Portugal : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa or work permit?

European Union (EU) nationals with a valid passport or identity card are permitted to work in Portugal without a visa and are entitled to the same rights as Portuguese nationals with regard to pay, working conditions and social security.

If entering to study, you may need to show proof that you are a student and have the means to support yourself.

If entering the country to work you may be asked to prove that you have adequate means to support yourself during your stay and that the cost of your return journey is secured.

An identity card (bilhete de identidade) must be carried at all times. Application forms are available from the Portuguese Consulate General. Contact the Consulate well in advance of departure to confirm requirements.

Employees must register at the Treasury to get a CIF number, without which their employer will not be able to pay them. More information (in Portuguese) is available from the Portuguese Ministry of Finance.

EURES - European Job Mobility Portal has a before and after moving to Portugal checklist that will help you to make sure you have completed all the essential tasks.

How do I get a visa?

EU nationals do not need a visa for Portugal.

If you are from a non-EU country, check with the Portuguese embassy in the country where you are (find a list of embassies at Embassies Worldwide ) to enquire about visa requirements. The Schengen Office  also has useful visa information.

Non-EU nationals will not be permitted to work without first obtaining a work visa.

You may also wish to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy, if you are not in your home country) to find out whether there are any issues to be considered if you are planning to visit Portugal to study or work.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

EU nationals who intend to stay in Portugal for longer than three months must apply to the Portuguese Immigration Service (Servicio do Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) (helpful website in Portuguese and English) for a ‘registration certificate’.

This certificate is initially valid for five years, or for the period of intended residence if this is less than five years. After living in Portugal for five years, you can apply to the immigration authorities for a certificate of permanent residence.