Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Portugal Expat Forum

Long term rental lease and needing a guarantor?

New Topic Newest First
PresentMonkey
  4/3/2016 01:10 EST

I read in the expatfocus.com site that one needs "A foreigner must have a Portuguese guarantor in order to enter into a lease agreement. The guarantor will guarantee in writing that the lease payments will be made should the renter default."

Can anyone confirm this is still the face?

Thank you,
Lin

debdesaix
  4/3/2016 08:48 EST

My husband and I rented an apartment in Lisbon last fall, and were expected to provide a guarantor. We got around it by offering to pay 7 months of rent up front. A friend who is French offered 2-3 months rent up front, and it worked for her as well. I'm not sure if it would always work, however. The guarantor requirement, I've been told, is also for Portuguese nationals, not just foreigners.

AnchorLessAnchorLess
Connect

AnchorLess provides services to help you settle into your new life in Portugal. you are guaranteed to have access to a convenient, quick and reliable service, with a team always ready to answer all of your questions about your new adventure.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

AnchorLessAnchorLess

AnchorLess provides services to help you settle into your new life in Portugal. you are guaranteed to have access to a convenient, quick and reliable service, with a team always ready to answer all of your questions about your new adventure.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

craigandmicki
  4/4/2016 07:09 EST

Our first two rentals didn't require a guarantor, but the one we entered into in 2013 did. We asked a Portuguese citizen who was a good friend to help; she is listed on the lease contract as our guarantor. The lease contract was then registered with Financias and our copy bears a stamp of the Financias registration. I mention this point about registration because when we renew our resident permit we are asked to show the contract and the SEF agent looks for the Financias stamp. An attorney told another American couple who are coming up for their permit renewal to get their landlord to register their contract with Financias prior to their SEF appointment, so I'm inferring that this is now a firm requirement of landlords.

back2eu
  3/12/2018 14:49 EST

I saw your guarantor experience where you say a friend helped out and his name went on the lease. Was the friend required to fill out an application, or provide financial information or sign the lease? Thanks

dancebert
  3/13/2018 22:08 EST

Given how long it takes to evict a client under Portuguese law - even if the tenant never pays rent after the lease is signed - landlords want to ensure they get paid. The usual ways for foreigners to do that are fiador (co-signer) or # months deposit. The other way is a garantia bancária (bank guarantee). Like a loan, a bank guarantee has set up costs and an interest rate. Unlike a loan, at the end you get your money back. If you can front the money for the # months deposit, it will cost less overall. On the other hand, a bank may be more likely to return your deposit.

back2eu
  3/14/2018 14:37 EST

I have been told that many landlords will accept several months (6 months or more) advance rent in lieu of a guarantor. The agent would normally know.
I would think that an advance payment would be a better alternative than extra deposit.

AnchorLess
AnchorLess

Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
Learn More

AnchorLessAnchorLess

Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
Learn More

Living in Portugal GuideLiving in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

Portugal Forum Portugal Forum
Join our Portugal forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Portugal.

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Best Places to Live in Portugal Best Places to Live in Portugal

If you're thinking about living in Portugal, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Portugal in 2023.

Healthcare in PortugalHealthcare in Portugal

Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.

Cost of Living in PortugalCost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to PortugalMoving to Portugal Guide

Expats moving to Portugal are drawn by a variety of places to live, a rich history and so much more. Here are some tips on what it means to move there, and how to make it happen.

Real Estate in PortugalReal Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros Cons of Living in PortugalPros & Cons of Living in Portugal

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Portugal.

Retiring in PortugalRetiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Visa and Residency PortugalPortugal Visa & Residency Guide

Thanks to Susan Stults Korthase for this helpful overview of current requirements to begin the process of obtaining a Residency Visa when moving from the US to Portugal.

10 Tips for Living in Portugal10 Tips for Living in Portugal

If you've recently arrived in Portugal, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Portugal.

AnchorLess
AnchorLess

Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
Learn More

AnchorLessAnchorLess

Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
Learn More

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal