Portugal attracts remote workers, retirees and families from across Europe and the English-speaking world. Lisbon, Porto, the Silver Coast and the Algarve each have their own character, but the paperwork is the same everywhere — and it starts with a nine-digit number.
Step one: your NIF
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is your tax identification number. You need it to sign a lease, buy property, open a bank account, get a phone contract or connect electricity. Get it before you start house-hunting: landlords and banks will ask for it first.
If you are not yet resident, you may need a tax representative to obtain it and to receive official notifications on your behalf, depending on where you live.
Residency
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
You can live in Portugal freely. After three months, register your residence with the câmara municipal (town hall) of your area to obtain a registration certificate.
UK, US and other non-EU nationals
You need a visa for long stays, followed by a residence permit. Residence matters are handled by AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), which replaced the former immigration service SEF in October 2023. Common routes:
| Visa | For whom |
|---|---|
| D7 | People with regular passive income (pension, rental income, investments) |
| Digital nomad visa | Remote workers employed by or working for companies outside Portugal |
| Work visa | People with a job offer in Portugal |
| Family reunification | Family members of legal residents |
Appointment availability varies a lot by region: start early and keep copies of everything you submit.
Social security and healthcare
Once resident, you can obtain your social security number (NISS) and register with your local health centre to receive a SNS user number for the national health service. Private insurance is often required during the visa process.
Shipping your belongings to Portugal
From another EU country
No customs declaration and no duty. From Germany, the Netherlands or Belgium, a dedicated truck usually delivers within a week.
From the UK
Your move is a UK export followed by a Portuguese import. Used belongings usually enter free of duty and VAT under transfer of residence relief — you will need your NIF and proof of residence in Portugal. Portuguese customs looks closely at shipments that arrive long after you: plan your shipment soon after you settle.
From the USA, Canada or Australia
Your belongings travel by sea container to Lisbon or Leixões (Porto), then by road. The same relief applies. Allow six to ten weeks door to door from the US East Coast.
Your car and driving licence
Driving licence. EU licences remain valid. Non-EU licence holders should check the exchange rules and deadlines that apply to their country of issue as soon as they become resident.
Your car. Importing a car for good involves customs formalities, an inspection and registration. Vehicle tax (ISV) can be significant; residents moving their household may qualify for an exemption under conditions. Check before shipping an older or high-emission vehicle.
Your Portugal moving timeline
Three to six months before: NIF, visa application if you are a non-EU national, rough volume estimate. Two months before: quotes, home search, proof of your current residence. One month before: detailed inventory, customs documents for non-EU moves, notice on contracts. After arrival: residence registration or AIMA appointment, NISS, health centre registration, bank account.
Frequently asked questions
More guides
- Moving to Spain: NIE, padrón, residency and shipping your homeMoving to Spain from the UK, USA or Europe: NIE and TIE, the padrón, residency routes, your driving licence and shipping your belongings.
- Moving back to the UK: ToR01, your car and timingReturning to the UK after living abroad: Transfer of Residence relief (ToR01), importing your car with NOVA, and how long the move takes.