Skip to content

Morada › Journey · Portugal

Portugal, step by step.

15 steps in 3 phases, in the order they usually happen. Each one with the official source and the date it was checked.

Not legal advice. Rules change and may vary by region.

Arrive

7 steps

  1. Find a place to live without getting scammed

    Almost every step in Portugal asks for an address. A lease with rent receipts helps prove where you live.

    Who it's for
    Anyone renting a home or a room in Portugal.
    Where
    Directly with the landlord or agency; receipts on Portal das Finanças
    What they usually ask for
    • See the place before paying
    • Written lease with the landlord's name and NIF
    • Ask for electronic rent receipts (landlord issues them at Finanças)

    TipCommon scam: cheap listing in a Facebook group, 'owner' abroad, asks for a deposit by transfer and promises to mail the key. Many stay somewhere short-term first and only sign after seeing the place.

  2. NIF (tax number)

    Your number with the tax office (Finanças). You need it to work, rent, open a bank account and get invoices.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who will live, work or sign contracts in Portugal.
    Where
    Tax office (Serviço de Finanças) or Loja do Cidadão by appointment (217 206 707), or online through a representative on e-balcão
    What they usually ask for
    • Passport (with visa, if from outside the EU)
    • Proof of address (abroad, if you have none in Portugal yet)
    • Foreign-language documents with certified translation

    TipThe NIF is issued as 'non-resident'. Once you have a Portuguese address, update it at Finanças. It is free at the counter; paying an online 'tax representative' only makes sense if you are still abroad.

  3. NISS (Social Security)

    Links you to Social Security: contributions, benefits and, later, pension.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who will work in Portugal, employed or self-employed.
    Where
    Online form on the Segurança Social portal; your employer can also request it. Pick-up at a counter by appointment (210 548 888 / 300 088 888)
    What they usually ask for
    • Passport and visa or residence permit (or proof of application)
    • Proof of work: contract, self-employment registration or similar
    • Portuguese address to receive the letter

    TipIt became a bottleneck: AIMA asks for a NISS for residence, and Social Security asks for a residence or work document. Many get it through their employer. The site has had errors that required resubmitting.

  4. Bank account

    To get paid, pay rent and show means of support in residence applications.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who will receive or pay money in Portugal.
    Where
    Bank branch, or remotely through the bank app or website
    What they usually ask for
    • Valid ID (passport or residence permit)
    • NIF (or your home country tax number)
    • Proof of address
    • Proof of occupation and employer, if you have one (having no job is not a reason to refuse the account)

    TipIt sits at the centre of the loop: the bank wants a NIF and address, the landlord wants an account, the employer wants an account to pay you. Each bank asks for different things; try more than one.

  5. SNS health user number

    Your number in the National Health Service, for appointments and prescriptions at the health centre.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who will use a public health centre or hospital in Portugal.
    Where
    Your local health centre; the number is given on your first visit
    What they usually ask for
    • ID document
    • NIF and Portuguese address (asked for coverage)
    • Residence permit or proof of residence (atestado), if you have one

    TipHaving the number doesn't guarantee coverage: without a valid residence permit, some pay full price. Family doctors often have long waiting lists; emergency care and the SNS 24 line (808 24 24 24) serve everyone.

  6. Register as self-employed (recibos verdes)

    Registers you with Finanças as self-employed, so you can issue receipts and pay contributions.

    Who it's for
    People working on their own: app deliveries, cleaning, building work by the job.
    Where
    Portal das Finanças or a tax office, before you start working
    What they usually ask for
    • NIF
    • Portal das Finanças password or Chave Móvel Digital
    • Know what kind of service you will provide

    TipDelivery apps and many cleaning companies ask for this. It is reported to Social Security; contributions usually start after year one, but quarterly declarations still apply.

  7. Residence permit

    The card that lets you live in Portugal beyond your visa. Valid 2 years at first, then renewed for 3.

    Who it's for
    Non-EU people who entered with a residence visa or job-seeker visa.
    Where
    AIMA store with an appointment; the date usually comes on the visa itself
    What they usually ask for
    • Valid passport and visa
    • Address declaration (plus landlord's statement if renting)
    • Proof of means of support
    • NIF and NISS
    • Health insurance or SNS registration

    TipSince 2024 you can no longer enter as a tourist and regularise later; since 2025 CPLP nationals also need a visa first. 'AIMA appointments' sold by middlemen on social media are scams; CLAIM centres help for free.

This list, in your pocket.

In Morada, every step becomes a reminder, with what to bring and where to go, and you tick off what's done. We'll let you know when the app is out.

