Glossary of Portuguese terms
Portuguese administration has its own vocabulary. Here are the terms you are most likely to meet, with a short explanation. In our guides, underlined terms show the same explanation when you hover over or tap them.
A
- AIMA Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo
The public agency that handles residence permits for non-EU nationals. It replaced SEF for these matters in 2023.
- Apostila
An apostille: a certificate under the Hague Convention that confirms a public document from one country for use in another. Foreign certificates often need one, plus a certified translation.
- Atestado de residência
A proof-of-residence certificate issued by your parish council (Junta de Freguesia). Some registrations accept it as proof of address.
- Autorização de residência
A residence permit for non-EU nationals, issued by AIMA. It is temporary at first and has to be renewed.
C
- Câmara Municipal
The municipal (town or city) council. Among other things, it usually handles registration of EU citizens (CRUE).
- Caução
The security deposit for a rental, returned at the end of the lease minus any agreed deductions.
- Centro de Saúde
Your local public health centre — where you register with the SNS and are assigned a family doctor.
- Chave Móvel Digital
The government's digital login (CMD), linked to your phone number. It can be used to sign in to public portals, including the Portal das Finanças.
- CRUE Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia
The registration certificate for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who live in Portugal for more than three months. It is usually issued by the municipal council (Câmara Municipal).
E
- e-Balcão
The online help desk on the Portal das Finanças, where you can submit questions and requests to the Tax Authority.
- Espaço Cidadão
A Citizen Spot: a smaller in-person help point where staff assist with a range of online public services.
F
- Fiador
A guarantor who agrees to pay your rent if you cannot. Landlords may ask for one, or for extra months paid in advance instead.
- Finanças
The everyday name for the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) and its local tax offices (Serviços de Finanças).
I
- IBAN
The international bank account number. Portuguese IBANs start with PT50; landlords and utilities often ask for one for direct debits.
- IRS Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Singulares
Personal income tax. Tax residents file an annual IRS return through the Portal das Finanças.
J
- Junta de Freguesia
The parish council — the most local level of government. It issues certificates such as the atestado de residência.
L
- Loja do Cidadão
A Citizen's Shop: a building where several public services, including Finanças counters, have desks under one roof.
M
- MB Way
A widely used instant-payment app linked to a Portuguese bank account and phone number.
- Morada fiscal
Your tax address registered with Finanças. Official letters are sent there, so keep it up to date when you move.
- Multibanco
Portugal's national ATM and payments network. Many bills can be paid at a Multibanco machine using a payment reference.
N
- NIF Número de Identificação Fiscal
Portugal's nine-digit taxpayer number, issued by the Tax and Customs Authority (AT). You need it for leases, bank accounts, employment and most contracts.
- NISS Número de Identificação da Segurança Social
Your social security number. Employers need it before you start work, and self-employed people need it to pay contributions.
- Número de utente
Your user number in the national health service (SNS). You get it when you register at the health centre for your address.
R
- Recibo verde
An electronic receipt that self-employed people issue through the Portal das Finanças. The term is also used for working as a freelancer in general.
- Representante fiscal
A tax representative who deals with the Tax Authority on behalf of a non-resident. Whether you need one depends on your situation — check the Portal das Finanças.
S
- SEF Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras
The former immigration and borders service. It was restructured in 2023 and its residence-permit work passed to AIMA — older guides that mention SEF may be out of date.
- Segurança Social
The social security system and the public body that runs it: contributions, NISS numbers and benefits.
- SNS Serviço Nacional de Saúde
Portugal's national health service, available to legal residents. SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) is its triage and advice line; in an emergency call 112.
T
- Título de residência
The residence card that proves a non-EU national's residence permit.