A Guide to TV in Portugal

Written by / Last updated on November 10, 2024
A couple sits on a white couch in a modern living room, watching TV. One holds a remote control, and the other has a laptop. The room features a stone accent wall, sleek furniture, and a black rug on a polished floor.
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For those considering a move to Portugal, the country’s television offerings promise a blend of local and international content. Most TV packages, especially when bundled with fibre internet, boast around 150 channels, ensuring a diverse viewing experience. If you opt for a 4G home internet package, you can still expect a respectable lineup of approximately 90 channels. 

Beyond the array of Portuguese channels, viewers will be pleased to find familiar English-speaking channels such as Fox News, Fox Comedy, National Geographic, MTV, select BBC channels, and Sky News. This mix ensures that while you can immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, you can also stay connected to global happenings and entertainment.

Portuguese TV Channels

Portugal boasts a diverse range of national television channels, catering to various interests, from news and entertainment to culture and sports. Here’s a closer look at some of the prominent channels:

  • RTP1: Standing as Portugal’s premier television channel, RTP1 is the most-watched in the country. It offers a comprehensive mix of news, entertainment, sports, and both national and international dramas, making it a staple in many Portuguese households.
  • RTP2: Launched as the country’s second channel, RTP2 delves into the realms of culture, arts, and documentaries. It showcases international series, sports other than football, and also dedicates segments to minority groups, children, and scientific content.
  • RTP3: As RTP’s first thematic channel, RTP3 is dedicated to round-the-clock news coverage, ensuring viewers are always updated with the latest happenings.
  • RTP Memória: A nostalgic journey through time, this channel broadcasts treasures from RTP’s archives spanning six decades. Viewers can relive classic movies, shows, sitcoms, talk shows, and more. The content ranges from Portuguese and international productions to the channel’s own current affairs segments.
  • ARTV: Also known as Canal Parlamento, ARTV is a legislative television station. It primarily broadcasts events and news from the Assembly of the Republic, operating 10 hours a day from Monday to Friday.
  • SIC: Marking its place in history as Portugal’s first private TV channel, SIC has become immensely popular over the years. It entertains viewers with engaging talk shows, game shows, Brazilian soap operas, and international series.
  • TVI: Emerging as a direct competitor to both SIC and RTP1, TVI is the country’s second private television channel. It has carved a niche for itself with its captivating reality shows and enthralling Portuguese soap operas.

In essence, whether you’re a fan of cultural documentaries, international dramas, or local reality shows, Portugal’s television landscape promises something for everyone.

Netflix, Hulu, Prime & Other Streamers

Some streaming services are available in Portugal. Netflix, for example, is available in Portugal. However, it’s worth noting that the programs available on Netflix in Portugal will be different to those in the US or UK. As of 2018, Netflix has the same content across the whole of the EU. 

  • Netflix: Available in Portugal. 
  • Hulu: Not available in Portugal. 
  • Amazon Prime:
  • Disney Plus: Available in Portugal. 

Getting British TV in Portugal

Getting British TV channels such as BBC and ITV is a little more complicated as programs like iPlayer block IP addresses from outside of the UK. Yes, you can use a VPN to get around this, but most streaming services, including iPlayer, C4, and ITVX are very good at getting IP addresses from a VPN. 

In Portugal, in particular in the Algarve, there are quite a few businesses that specialise in helping expats access British TV. 

Read more about watching British TV in Portugal.

Do I need a TV Licence?

In Portugal, while there are nine free-to-air channels available for viewers, it’s essential to note that public broadcasting isn’t entirely free. The funding for these channels comes from a combination of advertising revenues and a specific tax known as the audiovisual contribution tax (Contribuição Audiovisual, CAV). This tax is conveniently added to the household electric bill of residents. As of now, the obligatory monthly fee stands at €2.85. When you add the 6% Value Added Tax (VAT) or Imposto sobre Valor Acrescentado (IVA), the total comes to €3.02.

However, there’s a silver lining for some consumers. If you qualify for specific social benefits, you might be exempt from this fee or be eligible for a reduced rate.

For those looking beyond the free-to-air channels and seeking more variety, there are other options like satellite and cable TV. However, these come with subscription fees, and the cost will depend on the specific package you choose.