Moving to Portugal: Pathways, Tips, Procedures and Expat Life

You can look for work in Portugal through online job listing sites or social media:

• LinkedIn
• Portuguese Public Employment Service (Instituto do Emprego)
• Indeed
• SAPO Emprego
• Empregos Online
• Net Empregos

Seasonal work options for Portugal are in the following industries:

• agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry, and fishing
• hospitality, restaurants
• food, liquor, and tobacco
• gross and retail commerce
• construction
• land transport.

The standard fee for a national visa for Portugal is €90. You are exempt from the fee if you belong to the following categories:

• Descendants of citizens holding a residency permit, under family reunification clauses;
• Foreign nationals with a study scholarship granted by Portugal;
• Highly qualified research activity purposes (residency and temporary stay);
• Patients and accompanying persons traveling under Cooperation Agreements in the Field of Health with Portugal.

The processing time for a Portugal national visa depends on the visa type:

• Temporary stay visa: max 60 days
• Residence visa: max 90 days

One of the first things you need to do as soon as you arrive in Portugal is to get a tax number (Portuguese Número de Identificação – NIF). You need this number for a lot of the processes moving forward, like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, setting up a business, and starting work.

To get your NIF number, you have to visit a local tax office or Loja do Cidadão (“Citizens’ Shop”).

Next, you should find long-term accommodation and register your address. If you haven’t already found an apartment, you can look at:

• ImmoVirtual
• Idealista
• CostoJusto
• Casa Sapo

Additionally, you can look at social media listings, such as on Facebook, or ask through word of mouth if you have friends or acquaintances you can ask.

After you sign a lease or rental agreement, you have to register your address and get a certificate of registration. To do this, you have to visit the local Parish Council (Junta de Freguesia), and submit:

• Your passport with the visa attached
• Your NIF number
• Your rental agreement or contract (or other proof of residence)

Usually, you must have a registration certificate to be able to open a bank account or apply for a residence permit.

To open a bank account in Portugal, you have to appear in person at the bank of your choice, and typically, will need these documents:

• Passport
• Taxpayer number (NIF);
• Taxpayer number from your country of origin;
• Registration certificate
• Work contract or other proof of income (if relevant)

All residents in Portugal need to have a Portuguese Social Security Identification Number (NISS). You can apply for it online through the Social Security portal. You have to attach a scanned copy of your passport.

You can pick it up in person at the Social Security Services. You will receive an email with the instructions once you submit your application.

Finally, before your national visa expires, you have to submit your application to get a residence permit at the Portuguese Immigration Agency (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo – AIMA). You have to schedule an appointment with an AIMA office (Lojas AIMA), and submit the following documents in person:

• Two identical passport-size photos.
• Valid passport, with the visa attached
• Proof of financial means (income, savings, etc). See details here.
• Declaration of Residence form, along with:
  • Land registry certificate or access code confirming ownership or usufruct rights, if you own the property or have usufruct rights (the right to use and benefit from the property without owning it).
  • Declaration from the landlord or accommodation provider confirming the legal right to stay in the property, if you are renting, staying as a tenant, or under another arrangement.
• Proof of registration with the tax authorities
• Proof of social security registration.

You will receive a temporary residence permit at first valid for one year. After the first year, it can be renewed continually for two-year periods. After five years of living in Portugal, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

As a legal resident in Portugal, you can register with the National Health Service (SNS) and get an SNS number. You can get the SNS number at the closest health center (Centro de Saúde), by submitting the following documents:

• Your passport
• Your valid residence permit
• Your NIF number
• Your social security number

You can use the SNS number to receive healthcare in all health centers and hospitals in Portugal.

Private health insurance

You can also get private health insurance. Many expats opt for private insurance because it provides access to private hospitals and clinics, where there’s a higher chance of finding English-speaking doctors (and shorter waiting times).

You don’t need to learn Portuguese to move to Portugal; many people speak English, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, if you are planning to work in Portugal, learning the language will significantly improve your chances of finding a job (if you haven’t already).

Additionally, knowing at least a basic level of Portuguese will help with official paperwork and integrating into the community.

EU/EEA license holders can use their existing license, but non-EU/EEA residents typically need to exchange their license for a Portuguese one within 90 days of obtaining residency. Some nationalities may be required to take a driving test, while others have a simple exchange process through the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes).

The cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than in many Western European countries, but it varies depending on the location. Lisbon and Porto have higher rents and living expenses, while smaller cities and rural areas are more affordable.

Here’s the estimated monthly cost of living in Portugal, according to Numbeo:

• €2,412 without rent (for a family of four).
• €681 without rent (for a single person).
• Rent: €700 – €1,500 (depending on size and location)
• Utilities: €115 (average for a 85m2 apartment)

On average, rent, utilities, and groceries are reasonably priced, but imported goods and dining out in touristy areas can be expensive. Public healthcare is affordable, and transportation costs are relatively low.

Yes, Portugal is considered a safe and family-friendly country. Cities like Lisbon and Porto have international schools, while smaller towns offer a quieter environment with a better sense of community. Public healthcare is good, you can find affordable private schooling options, and the lifestyle is generally relaxed.