Finding a home in Portugal is already a challenge. And when the listing asks for a Portuguese guarantor or several months of rent upfront, the challenge becomes a wall. The good news: you don't always need a guarantor to sign your contract.
Why they ask for a guarantor in Portugal
The guarantor is the person who commits to paying your rent if you can't. It is not a legal requirement, but it is very common in listings because it reassures the landlord. The problem is that this guarantor usually has to be a resident in Portugal and prove their own income, which is hard if you have just arrived or lack a local network.
When there is no guarantor, many landlords make up for it by asking for money upfront: it is common to see requests for several months of advance rent plus the deposit, sometimes adding up to half a year. For many tenants, that is simply not feasible.
The alternatives to a guarantor
If you don't have a guarantor, these are the most common ways to unlock your rental:
- Paying more months upfront: some landlords accept replacing the guarantor with advance rent. It works, but requires a lot of available cash.
- Bank guarantee: the bank backs the payment, though it usually means tying up money and paperwork.
- Rent insurance or guarantee: a rental guarantee that secures the landlord's rent, without you needing a guarantor or paying large sums upfront.
The simplest option: a rental guarantee
A rental guarantee replaces the traditional guarantor. Instead of relying on a guarantor or paying half a year upfront, you have a backing that gives the landlord the security of getting paid and gives you an open door to the home.
With Grenty the process is 100% online: you apply in minutes, we verify your identity and income digitally and, once approved, your guarantee is ready to sign. No guarantor, no physical paperwork and a response usually in under 24 hours.
How to get your guarantee, step by step
- Sign up as a tenant and complete your application online.
- Upload your ID document and your proof of income.
- Get approved and sign the contract with your rental backed.
Renting without a guarantor is possible. The key is to present a strong application and a guarantee that reassures the landlord, so the lack of a guarantor stops being an obstacle.