communication between Europe and the rest of the world.
Euro Coins
The eight denominations of coins vary in size, colour and thickness according to their values, which are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent or EUR 1 and EUR 2. One euro is divided into 100 cent. One side of each coin features one of three designs common to all 12 euro area countries showing different maps of Europe surrounded by the 12 stars of the European Union. The reverse side of each coin shows individual designs relating to the respective Member State, surrounded by 12 stars. Euro coins can be used anywhere in the euro area, regardless of their national sides.
Banks (Bancos)
Banking hours are from 08:30 - 15:00 Monday to Friday. Most banks are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Banco BPI
www.bancobpi.pt 
Banco de Portugal
The central bank of the Portuguese Republic.
Rua do Ouro 27, 1100-150 Lisboa. Tel: (00351) 213213200
www.bportugal.pt 
Banco Espírito Santo (BES)
BES has subsidiaries, associated banks, & branches in Madrid, São Paulo, Luanda, Paris, Macao, Miami, Dublin, London, New York, Milan & Cologne.
Head Office: Avenida da Liberdade 195, 1250-142, Lisboa
London Branch: 33 Queen Street, London, EC4R 1 ES. Phone: 0207 3324300
www.bes.pt
Banco Finantia
An independent Iberian Bank with leading positions in key market niches: Consumer Finance, Investment Banking and Private Banking. The Bank has focused its activities in the Iberian Peninsula / Latin American corridor, assisted by its offices in Lisbon, Barcelona, London, Madrid, New York, Oporto and São Paulo.
Head Office: Rua General Firmino Miguel 5, 1600-100 Lisbon. Tel: (00351) 217202000
London: Finantia Securities Ltd, 11 Austin Friars 5th floor, London, EC2N 2HG. Tel: 0207 3825200
www.finantia.pt
Banco Privado Portugues
www.banco-privado.pt
Barclays Portugal
Owned by Barclays Bank Plc, one of the largest services groups in the world.
Av. Barbosa du Bocage 54 D, 1000-072 Lisboa. Tel: (00351) 217911301
www.barclays.pt
Barclays Mortgages for Portuguese Properties
Caixa Geral de Depositos (CGD)
Although operating as a universal bank, CGD is also fully involved in specialised financial services, providing customers with a full service international group.
Head Office: Av. João XXI 63, 1000-300 Lisboa. Tel: (00351) 217953000
London: Walbrook-House, 23 Walbrook, London, EC4N 8BT. Tel: 0207 6234499
www.cgd.pt
Crédito Agrícola
www.credito-agricola.pt
Millenium bcp
Offers a range of banking services, including mortgages for non-residents
Banco Comercial Português, Praça D. João I 28, 4000-295, Porto. Tel: (00351) 707502424
London: Millennium BCP, 63 Queen Victoria St, London, EC4N 4UA. Tel: 020 7489 4800
www.bpatlantico.pt
Totta NetBanco
www.totta.pt
Fiscal (Tax) Number
Numero Fiscal de Contribuinte
You will need a fiscal number for many purchases in Portugal, including property and vehicles, and in order to open a bank account. You will also need a tax number if you wish to work, or take up residence, in Portugal.
Applying for a fiscal number is a simple procedure and you will be issued with your number immediately.
Go in person to your local tax office (Repartição de Finanças), you will need an address in Portugal to which the tax office can send your fiscal card (Cartão de Contribuinte). If you do not yet have a Portuguese address you will normally be able to use that of a solicitor, estate agent, or a friend. If/when you change address you must report to your new tax office or Taxpayers Advice Office (Serviço de Apoio ao Contribuinte). Most towns have a tax office.
When applying for your fiscal number you will need proof of identity (your residency card, identity card or passport). You will need to pay a small admin charge of about 5 euros and will immediately be issued with your fiscal number, although it can take up to 2 months to receive your fiscal card.
Foreign Currency Exchange
"A specialist currency provider based in the UK. Our services are available to both private individuals and corporate clients. We aim to provide a clear and simple service, which can offer more competitive prices than high street banks and other financial institutions. Achieving the best price is easy - Foreign Currency Exchange has the ability to buy currency at commercial rates which are not available to individual purchasers. Being able to buy at better prices allows us to sell to our clients at better prices. We are passionate about providing a simple, straightforward service. We keep our clients aware of market movements during the buying process and deliver any currency, bought or sold, accurately and on time."
www.foreign-currency-uk.com
Articles on www.pureportugal.info
Foreign Currency Transfers
International Money Transfers
Mortgages for Portuguese Properties
Banks / brokers offering mortgages to foreigners purchasing property in Portugal:
Barclays
A mortgage product for International Clients in Portugal offering a number of benefits with the right solution at the right time, in a way that suits you best and under the following purposes: Main residence and 2nd home; building your home; home improvements.
www.barclays.co.uk
Banco Espirito Santo (BES)
Portugal's third largest bank, now offers an innovative Non Residents Mortgage Service especially designed for those in UK and Ireland interested in buying properties in Portugal.
www.bes.pt
Millenium bcp
Eurocasa Non-Residents Mortgage
www.bpatlantico.pt
Santander Totta
Santander Totta arrange mortgages for individuals purchasing freehold land and buildings, apartments and houses in Portugal. 'Capital Repayment' and 'Interest Only' Loans are available. Stage payments will also be considered.
www.santandertotta.co.uk
Somerset Mortgages - Overseas Mortgage Specialists
We can arrange mortgages for individuals or companies to buy main homes; second homes; rental or investment properties; off-plan properties and commercial properties.
Equity release mortgages are available.
www.somersetmortgages.com
Social Security
For information please see the Portuguese social security system website (link below). Information on several aspects of the system can be found in English, particularly those related to social security affiliation, contributions and benefits.
www.seg-social.pt
PLEASE NOTE: We do our best to keep the information on this site correct and up-to-date, however we advise that you check current rules and regulations specific to your individual circumstances with the relevant authorities/professionals and/or a solicitor.
Pure Portugal Ltd is a workers co-operative company limited by guarantee
Registered in England no: 5123198.
Registered Office: 93 North Street, Burwell, Cambridge, CB25 0BB, United Kingdom.
