Sorting out utilities is one of the first things you'll need to do after moving to Portugal. Electricity, gas, water, and internet are all essential utilities, and it’s usually straightforward to get connected.
Portugal has reliable infrastructure and a range of service providers, so you can choose the company and level of service that best suits you.
In this guide, we’ll explain how utilities work in Portugal and which service providers are available for each utility.
You’ll also find out more about:
- Cost of utilities in Portugal
- Do rentals in Portugal include utilities?
- Setting up utilities in Portugal
How Utilities Work in Portugal
When you're settling in Portugal, you'll find that utilities cover four main services: electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications like internet and TV.
Portugal's utility network is modern and reliable, especially in cities and larger towns, and services are provided through a mix of public infrastructure and private companies.
For electricity, you can choose one supplier from several options, with whom you'll sign a monthly contract. While there are some national suppliers, you might also find smaller regional suppliers. Some providers also let you choose how much electricity is fed into your home.- Natural gas pipelines to homes are not as common in Portugal as they are in other European countries. Depending on the infrastructure, coverage is largely restricted to urban areas and the coastal regions. In other areas, you'll have to rely on bottled LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) that you buy from a store if you have a gas stove.
- Water works a bit differently. Local governments handle water supply and sanitation, so your water bill comes from a regional company, with whom you'll also have a monthly contract. National agencies oversee the bigger picture, making sure water management runs smoothly across Portugal.
- Internet and TV are easy to set up, with several providers available. Fiber connections are common in cities and are becoming more available in smaller towns, too. Once you've shopped around and checked coverage, you'll also sign a monthly contract.
For electricity, you can choose one supplier from several options, with whom you'll sign a monthly contract. While there are some national suppliers, you might also find smaller regional suppliers. Some providers also let you choose how much electricity is fed into your home.To sign a contract with a utility provider in Portugal, you must have a tax identification number, commonly known as a NIF. We can help you get a tax identification number in Portugal easily, so you can be connected as quickly as possible.
Electricity in Portugal
Over the past twenty years, Portugal has made big strides in renewable energy, so much of the electricity you use now comes from wind, hydro, and solar sources.
Portugal's electricity market is regulated, but the main infrastructure is centrally managed. As a resident, you can choose the provider and plan that best suits your needs.
Some of the main electricity suppliers in Portugal are:
- EDP
- Galp Energia
- Endesa
- Goldenergy
Each company has its own tariffs and service packages, so you can compare options and choose a plan.
Your electricity bill in Portugal is based on two things:
- the contracted power level,
- and how much electricity you actually use
The contracted power sets the maximum amount of electricity your home can draw at once, and this affects the fixed part of your bill. The amount of electricity you use, in kilowatt-hours, is tracked by electricity meters and, together with the contracted power level, makes up your monthly bill.
If you're living in Portugal as a couple and renting an apartment, you can expect your monthly electricity bill to fall somewhere between €60 and €100.
If your home uses only electric heating or air conditioning, your costs will be higher during the colder winter months or the peak of summer, so it's good to budget around €150 in those months.
Natural Gas in Portugal
Like the electricity market, Portugal's gas market is open to competition. You can choose from several energy companies, many of which let you bundle your electricity and gas into a single contract and monthly bill.
However, most properties in rural areas or smaller towns don’t have piped gas for stoves or water boilers. If you live in an area without gas connections, you’ll have to buy bottled gas cylinders.
How much you pay for gas depends on how much you use and the size of your home. For example, a couple using gas for cooking and hot water can expect to pay around €30 to €60 per month.
Water Supply and Sanitation
In Portugal, water is supplied and managed by local municipalities, and each area sets its own prices for water and sanitation services. This means your monthly bill may be a bit higher or lower than in neighboring towns.
You’ll likely sign a monthly contract with one of these water supply companies in Portugal:
- EPAL, in the Lisbon area
- Aguas do Norte, in the Porto, Braga, and Viana do Castelo area
- Tejo Ambiente, in the Santarem district and the surrounding Tejo Valley
- EMARP, in the Algarve
When you get your water bill, you’ll usually see three main charges:
- what you use,
- wastewater treatment,
- and municipal sanitation
All of these are combined on one invoice, so you don’t have to keep track of separate payments. Most two-person households in Portugal pay between €20 and €40 per month for water, depending on the rates set by your local municipality.
Tap water in Portugal is safe to drink and meets strict European standards, so you can fill your glass straight from the tap in most places. Some people still choose filtered or bottled water, but overall, the public supply is reliable and trusted by locals.
Internet, Phone, and Television in Portugal
High-speed fiber internet is widely available across Portugal, especially in cities and most suburban neighborhoods. The average fiber speed in Portugal is between 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps, while some packages reach up to 10 Gbps.
MEO, NOS, and Vodafone Portugal are the main names you’ll see, and they all offer internet packages that come bundled with TV channels (though an online streaming box or internet-connected TV set), mobile phone plans, and a fixed phone line.
