GekkoPortugal: A guide to living, working and buying property in central Portugal

Residency in Portugal

Under EU directives and in compliance with a recent change in Portuguese law, you may remain in Portugal for a maximum three months without having to comply with any formalities.

If you intend to remain in Portugal for a period exceeding three months, you must apply to the Portuguese immigration Service – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras(SEF)* - for a Registration Certificate sometime during the 30 days following the three-month period. This certificate will be valid for five years from the date of issue, or for your period of intended residence (if this is less than five years).

To obtain a registration certificate, you will be required to show your British passport and make a sworn declaration to the effect that you fulfil the conditions of residence. These are:

a)

 that you are working or are self-employed
  OR

b)

 You have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family (if appropriate)
  OR

c)

 You are enrolled on a course of study and have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family (if appropriate).

If you are applying for a registration certificate on behalf of a dependant relative, e.g. a child or an elderly relative, you will also be required to produce their passport and documentary evidence of their relationship to you as the main applicant.

EU nationals, who have lived legally in Portugal for a consecutive period of five years, may apply to the Immigration authorities (SEF) for a Certificate of Permanent Residence.

If you are already resident in Portugal and are the holder of a ‘residence permit’ you may continue to hold this document until it expires. Thereafter you should apply to have it replace, as appropriate, with a registration certificate or certificate of permanent residence.

*In accordance with the new law (LEI37/2006 of 9 August 2006) the local town council – Camara municipal – will eventually be responsible for issuing registration certificates to EU nationals. For the time being, however, and until arrangements can be put in place, the regional offices of SEF will provide this service.

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