Basic Guide to Become a Resident (European Citizen)
Thomas Maas
Oct 16, 2025
This article provides a summary of how to become a resident in Portugal as a European citizen. The process is continuously changing, so we strive to update this article as needed. What You Need:
• Your passport
• A bank statement containing 6 times the Portuguese minimum wage or a Portuguese working contract.
• A Portuguese first home purchase contract or a long-term rental contract (minimum 6 months)
The Process:
To start the process, you need to request a fiscal number (NIF) at the Finanças. They will link your fiscal number to a non-Portuguese address, registering you as a non-resident.
After obtaining the NIF number, you must visit your local Junta de Freguesia. There, you should request the "Atestado."
Once you have received the "Atestado," proceed to the Camera de Municipal. At the Camera de Municipal, you request the "Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia." If you think the process ends here, you are mistaken.
With the "Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia," return to the Finanças and request an "alteração da morada fiscal." The Finanças will then change your non-resident status to resident.
