Visa-free travel to Portugal: Everything you need to know about residence permits and citizenship for EU citizens

Moving to Portugal is pleasantly uncomplicated for EU citizens. Thanks to the freedom of movement within the European Union, you can enter the country without a visa and stay freely in the country for up to 90 days. However, for longer stays, a few administrative steps are required. This guide will provide you with comprehensive information on residence permits, registration procedures and obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

1. Visa-free entry and stay up to 90 days

EU citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This period is an ideal opportunity to get to know Portugal and prepare the first steps for a permanent move. For stays of more than three months, special reporting obligations apply. Anyone planning to settle permanently must register with the competent municipal administration within 30 days.

However, this obligation does not apply if no permanent residence is sought, for example in the case of a longer vacation. In such cases, holiday rental owners, campsite operators and hotels take care of the registration with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras: https://www.sef.pt/). This is done through accommodation sheets, which must be submitted online within three days of the guests' arrival.
For stays of more than 90 but less than 183 days (e.g. 120 days), no registration with the municipality is required, unless a permanent residence is established and a return to the home country is planned. However, after more than 183 days in a calendar year, Portugal could assume tax residency, which may entail additional obligations such as tax payments.

2. Registration as a resident for long-term stays

As already mentioned, for stays of more than 90 days, an official registration at the responsible town hall (Câmara Municipal) is required. This registration allows you to make a legal long-term stay and is carried out with the issuance of the "Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (CRUE)". The certificate is usually valid for five years.

You should have the following documents ready for registration at the municipal administration:

• Identity card or passport: As proof of identity and proof of your EU citizenship.
• Lease agreement or proof of ownership of a property in Portugal: This serves as proof of residence.
• Financial proof: You may need to prove that you are financially able to support yourself in Portugal, e.g. through proof of income, proof of business start-up, employment contracts or a pension certificate.

If you are looking for a permanent residence in Portugal, it is also essential to apply for a Portuguese tax number (NIF). It is applied for at the tax office (Serviço de Finanças: https://www.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/). With the NIF, you are registered for tax purposes and can thus settle income or residence tax matters. In general, the NIF is very often required in Portugal, including when buying a property or even, for example, if you want to take out a mobile phone contract.

3. Access to the health system

As an EU citizen, residing in Portugal gives you access to the public healthcare system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS): https://www.sns.gov.pt/).
After registering, you can register at your local health center (Centro de Saúde) and receive a Portuguese health number (Número de Utente). This number allows you to access health services such as doctor's appointments or medication at discounted rates. For longer stays, it may also be worthwhile to take out supplementary private health insurance.

4. Social security when taking up work

If you work in Portugal, you must also register with the "Instituto da Segurança Social": https://en.seg-social.pt/ .
This gives you access to social benefits such as unemployment benefits and pension entitlements.

5. Permanent Residence Card and Citizenship

In case you plan to stay permanently in Portugal, you can apply for a permanent residence card after five years, called the "Certificado de Residência Permanente". This step is voluntary, but it can be advantageous because this card serves as a long-term proof of residence. The permanent residence card can be applied for at the SEF and offers the same rights as the temporary residence certificate.

If you are an EU citizen, you can also apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal and uninterrupted residence in Portugal. Unlike other countries, this period is comparatively short and allows you to officially register as a Portuguese citizen without giving up EU citizenship. Here is an overview of the requirements and process for applying for Portuguese citizenship:

Requirements for Portuguese citizenship

1. Minimum length of stay: Five years of legal and continuous residence in Portugal. This period can be proven by regular residence registrations with the municipality and the Immigration Office (SEF).
2. Language skills: Basic knowledge of Portuguese is required. An official language test (A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is often required as proof that covers basic conversational skills in Portuguese.
3. Proof of integration: This is not always officially required, but it is helpful. A permanent job, bank account, real estate ownership or participation in local community activities can prove your integration into Portuguese society.
4. No criminal offences: An impeccable certificate of good conduct (Portuguese and from your country of origin) is an important part of the application.