Settle in

5 steps

  1. Digital Mobile Key (CMD)

    Government login on your phone. Use Finanças, Social Security and SNS online without paper passwords.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who will use public services online in Portugal.
    Where
    At a counter (Espaço Cidadão / Loja do Cidadão); free
    What they usually ask for
    • Passport or residence card
    • NIF (to link it with a residence card)
    • Your own mobile number

    TipIf activated with your passport it expires with it; with a residence card, it expires with the card. Activating early saves queues for IRS and receipts.

  2. Renew your residence permit

    Keeps your card valid after the first 2 years.

    Who it's for
    People with a valid residence permit or one expired less than 6 months ago.
    Where
    AIMA renewals portal (portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt); in person by appointment only
    What they usually ask for
    • Request on AIMA's renewals portal
    • Payment of fees
    • Documents AIMA asks for in your case

    TipYou can apply from 90 days before expiry, and the deadline is 30 days before. Start early: people report months of waiting and the portal sometimes goes down. Keep the request receipt.

  3. Driving licence

    Lets you drive in Portugal with your home licence or swap it for a Portuguese one.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who wants to drive in Portugal, including for delivery or van work.
    Where
    IMT online portal, then an IMT counter
    What they usually ask for
    • Valid foreign licence
    • ID and residence permit
    • IMT online form

    TipIt depends on the country. gov.pt lists Brazil and Cape Verde among those who can drive without swapping; bilateral-agreement countries swap within 2 years of residence, others must swap right away. The new licence takes about 60 days, with a temporary permit.

  4. IRS tax return

    Yearly settlement of income tax. It often refunds tax withheld.

    Who it's for
    Anyone who had income in Portugal the previous year.
    Where
    Portal das Finanças, 1 April to 30 June
    What they usually ask for
    • NIF and Finanças password or Digital Mobile Key
    • Check the pre-filled data
    • Invoices with your NIF during the year (for deductions)

    TipAsk for invoices with your NIF for everything (pharmacy, groceries, rent): they become deductions. Employees resident all year often get automatic IRS; self-employed receipts are not included.

  5. Portuguese course (PLA)

    Public Portuguese course for migrants. The A2 certificate counts as language proof for permanent residence, long-term status and citizenship.

    Who it's for
    People aged 16+ whose mother tongue is not Portuguese.
    Where
    Public schools, IEFP centres (pre-enrol on IEFPonline) and Centros Qualifica
    What they usually ask for
    • Residence card, proof of residence application or NISS
    • Enrolment at a school, IEFP centre or Centro Qualifica

    TipFor Spanish speakers it is the shortcut to future language proof. Brazilians who studied in a Portuguese-speaking country can usually use their school certificate (permanent residence).

Stay

3 steps

  1. Bring your family (family reunification)

    Gives residence to the spouse, children and other relatives of someone already living legally in Portugal.

    Who it's for
    Residence-permit holders who want their family to live with them in Portugal.
    Where
    AIMA store by appointment; some cases with children online on the AIMA Portal
    What they usually ask for
    • Your residence permit
    • Relative's passport and proof of legal entry (if already in Portugal)
    • Authenticated marriage or birth certificates
    • Address declaration and means of support
    • Relative's authenticated criminal record

    TipSince Law 61/2025, legal analyses mention 2 years of residence before applying (with exceptions such as minor children) and up to 9 months for a decision. AIMA's page does not show this yet.

  2. Permanent or long-term residence

    After 5 years of legal residence, swap the temporary card for a long-term one, renewed every 5 years.

    Who it's for
    People with 5 continuous years of legal residence in Portugal.
    Where
    AIMA store by appointment
    What they usually ask for
    • Valid passport
    • Proof of 5 years of legal residence
    • Means of support and address
    • Tax and Social Security up to date
    • Proof of basic Portuguese (e.g. A2)

    TipThere are two similar routes: permanent residence (art. 80) and EU long-term status (art. 125), which helps if you later move within the EU. Debts with Finanças or Social Security block the application.

  3. Citizenship

    Become a Portuguese citizen, with an EU passport and the right to vote.

    Who it's for
    People with 7 years of legal residence (CPLP and EU) or 10 years (other countries), among other cases.
    Where
    Registry counter (IRN), by post, or online through a lawyer or solicitor
    What they usually ask for
    • Proof of legal residence time
    • Knowledge of Portuguese
    • Knowledge of Portuguese culture, history and political system
    • Criminal record

    TipThe law changed on 19 May 2026, from 5 to 7 or 10 years. Applications filed earlier follow the old rule. Rules for the culture and means tests are still pending. Be wary of anyone charging to 'speed it up'.

This list, in your pocket.

In Morada, every step becomes a reminder, with what to bring and where to go, and you tick off what's done. We'll let you know when the app is out.