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1. 1

   Before you come: choose your visa

   The visa depends on why you are coming: work, study, passive income, remote work or family. Citizens of CPLP countries have their own scheme.

   Portugal Visa TypesPortugal Work VisaPortugal Job Seeker VisaPortugal Student VisaD7 Visa PortugalDigital Nomad Visa PortugalCPLP Residence Permit Portugal
2. 2

   First weeks: your essential numbers

   NIF (tax number), NISS (social security number) and SNS utente number (health). Without them you cannot work, rent a flat or see a doctor.

   NIF PortugalNISS PortugalSNS Utente Number PortugalCertificate of Residence PortugalChave Móvel DigitalPortal das Finanças LoginSocial Security Login Portugal
3. 3

   Working in Portugal

   Employment contracts, minimum wage, deductions and your rights. If you work for yourself you must register as a freelancer and issue "recibos verdes".

   Employment contract PortugalMinimum wage PortugalNet salary PortugalRecibos verdesUnemployment benefit Portugal
4. 4

   Residence permit and residence card

   After entering with a visa, you apply to AIMA for a residence permit and receive the card. You renew it before it expires, on the AIMA Renewals Portal.

   Residence Permit PortugalPortugal Residence Permit Renewal at AIMAFamily Reunification PortugalManifestação de Interesse Portugal
5. 5

   Taxes and family

   Filing your IRS tax return every year, the IRS Jovem scheme for under-35s, and child benefit.

   IRS tax return PortugalIRS JovemChild benefit Portugal
6. 6

   Staying for good: permanent residence and citizenship

   After some years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence and, if you meet the requirements, Portuguese citizenship.

   Permanent Residence PortugalPortuguese Citizenship

Immigration rules in Portugal have changed several times since 2024. Always check with AIMA and the official visa portal before you act.