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Find Your Unclaimed Money in Portugal

Portuguese banks transfer dormant accounts to the Portuguese State (Ministério das Finanças) after 15 years. Use the Banco de Portugal portal to search for unclaimed funds free.

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€ M+
Estimated Dormant
15 yrs
Dormancy Period
Free
Search via BdP
State Transfer
After 15 yrs

Unclaimed Money in Portugal

Portugal has a structured system for unclaimed bank accounts regulated by Banco de Portugal (BdP). Under Portuguese law, bank accounts that have been inactive for 15 years are declared abandoned (contas bancárias abandonadas) and transferred. Banks are required to make repeated attempts to contact account holders before any transfer.

Banco de Portugal's Consumer Financial Information Portal (Portal do Cliente Bancário) at clientebancario.bportugal.pt is the starting point for any dormant account search. The portal provides guidance on the process and can direct you to the relevant bank.

How to Search Portuguese Dormant Accounts

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Portal do Cliente Bancário

Banco de Portugal's consumer portal at clientebancario.bportugal.pt. Provides information on dormant accounts and guides you to the right bank. Available in Portuguese and English.

✓ Start here for all enquiries
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CGD (Caixa Geral de Depósitos)

Portugal's state-owned bank and the largest. CGD holds a significant share of Portuguese retail deposits. Search via cgd.pt or any branch.

✓ Largest Portuguese bank
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Millennium BCP & Santander Portugal

Millennium BCP is the largest private bank; Santander Portugal has strong retail presence. Both accept dormant account enquiries via their websites.

✓ Major private banks
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Portuguese Insurance

Life insurance (seguro de vida) held by Fidelidade, Tranquilidade, or Allianz Portugal. Contact insurers directly or the Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (ASF) at asf.com.pt.

✓ Insurance covered separately

Portuguese Identification

The Portuguese Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) — a 9-digit tax number — is the primary identifier for financial accounts in Portugal. All bank accounts must be linked to a NIF, making it the most efficient tool for dormant account searches.

For deceased estates, a habilitação de herdeiros (heirship declaration) from a Portuguese notary or the Conservatória do Registo Civil is required. Banks will not disclose account information to third parties without this documentation.

What happens to dormant accounts after 15 years in Portugal?
Under Portuguese law (Decree-Law No. 156/2015), accounts that have been inactive for 15 years without any contact from the account holder are formally declared abandoned. The funds are transferred to the state, though claims can still be pursued through Banco de Portugal's process.
Is there an English-language version of the Portuguese banking portal?
The Portal do Cliente Bancário (clientebancario.bportugal.pt) has some English content. Banco de Portugal's main website also provides information in English. For complex claims, engaging a Portuguese solicitor (advogado) is advisable.
What about Portuguese emigrant accounts?
Portugal has a significant diaspora — many emigrants opened accounts before leaving and never closed them. These accounts are commonly found dormant. The Portuguese consulate in your country of residence can advise on the documentation process.
How long does a claim take?
Banco de Portugal's dormant account process typically takes several weeks to a few months. Once a bank confirms the existence of an account, the claim process is managed directly with the bank.

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