Portugal

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Relocation to Portugal

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Visa Programs in Portugal

Portugal is becoming one of the upcoming must-live countries to relocate to, the ever-enchanting facets of the best country in the world will capture anyone's heart. Are you ready to move to Portugal?

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Here are the documents and procedures to follow to live legally in Portugal

1. Apply for your residency permit

This is the first step—and perhaps the most difficult, as it depends on multiple factors to get residency in Spain. When it comes to duration, the residency may be temporary or permanent, and there are different types: residency as a student, or digital nomad, an entrepreneur, and a highly qualified professional.You can opt for any of them if you meet the requirements—but whichever you choose, you must complete this process in order to reside legally in the country.

2. Check rental requirements

With your residency permit in hand, you’re ready to choose a place to rent. However, finding a place in Portugal isn’t easy—and to rent a place safely, you’ll need several documents throughout the process. Lisbon and Porto are among the most expensive areas to rent in Portugal, with rentals starting around €850, while the most affordable apartments in the country are in Bragança (starting at €380) and Covilhã (starting at €400).

3. Register for Social Security (NISS)

For this, you will need to apply for a social security identification number (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social – NISS). Portuguese nationals don’t need to apply for a NISS as it is automatically assigned and appears on the citizen card. However, foreign residents will need to apply for one in order to access benefits such as the state pension and unemployment allowance.

4. Get an NIF

Whether or not you’re a resident in Portugal, you’ll need a tax number – or Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). The NIF is the number identifying any foreigner residing in Portugal. It is equivalent to the DNI (National Identity Document) for Portugeese nationals.It’s a number that you’ll be asked for in order to complete most formalities in the country—for example, from opening a bank account to taking out medical insurance—so make sure it’s on your list of priorities.

5. Get a Residency Card

The temporary residence permit is issued for persons wanting to settle in Portugal and who can provide proof of sufficient financial resources (at least three minimum monthly salaries in Portugal). It is good to know that dependents will be part of the application and will receive the temporary residence permit. Here are other details you should consider. After 5 years of having a temporary permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship.

6. Understand the cost of living

Most people worry about getting to Portugal but not about the costs, which are essential for making ends meet. Prices vary a lot depending on the area, mostly in terms of public transport and accommodation, but other expenses are more standard.To give you a ballpark figure, your new life in Portugal could cost you between €620 and €950 per month, per person.

7. Get to know the special procedures for self-employment

If you’re an entrepreneur at heart, you should know that there are different procedures to register as self-employed in Portugal. Like everything, there are advantages and disadvantages compared to working for a company. Being a foreigner, you’ll have to meet certain criteria such as not residing irregularly in the country, not having a criminal record, and having sufficient financial resources for your upkeep and accommodation, among other things.

8. Learn about the different types of taxes

If you thought you’d see the end of taxes, we’re sorry to disappoint you: They’ll be part of your journey in emigrating to Portugal too. Based on your situation in the country, you’ll have to pay some taxes but not others. Most types of taxes are paid by everyone, but other taxes relate to special situations (self-employed people, for example). Before landing, it’s worth starting to get to know them and doing the math.

9. Get to know the different types of work contracts

Portugal is a country with many employment opportunities and different ways to earn a living, which translates into different contract models. It’s a good idea to take a look at them and get to know which fits your situation best. The most important thing is to understand that you have the same labor rights and obligations as any Portugeese national, beyond the fact that you have to present documentation related to your residency to be able to apply for a job.

10.Opening a bank account in Portugal

If you’re planning to move to Portugal, opening a bank account will almost certainly make your life easier once you get there. Even if you don’t need it for your day-to-day expenses, you’ll quickly realize that a Portuguese bank account is a must for paying taxes and bills, receiving your paycheck, or buying real estate in Portugal.