Guide to Residency in Portugal

Obtaining a residency visa in Portugal is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Portugal gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research the types of residency visas available
  • Visit the official Portuguese Immigration website (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras - SEF) at SEF Residency to understand different visa types.
  • Choose the appropriate visa based on your situation (e.g., work, study, investment, family reunification).
• Prepare the necessary documentation
  • Gather personal documents such as passport, proof of accommodation, and health insurance.
  • Obtain a criminal record certificate from your home country and from Portugal if you have lived there before.
  • Prepare financial means proof, such as bank statements or a work contract.
• Apply for a Tax Number (Número de Identificação Fiscal - NIF)
  • Visit the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority website at Portal das Finanças for information on obtaining a NIF.
  • Go to a local tax office (Finanças) in Portugal or contact a fiscal representative if you are abroad.
  • Provide a valid passport and proof of address (Portuguese or foreign).
• Apply for a residency visa at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country
  • Fill out the visa application form available on the Portuguese consulate's website.
  • Submit the application along with the prepared documentation and pay the application fee.
  • Wait for the processing of your visa application, which may take several weeks or months.
• Move to Portugal and apply for a Residence Permit
  • Upon arrival in Portugal with your residency visa, schedule an appointment with SEF to apply for a Residence Permit.
  • Visit the SEF website at SEF Portugal to schedule your appointment and check the required documents.
  • Attend the appointment with all the necessary documents, including your visa, passport, NIF, proof of accommodation, and proof of income.
• Enroll in the Portuguese Social Security and Health System
  • Visit the Social Security website at Segurança Social to learn about the enrollment process.
  • Go to the local Social Security office with your Residence Permit, NIF, and other required documents to enroll.
  • Register with the Portuguese health system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde - SNS) at your local health center with your Residence Permit and Social Security number.
• Open a bank account in Portugal
  • Choose a Portuguese bank and inquire about the requirements for opening an account as a foreign resident.
  • Provide your NIF, Residence Permit, passport, and proof of address to open the account.
• Keep track of renewal dates and requirements
  • Residence Permits in Portugal are typically issued for one year initially and then can be renewed for two-year periods.
  • Mark your calendar with the expiration date of your Residence Permit and start the renewal process well in advance.

Please note that the process and requirements for obtaining residency in Portugal can change, so it's important to verify the current procedures and documentation needed with the official Portuguese authorities or through legal counsel.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Portugal?

"In order to enter Portugal as a non-resident, visitors must obtain a Schengen visa. Generally, Schengen visas allow short visits of up to 90 days within a 180 day period of time. Visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for a Residence Permit. The process of applying for a Schengen visa includes submitting an application, providing biometric information, paying the relevant fees, and attending an interview. In order to apply for residency in Portugal, applicants must first obtain a Residence Permit (unless the applicant is an EU citizen, in which case they can simply register as residents in Portugal). To apply for the permit, applicants must prove a legal source of income and submit a copy of a valid passport, two passport photos, and proof of address in Portugal. The process also includes an interview and a police record check. Once the permit is processed and issued, a residence card will be sent to the applicant's address," commented one member living in Portugal.