Portugal, step by step
Practical guides to documents, residency, housing and travel in Portugal — with the official source for every step.
Try:
Who are you?
Pick your situation and get a step-by-step route.
Common tasks
The things people ask about most.
Popular guides
How to get a NIF in Portugal
The first number most people need — for a lease, a bank account and work.
How to get a NISS number in Portugal (social security number)
Step-by-step guide to getting a NISS (social security number) in Portugal as a foreigner: who needs it, documents, online application and AIMA.
How to rent a flat in Portugal: a step-by-step guide for foreigners
How to rent a flat in Portugal: where to search, documents, deposit and advance rent, the lease, tenant rights, typical rents and scams to avoid.
Healthcare in Portugal: SNS, private care and pharmacies
How healthcare works in Portugal for foreigners: getting a número de utente, booking a GP, SNS 24, emergencies, private clinics, insurance and pharmacies.
Moving to Portugal from outside the EU
Moving to Portugal from outside the EU: choose the right national (D) visa, get a NIF, obtain your residence permit from AIMA and settle in step by step.
Moving to Portugal as an EU citizen
Moving to Portugal with an EU, EEA or Swiss passport: get a NIF, find housing, register your residence (CRUE), open a bank account and register for healthcare.
Services directory
Official bodies and services, with the languages they work in.
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Immigration & residency
Visas, residence permits and the public bodies that issue them.
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Lawyers & legal help
How to find a registered lawyer and check their credentials.
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Tax & accountants
Tax numbers, tax returns and certified accountants.
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Housing & rentals
Tenancy rules, housing support and rental help.
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Insurance
Check that an insurer or broker is authorised in Portugal.
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Banking & money
Opening an account, fees and your rights as a bank customer.
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Mobile & internet
Phone and broadband contracts, coverage and complaints.
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Healthcare
The national health service and where to get care.
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Transport
Trains, metro, buses and getting around.
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Tourism & travel info
Official tourist information and local experiences.
Travel
Cities, regions and the islands — where to go and what it is like to live there.
