Registering Water, Electricity and Internet in Portugal: Step-by-Step Guide for Expats and Property Buyers

Anyone who buys or rents a property in Portugal on a long-term basis will sooner or later have to deal with a practical issue: How do I activate water, electricity and internet?

The procedures are not complicated, but they are different from what many are used to in their home country. In this post, we explain step by step how you can organize your supplies in Portugal quickly and smoothly.

1. Register electricity in Portugal

The electricity market in Portugal is liberalized, you can choose between several providers. The best known are EDP, Endesa, Iberdrola, Goldenergy and Galp.

Documents you will need:

- NIF (Portuguese tax number)
- ID or passport
- Proof of ownership ("Escritura" / purchase contract) or rental agreement in your own name
- Bank details (for direct debit)

This is how the registration works:

- Select provider.
- Conclude the contract online, by phone or in the service office.
- Meter reading or reading by technician.
- Electricity is usually activated within a few days.

Tip for price comparisons:

Use the ERSE Energy Price Comparison Tool: https://www.erse.pt/en/energy-consumers/simulators/energy-price/
for a direct comparison of all current commercial electricity and gas offers. The ERSE is the "Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços Energéticos", i.e. the regulatory authority for the energy sector in Portugal and is therefore an independent state authority that is transparent, neutral and free of charge.

Important:

Check whether the previous owner has terminated the contract. If not, you must first deregister. If the meter is locked, the activation usually takes a little longer (technician appointment required).

Practical tip:

Many lawyers who assist with the purchase of real estate offer to take care of the registration or re-registration of electricity and water for you for a small fee. This saves you time, avoids possible errors in formalities and avoids any language barriers.

2. Register water in Portugal

In contrast to electricity, water in Portugal is organized locally. The administration is in the hands of the Câmara Municipal (municipal administration) or municipal waterworks.

Documents you will need:

- NIF (Portuguese tax number)
- Identification document
- Proof of ownership or rental agreement
- Bank details (for direct debit)

This is how the registration works:

In most cities, registration is done directly at the citizens' office or via the municipality's website.
In rural areas, a personal appointment is often necessary. After signing the contract, however, the water is usually activated immediately or within 1-2 days.

Example Lagos (Algarve):

The Câmara Municipal de Lagos enables the digital registration or transfer of a water connection via its Serviço de Águas – Balcão Virtual portal: https://www.cm-lagos.pt/balcao-virtual/pedidos-online/servico-de-aguas

1. Select "Serviço de Águas"
2. Look for the application "Pedido de ligação" (connection) or "Indicação de segunda morada" (second address)
3. Submit your documents online (NIF, ID, proof of rent or ownership)

The application is usually processed within a few days. Alternatively, you can visit the Câmara Municipal without making an appointment in advance and register everything quickly and easily on site, with the appropriate documents.

3. Register Internet, telephone and TV in Portugal

Portugal has a well-developed fibre optic network, especially in cities and the Algarve. The most important providers are:

- MEO https://en.meo.pt/
- NOS https://www.nos.pt/en/welcome
- Vodafone Portugal https://www.vodafone.pt/
- NOWO https://www.nowo.pt/

Here's what you need to know:

Contracts usually run for 24 months. Packages combine Internet, landline, TV and often mobile communications.
Moving within Portugal is possible if the same infrastructure is available in the new place of residence.

Documents you will need:

- NIF (Portuguese tax number)
- Identification document
- Proof of ownership or rental agreement
- Bank details (for direct debit)

Tip:
Before signing a contract, check the fiber optic availability at your address. All of the providers mentioned offer online tools for testing.

What documents do I need everywhere?

Whether water, electricity or internet – the following are always required:

- NIF (tax number)
- ID card (identity card or passport)
- Proof of ownership or rental agreement
- Bank account

Important note about NIF:

Tenants need a NIF, including EU citizens.

- Tourist short-term rentals (e.g. holiday apartments) can run without NIF, as they are temporary stays.

- Long-term rentals (establishment of residence, more than 6 months) almost always require the NIF because the landlord must officially register the contract with the tax office.

If you are planning to settle in Portugal for a longer period of time (or buy a property, register utilities, etc.), the NIF is the first step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I conclude contracts from abroad?

In some cases, yes, often a digital application with scanned documents is sufficient.

• What do I do if the previous owner has not yet been deregistered?

You will need to unsubscribe before a new contract can be created. If possible, clarify this in the purchase or rental contract.

• How long does it take for electricity and water to run?

- Electricity: 1-5 days, depending on meter status.
- Water: usually immediately or within 2 days.
- Internet: Installation appointment with a technician, usually 1–2 weeks.

• Is there English-language support?

English service is common with large providers such as EDP, MEO or Vodafone, but not in smaller municipalities.

Result

Registering electricity, water and internet in Portugal is not a hurdle if you have the most important documents ready, first and foremost the NIF.

The processes differ depending on the municipality and provider, but are transparent and usually completed quickly. If you hire a lawyer for the formal part of the property purchase, he or she will usually also take care of the registrations of electricity, water and, if necessary, gas.

👉 If you are currently thinking about buying a property in Portugal: We support you not only in buying a house, but also in the formalities around supply, banking and everyday life. Talk to us, we will be happy to help you move into your new home in the Algarve.