Moving to Portugal: The Step-by-Step Checklist (NIF, Bank, Visa, Residency)

Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for remote workers, retirees and families. The paperwork is manageable, but it is full of dependencies: you need a NIF to open a bank account, a bank account to rent a home, and an address to register your residence. Here is the order that works.

1. Get your NIF (before you move)

The NIF, Portugal's tax number, is the key to everything else. You can get it from abroad, before you have a visa or an address in Portugal. Residents of countries outside the EU/EEA — the US, UK, Canada, Brazil — generally need a fiscal representative for the first request. See What is a NIF in Portugal? or apply with GetNIF.

2. Open a Portuguese bank account

With your NIF, passport and proof of address and income, you can open an account with a Portuguese bank, often remotely. Many visas require Portuguese bank statements (for example to show your means of subsistence), so this step comes early.

3. Choose your visa (non-EU citizens)

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can move freely. Everyone else needs a national (type D) visa from the Portuguese consulate in their country of residence, for example:

• D7 — for people with passive income such as pensions, rentals or investments;
• D8 (digital nomad) — for remote workers employed by or working for clients outside Portugal;
• Job seeker visa — to come and look for work;
• Work, study or family reunification visas.

Requirements (minimum income, accommodation, insurance, criminal record) change, so check the consulate's current list before you apply.

4. Find a home

Landlords usually ask for your NIF and, often, a guarantor or several months' rent in advance. The lease is registered with the tax authority. A Portuguese address is also needed for the next steps.

5. Register your residence

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: after three months in Portugal, register with the municipality (Câmara Municipal) of your area within the following 30 days to get your CRUE (EU citizen registration certificate), valid for up to five years.
• Non-EU citizens: after entering on your D visa, you get your residence permit from AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, which replaced SEF in 2023).

6. Update your tax address

Once you live in Portugal, change your tax address from your foreign address to your Portuguese one. This also ends the need for a fiscal representative. Remember that tax residence generally follows where you actually live (for example, spending more than 183 days in Portugal), so get tax advice on your situation — including on the IFICI regime that replaced the old NHR for new residents.

7. Get your NISS and health number

• NISS (social security number) if you will work or pay social contributions — see NIF vs NISS.
• Número de utente at your local health centre (centro de saúde) to use the national health service (SNS).

8. Everyday admin

• Utilities, internet and mobile contracts (all ask for your NIF).
• Exchanging your driving licence if required for your country.
• Schools, if you move with children.
• Activating your Portal das Finanças access and electronic notifications.

Quick checklist

1. NIF
2. Portuguese bank account
3. Visa (non-EU)
4. Long-term accommodation
5. Residence registration (CRUE or AIMA permit)
6. Tax address update
7. NISS and número de utente

Start with step one today: get your NIF with GetNIF, without travelling to Portugal.