Bundles are usually more affordable than buying each service separately or having different providers for each service.
In addition to providing TV channels, some providers will also offer bundles that include subscriptions to popular streaming services.
Some of the global streaming services available (through bundles or stand-alone subscriptions) include:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
- Apple TV
- HBO Max
- SkyShowtime
To sign up for one of these providers, it’s always a good idea to open a bank account in Portugal. That way, you’ll pay the local prices and don’t have to worry about exchange rate fees.
Cost of Utilities in Portugal
Knowing what to expect for monthly utility bills can help you budget before you move to Portugal. However, how much you spend will depend on the size of your home, your daily routines, and the kind of heating you use.
For a couple living in an apartment or small house, here’s roughly what you can expect to pay each month for utilities:
- Electricity usually costs between €60 and €100 per month
- Natural gas costs between €30 and €60 per month
- Water bills range from €20 to €40 per month
- Internet and television packages cost €30 to €60 per month
Combined together, the total monthly utility cost for a small household often ranges from €150 to €250.
Are utilities expensive in Portugal?
When it comes to household utility costs, Portugal is usually somewhere in the middle or slightly lower compared to other EU countries. Of course, how much you pay depends on things like local energy prices, the climate, and the size of your home.
Electricity in Portugal costs a bit more per kilowatt-hour than the EU average, largely due to taxes and infrastructure costs.
Still, most people find their bills are reasonable since homes here are smaller and don't need as much heating as in northern Europe.
Water bills in Portugal are also generally lower than in many other EU countries. This is because local municipalities manage the system and share infrastructure costs across regions, helping to keep prices down.
Internet and phone services are another area where Portugal stands out. Fast fiber connections are available in most places, and broadband packages are often cheaper than in much of Western Europe.
Most households in Portugal spend less overall on utilities than households in northern and western Europe. This is mainly because heating costs are lower and internet prices are competitive.
Do rentals in Portugal include utilities?
No, you’ll usually need to set up and pay for utilities yourself if you’re renting a home in Portugal.
Most landlords expect tenants to open accounts in their own name and handle payments directly with the utility companies.
There are some exceptions, especially if you’re renting a furnished place for a short stay. In these cases, utilities are often included in the rent.
For long-term rentals, though, you’ll almost always be responsible for setting up your own utility contracts.
Before you sign a rental contract, check if the current utility accounts are still active and ask whether the meter readings will be transferred to your name when you move in.
Setting Up Utilities in Portugal
One of the first things you’ll need to do is set up your utilities when you move into a new home. The process is usually straightforward as long as you have the right documents ready.
Most utility companies will ask for your ID and proof of address before they can start your service. Often, you can simply transfer the existing utility contracts from the previous tenant or owner into your name, saving you time and paperwork.
Here’s what you’ll need to get your utilities up and running:
- Government-issued identification, such as a passport or residence permit
- A Portuguese tax number
- The property address and meter details
- A Portuguese bank account for direct debit payments
If your new home already has active connections, getting your utilities switched on usually only takes a few days.
Electricity and the internet are often set up faster than water, which sometimes needs extra registration with the local council.
Many utility companies now let you register online, so you can often handle the whole process from home without needing to visit an office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities in Portugal
How much are utilities in Portugal?
Utilities in Portugal typically cost €150 to €250 per month for a two-person household, including electricity, gas, water, and internet. The exact amount depends on the size of the home, energy usage, and the heating system used.
How do you set up utilities in Portugal as a foreigner or expat?
To set up utilities in Portugal, you contact the chosen provider, submit identification and your NIF number, and provide the property address and meter details. Most companies allow contracts to be arranged online or by phone.
What utilities need to be set up when moving into a home in Portugal?
When moving into a home in Portugal, you usually need to set up electricity, water, natural gas (if available), and internet or telecommunications services.
What documents are required to open utility accounts in Portugal?
Opening a utility account usually requires a passport or ID, a Portuguese tax number (NIF), the property address, and bank details for direct debit payments.
Can you set up utilities in Portugal without a residence permit?
Yes. You can set up utilities without a residence permit as long as you have identification and a Portuguese tax number (NIF), which providers use to register the contract.
How long does it take to set up utilities in Portugal?
Most utilities can be activated within one to five working days, especially if the property already has an existing connection.
Can utilities in Portugal be set up online or remotely?
Yes. Many providers allow residents to set up utility contracts online or remotely, which is common for electricity, internet, and mobile services.
How do you transfer utilities into your name in Portugal?
To transfer utilities, you contact the current provider, provide your identification and NIF, and submit the meter readings and property details to change the contract holder.
How do you set up electricity with EDP in Portugal?
To set up electricity with EDP, you open a contract online, by phone, or in person by providing your ID, NIF, property address, and electricity meter information.
Is EDP the only electricity provider in Portugal?
No. Portugal has a liberalized energy market, and households can choose between several providers, including EDP, Endesa, Galp Energia, and Goldenergy.
