Living in Portugal as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen (registration certificate, CRUE)

Before you start

• An address in Portugal
• Work, studies, or sufficient resources and health cover for yourself and your family

Documents you need

• Valid national ID card or passport

  required

• Sworn statement on your situation

  Working (employed or self-employed), having sufficient resources and health insurance, studying, or being a family member of an EU citizen who meets one of these conditions.

  required

• Proof of family relationship

  For family members registering with you.

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Arrive and settle your first practical steps

   For the first three months you only need a valid ID card or passport, and you do not have to report your arrival. Use this time to get a tax number (NIF), find housing and, if you work, a social security number (NISS). See the guide on NIF and NISS.

2. 2

   Step 2: Check which condition you meet

   The registration certificate is based on a sworn statement (declaração sob compromisso de honra) that you:

   • work in Portugal as an employee or self-employed person; or
   • have sufficient resources for yourself and your family and health insurance, where your country requires the same of Portuguese citizens; or
   • are enrolled in a recognised public or private educational institution and have sufficient resources and health insurance on the same terms; or
   • are a family member accompanying or joining an EU citizen who meets one of these conditions.
3. 3

   Step 3: Apply at your town hall

   Apply at the town hall of your area of residence within 30 days after the end of your first three months in Portugal. Bring your valid ID card or passport and be ready to sign the sworn statement. Family members also bring proof of the family relationship and the registration certificate of the EU citizen they join; for dependants, proof that they are dependent.

   Procedures differ between municipalities: some require an appointment, some accept requests online. Check the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa channels before you go; the Lisbon City Council also has a desk at the Saldanha Citizen Shop.

4. 4

   Step 4: Pay the fee and collect the certificate

   AIMA's fee table for EU citizens' documents (updated 26 February 2026) lists €15 online or €18 in person for people aged 25 and over, €7.50 for children under six, and lower amounts for other under-25s. gov.pt quotes €15 for the certificate. AIMA gives a minimum issuing time of one month.

   The certificate is valid for five years from issue, or for the planned length of your stay if shorter.

5. 5

   Step 5: Use it as proof of residence

   The tax authority accepts the registration certificate as proof of your Portuguese address when you change your NIF from non-resident to resident. It is also useful for the SNS user number and for banks.

6. 6

   Step 6: After five years, apply for permanent residence

   After five consecutive years of legal residence you have the right of permanent residence. You can then request a certificate of permanent residence from AIMA, by appointment, before your registration certificate expires (fee €15 according to gov.pt). It is valid for ten years. Absences of up to six consecutive months a year, or up to twelve months for important reasons such as serious illness, studies or a posting abroad, do not break continuity. Permanent residence is lost after more than two consecutive years outside Portugal.

Non-EU family members

What happens if you do not register

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Waiting until a bank or landlord asks for the certificate; the legal window is the 30 days after your first three months.
• Forgetting to change your NIF to resident status once you live in Portugal.

Tips

• Keep a PDF copy of the certificate; several online services ask you to upload it.
• If you are working, take a copy of your employment contract to the appointment even though the sworn statement is the formal requirement.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Register your residence at the Lisbon City Council (CRUE)Add to plan
• Check what free movement means for you in PortugalAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 6 Apr 2027.