The citizenship application process first includes submitting the required documents, which includes taking the language test. The application is then submitted either to the Central Registry Office (Conservatória dos Registos Centrais) or to a local registry office (Conservatória). The processing can take several months (approx. 6 to 24). The processing fee to be paid is approx. 250 €. After successful examination, you will receive a citizenship certificate. You can then apply for the Portuguese identity card (Cartão de Cidadão) and passport.

Benefits of Portuguese citizenship for EU citizens

• Retention of previous EU citizenship: Dual citizenship is allowed in Portugal, so you can keep your original EU citizenship.
• Extended rights: Portuguese citizenship gives you full voting rights, full employment rights, and access to EU consular services worldwide.
• Simpler travel formalities: The Portuguese passport is respected worldwide and facilitates visa applications for certain countries.

Tip on citizenship:

Since Portuguese citizenship requires some formal steps, it can be helpful to consult a lawyer. They often know all the current requirements and processes and can speed up the process. In summary, applying for Portuguese citizenship after five years is well organized and opens up numerous advantages to enjoy Portugal as a new home permanently.

Tips for a stress-free registration

• Make an appointment early: Especially in popular tourist regions, there may be longer waiting times for registration and for SEF appointments.
• Prepare documents completely: A clear folder with copies of all important documents (e.g. passport, rental agreement, financial statements) speeds up processing.
• Note language: Although many government employees speak English, in some municipalities it can be advantageous if you know basic Portuguese terms for registration.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to apply for Portuguese citizenship?

• The processing time for Portuguese citizenship is currently usually between 6 and 12 months, but can take up to 24 months, depending on the region and authority. Factors such as complete documentation and language tests affect the turnaround time. It is advisable to prepare and submit all the necessary documents in time to avoid delays.

2. Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship if I only have a second home?

• No, Portuguese citizenship cannot be applied for through a second home alone. The prerequisite is a permanent, uninterrupted residence in Portugal for at least five years. A temporary stay or a second home does not meet these requirements. There must be an actual main residence with registration in Portugal, which marks the centre of life.

3. What rights do I lose when I take Portuguese citizenship?

• Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your original nationality in most cases, as long as it is also allowed in your home country. Accepting Portuguese citizenship does not usually entail any loss of rights. However, they gain additional rights such as full voting rights in Portugal and the possibility to settle or work in other EU countries without a residence permit.

4. What costs do I have to pay when applying for the CRUE?

• The fee for the issuance of the "Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia" (CRUE / EU Citizen Registration Certificate). The costs vary depending on the municipality, but are usually between 15 and 30 euros.

5. How do I apply for a Portuguese health number?

• To get a health number (Número de Utente) in Portugal, you need to register with your local health center (Centro de Saúde). To do this, you will need:
  • Identity card or passport as proof of identity.
  • EU Citizen Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) to prove your residency.
  • NIF (tax number) showing that you are registered in Portugal. After presenting these documents, you will be issued with the health number that will give you access to the services of the Public Health System (Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS).

6. Which language certificates are accepted as proof of language proficiency?

• Certificates issued by accredited institutions are often accepted as proof of basic Portuguese proficiency (A2 level). Recognized exams include:
  • CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) of the Portuguese Instituto Camões. Further information can be found here: https://caple.letras.ulisboa.pt/exame/2/ciple
  • Language tests from certified language schools and educational institutions that work according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Registration for the language test can be done at language schools or online via official websites.

7. What happens if I don't pass the language test?

• If you do not pass the language test, you can retake the exam. Most exam providers allow re-participation after a waiting period, which depends on the institution. It is recommended that you take additional language courses or tutorials before trying again to improve your chances.

8. Can I work and live in any EU country with Portuguese citizenship?

• Yes, with Portuguese citizenship you enjoy all the rights of an EU citizen. This means that you can work and live in any EU member state, as well as in countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.