Best Places to Live in Portugal: Cities and Regions Compared
Where to live in Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Coimbra, the Algarve, Madeira, the Azores and more compared on housing, jobs, climate and lifestyle.
Where to start
Moving to Portugal from outside the EU
Most people apply for a national visa before travelling, then get a residence permit from AIMA in Portugal.
If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, your route usually starts at a Portuguese consulate in your country of residence. The visa category depends on what you will do in Portugal — work, study, remote work, living on a pension or other income, or joining family.
After arrival, the residence visa is normally linked to a process with AIMAThe public agency that handles residence permits for non-EU nationals. It replaced SEF for these matters in 2023. to get a residence permit. Rules changed several times in recent years, so rely on the official sites and on AIMA's own messages for your case.
Your route, step by step
A typical order — your own may differ. Tick off steps as you go.
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Choose and apply for the right visa
Most non-EU nationals apply for a national (D) visa at a Portuguese consulate before travelling. The category depends on what you will do here.
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Get your tax number (NIF)
Usually the first number you need — for a lease, a bank account and contracts.
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Get your residence permit from AIMA Coming soon
A residence visa is usually linked to an AIMA process. Keep every document and follow AIMA's own messages for dates.
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Find a place to live
Start with a short-term rental, then sign a registered lease. Never pay a deposit for a flat you haven't seen.
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Open a bank account Coming soon
Banks usually ask for ID, your NIF and proof of address. A Portuguese account also lets you use MB Way.
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Register with social security (NISS)
Needed before you start work, employed or self-employed.
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Register at your health centre
Get your SNS user number (número de utente) at the health centre for your address.
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