First steps in immigration to Portugal

WESTMARK estate agency offers special services for people who are looking to move and live in Portugal. As foreigners by origin who made the move to Portugal, we know the struggle.

There are so many things you need to do, and the bureaucracy is very strong in Portugal. When you are not taking the steps in the right order, you´ll get lost and become frustrated.

In this article we presume that you already have a fiscal number in Portugal (Número Identificação Fiscal) because you probably already bought or rented a property. If you don´t have one, please read our blog about the Fiscal number first.

1. Become a resident.

One of the first steps is to become a resident and obtain an address in Portugal. By using the Title Deed (Escritura) of your property purchase, or a long term (at least 12 months) property rental agreement, you need to prove your residency in Portugal.

When you go to your local city hall, they will also ask your proof of income, which needs to be higher than the Portuguese minimum wage. In order to obtain the residency you need to make an appointment at the Camarã Municipal of the city you are going to live.

2. Social security

Portugal has a national health system which is accessible for all residents, but you need to have a Social Security number first in order to get access to national healthcare.

The Portuguese social security number called NISS (Número identificação do Segurança Social). Always make use of a professional advisor such as WESTMARK estate agency to prevent mistakes. Some people confuse the NISS (social security) with the Numero Utente (health number in Portugal) and these are not the same!

You need to obtain the NISS in person, at your nearest Segurança Social office with an appointment. Bring your documents with you.

3. Healthcare centre

Every city has a local healthcare center where you can find several family doctors and you can go. In order to get access to the local healthcare you will be needing a health number (Numero Utente).

The Utente number is your health number, which will enable you to :

• Visit a health center,
• Access public hospitals,
• Get vaccinations, etc.

Without this number, only private clinics will admit you, at your own expense of course.

Since the pandemic, you can apply for your Utente number online, by emailing the health department in your area. In the email requesting your Utente number, please enter:

• Full name,
• Nationality,
• Date and place of birth,
• Passport / ID number,
• Tax number (NIF),
• CRUE number,
• Full Portuguese address,
• Portuguese telephone number.

The following documents must also be sent as attachments:

• Copy of passport / identity card
• Copy of NIF
• Copy of NISS (social security number, if you already have one)

When you would like to talk to someon to get more information in regard to emigration into Portugal, feel free to reach out to WESTMARK estate agency. We are happy tp help.