Documents

Essential Documentation for Portugal

Relocating to Portugal requires a systematic approach to paperwork. Since the restructuring of the Portuguese immigration system—transitioning from SEF to Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA)—the verification of foreign documents has become more stringent. Proper preparation before departure is critical to avoid administrative delays in residency applications, tax registration, and healthcare enrollment.

All documents must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry. Furthermore, any document not issued in Portuguese usually requires a certified translation and, depending on the country of origin, international legalization.

Core Personal and Identification Documents

These documents form the foundation of every administrative process in Portugal, from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract. It is recommended to carry both the originals and high-quality digital scans.

• Valid Passport: Must have at least two blank pages and remain valid for the duration of the initial visa.
• Birth Certificate: A full-form (long-form) version is often required for residency applications and marriage registrations.
• Marriage or Divorce Certificates: Necessary for family reunification visas or updating civil status.
• Criminal Record Certificate: Issued by your country of origin and any country where you have resided for more than one year after the age of 16. These are typically valid for only 3 to 6 months from the date of issuance.

Proof of Financial Means

Portugal requires proof that foreign nationals can support themselves without relying on the state social security system. The required amount depends on the current Portuguese Minimum Wage (IAS). For 2025/2026, applicants should provide:

• Bank statements from the last 6 months.
• Proof of pension or remote work income (for D7 or Digital Nomad visas).
• Tax returns from the previous fiscal year.

Legalization and Translation Requirements

To be legally recognized in Portugal, documents issued outside the European Union must undergo a specific authentication process. The method depends on whether the issuing country is a member of the Hague Convention.

The Apostille

If your country is a member of the Hague Convention, you must obtain an Apostille stamp from your local authorities. This is a standardized sticker or stamp that validates the document for international use. Without this, Portuguese authorities (AIMA, Notaries, or Conservatórias) will generally reject the document.

Certified Translations

Documents not written in Portuguese must be translated. These translations must be "certified" or "sworn." In Portugal, this can be performed by a lawyer, a notary, or the consulate of the issuing country. Self-translations are not accepted for official purposes.

The cost for a certified translation in Portugal typically ranges from 25 EUR ($26.25 USD, Jan 2026) to 50 EUR ($52.50 USD, Jan 2026) per page, depending on the complexity.

Local Portuguese Administrative Identifiers

Upon arrival, or sometimes prior to arrival via a fiscal representative, you must obtain specific identification numbers to function within the Portuguese system. More information can be found on the official ePortugal portal.

• NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal): The tax identification number. This is the most important document in Portugal. You need it to rent an apartment, get a phone contract, or open a bank account.
  • Fee for non-resident NIF: Approximately 10.20 EUR ($10.71 USD, Jan 2026).
• NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social): The social security number. Essential for those planning to work as employees or freelancers (recibos verdes).
• Utente Number: The National Health Service (SNS) number, required to access public healthcare. You usually obtain this at your local Centro de Saúde by showing your residency permit or visa.

For more details on immigration procedures, visit the official AIMA website or the Portal das Comunidades Portuguesas.

Educational and Professional Records

If you intend to work in a regulated profession (e.g., medicine, engineering, law) or continue your studies, additional documentation is mandatory. These documents often require "Equivalence" or "Recognition" by Portuguese academic bodies.

• Diplomas and Transcripts: Must be originals or certified copies with an Apostille.
• Course Syllabus: Sometimes required by universities to determine the equivalence of credits.
• Professional Licenses: Proof of registration with professional bodies in your home country.

Health Insurance Coverage

While moving, and before you have access to the public SNS, you must provide proof of private health insurance. This must cover "repatriation for medical reasons" and "urgent medical attention," with a minimum coverage often set at 30,000 EUR ($31,500 USD, Jan 2026).