Electrical Rewiring in Portugal: Cost, Timeline, and What's Actually Included in 2026
By Pascal Niggli · Co-founder of remodel.pt · Last updated July 2026
Electrical rewiring in Portugal costs €5,000–€12,000 for a full rewire of a typical 100–120m² apartment and takes 2–4 weeks. Panel replacement, wall channeling, and certification are the biggest cost drivers, older Portuguese buildings frequently have wiring well below current RTIEBT standard, which is why an inspection before scoping is worth doing.
What's in this guide
A full rewire of a 100–120m² apartment runs €5,000–€12,000 including panel replacement and certification
Pre-1990s Portuguese buildings very often have wiring below current RTIEBT standard
A completion certificate signed against RTIEBT is required to legally close out rewiring work
Remodel.pt checks every electrical quote against regional project data before it reaches you
Panel (quadro elétrico) replacement alone typically costs €600–€1,500 depending on capacity
How Much Does Electrical Rewiring Cost in Portugal?
€5,000–€12,000 for a full rewire of a typical 100–120m² apartment, including panel replacement, wall channeling, and certification, checked against regional project data so you know if you're being quoted fairly.
Line item
Typical range
Panel replacement (quadro elétrico)
€600–€1,500
Wall channeling & cabling
€2,000–€5,500
Sockets, switches, fittings
€1,000–€2,500
Lighting circuits
€800–€2,000
RTIEBT certification
€150–€400
Labour
€2,500–€5,500
A Remodel.pt quote itemises every one of these lines separately, and we flag anything that sits well above the regional median for that trade.
What Drives the Cost of a Rewire?
Whether walls need to be opened to run new cabling, versus surface-mounted conduit, is the single biggest cost swing in an electrical rewire.
Opening walls for concealed cabling costs more upfront but is the standard for a finished renovation. If the electrical work is being done alongside a kitchen or bathroom refit where walls are already open, combining the projects saves significantly versus rewiring separately later.
How Long Does a Rewire Take?
2–4 weeks for a full apartment rewire, most of which is wall channeling and cabling, the panel swap and certification are typically completed in the final 2–3 days.
A partial rewire (specific circuits or rooms only) can run 1–2 weeks. Full rewires done alongside other renovation work are usually sequenced first, before flooring and finishes go in.
What Standard Does the Work Need to Meet?
All electrical work in Portugal must comply with RTIEBT (Regulamento Técnico das Instalações Elétricas de Baixa Tensão), the technical regulation for low-voltage electrical installations, and be certified on completion.
The completion certificate is required for insurance purposes and, in some cases, for mortgage or resale due diligence. Every electrical contractor Remodel.pt matches you with issues this certification as standard, not an add-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
€5,000–€12,000 for a full rewire of a typical 100–120m² apartment, including panel replacement and certification.
Typically 2–4 weeks for a full apartment rewire, most of it wall channeling and cabling.
Very often, if the building predates 1990, RTIEBT standards have tightened significantly and older installations frequently fall short.
An RTIEBT completion certificate, required for insurance and often relevant to mortgage or resale due diligence.
Yes, if walls are already open for other work, combining the projects avoids paying twice for wall channeling.
Conclusion
Electrical rewiring in Portugal is a €5,000–€12,000, 2–4 week project, and one where compliance certification matters as much as the visible work. Every Remodel.pt electrician issues an RTIEBT certificate as standard.
Pascal is the co-founder of remodel.pt. Originally from Switzerland, he has lived in Portugal for several years and has first-hand experience with permit, VAT, and contractor issues foreign owners run into. He built remodel.pt to be the resource he wished existed when he started.
Cost ranges are indicative and based on completed projects across Portugal. Actual costs vary by property condition, scope, materials, and contractor. Last updated: July 2026.
We use cookies to understand how visitors use this site and improve your experience. See ourCookie Policyfor details.
