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Temporary protection in Portugal for people from Ukraine

Living in Portugal under temporary protection: the numbers and registrations that make everyday life work.

Lisbon's red roofs seen from a viewpoint, with the river beyond
Photo: Louis Droege / Unsplash

Temporary protection is an EU-wide mechanism, applied in Portugal by AIMAThe public agency that handles residence permits for non-EU nationals. It replaced SEF for these matters in 2023.. Its validity has been extended several times, so always check the current dates and procedures on AIMA's website rather than relying on older posts.

With your protection status in place, the next steps are the same numbers everyone needs: a tax number (NIFPortugal's nine-digit taxpayer number, issued by the Tax and Customs Authority (AT). You need it for leases, bank accounts, employment and most contracts.), a social security number (NISSYour social security number. Employers need it before you start work, and self-employed people need it to pay contributions.) and a health service number (Número de utenteYour user number in the national health service (SNS). You get it when you register at the health centre for your address.).

Your route, step by step

A typical order — your own may differ. Tick off steps as you go.

  1. Check your temporary protection status Coming soon

    Rules and validity dates for temporary protection are set at EU and national level and have been extended over time. Confirm the current position with AIMA.

    Official site: AIMA

  2. Get your tax number (NIF)

    Usually the first number you need — for a lease, a bank account and contracts.

  3. Register with social security (NISS)

    Needed before you start work, employed or self-employed.

  4. Register at your health centre

    Get your SNS user number (número de utente) at the health centre for your address.

  5. 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.

    Official site: Banco de Portugal

  6. 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.

  7. Check your driving licence

    Whether you can drive on a foreign licence, and for how long, depends on where it was issued. The transport authority IMT has the rules.

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