Moving to Portugal is an exciting step, but understanding how utilities work can be a challenge—especially for foreign residents navigating a new system. This guide covers everything you need to know about electricity, gas, water, internet, and TV—including when and how to set up accounts, which documents are required, and which companies to choose from.
You’ll also learn about a key legal detail: only one name can be listed per utility account, which is important for foreign couples dealing with residency paperwork.
Electricity and Gas in Portugal
Main Energy Providers:
Portugal’s energy market is liberalized, meaning you can choose from several electricity and gas suppliers:
Compare energy prices here and here.
More information on how energy works in Portugal.
What You Need to Set Up Electricity or Gas:
To open a new utility contract, you typically need:
Passport or residence permit
NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)
Proof of address (rental contract or deed)
IBAN from a Portuguese bank
CPE (Código do Ponto de Entrega) for electricity
CUI (Código Universal de Instalação) for gas
Don’t Have the Last Invoice? Here’s How to Find the CPE or CUI:
If you don’t have a copy of the previous tenant’s or owner’s utility bill, don’t worry—here’s how to locate the CPE or CUI:
Check the circuit breaker box or gas meter: Many homes have a sticker or label nearby showing the CPE (for electricity) or CUI (for gas).
Ask the landlord or property manager: They usually have access to past utility details.
Contact the provider directly: Call or visit a provider with your address and NIF. They can often locate the CPE/CUI based on the address and meter serial number.
For CPE, call 218 100 100, and for the CUI, call 222 426 200.
🛑 Important: You need the correct CPE/CUI to avoid being billed for the wrong property or delayed activation.
Take Photos of the Meters Before Moving In
This is one of the most crucial but overlooked steps:
Always take clear, timestamped photos of all utility meters (electricity, gas, water) on the day you move in.
Why it’s important:
Ensures accurate billing from your move-in date
Helps avoid disputes over estimated readings
Serves as proof if there are existing debts or usage issues
Also, if the utility has been cut off, you may need to provide photos of the meters and breaker panel to re-enable service.
Setting Up Water
Water is managed locally, so you’ll need to register with your local Câmara Municipal or regional water utility.
Requirements:
Passport/residence permit
NIF
Proof of address
Bank details (for direct debit)
Setup is typically done in person or online through the municipality’s website.
💡 Ask for both your contract and the first invoice—you’ll need them for proof of address.
Internet, TV & Mobile
Residency Tip for Foreign Couples
Here’s a crucial point for foreign couples or co-tenants:
⚠️ Only one name can appear on each utility contract in Portugal.
If both partners are applying for residency, banking, or other official services, you must plan ahead:
Put Partner A on the electricity/gas account
Put Partner B on the water account
These are the only utility bills commonly accepted as proof of address by:
AIMA (immigration services)
Banks
Finanças (tax office)
SNS (public health system)
📑 Phone, internet, and TV bills are rarely accepted for official proof of address.
When to Set Up Utilities
- Rental: As soon as you sign the lease (some utilities need 5+ days lead time)
- Purchase: After deed transfer—request transfer from the current provider or start a new contract
- Short stays: Some rentals include utilities, but always confirm whose name is on the account
⛔ Don’t assume utilities are ready—many properties may have had services disconnected and need activation.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how utilities work in Portugal will save you time, money, and stress—especially when dealing with residency and legal paperwork.
✅ Choose the right provider
✅ Make sure you or your partner is named on at least one utility bill
✅ Take photos of all meters
✅ Collect your first invoice for proof of address