Updated for 2025

Getting residency in Portugal is essential if you plan to stay longer than a few months. It can seem overwhelming at first, but our guide to becoming ‘official’ in Portugal is here to help you navigate the process!

This article is aimed at those moving from countries within the EU, as well as those coming from outside the EU. If you are moving from outside the EU, initial residency is typically granted for 1, 3, or 5 years, depending on the visa type. We recommend you contact an immigration specialist or legal firm for expert advice on visas.

Pure Portugal does not offer legal help or advice, nor do we accept payment or financial reimbursement from legal companies. Please find an independent legal firm to assist with your residency application.

EU Residents – Staying for More Than 90 Days in Portugal?

Temporary Residency

For EU citizens planning to stay more than 90 days, you will need to apply for temporary residency through a Certificate of Registration (Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia). This certificate is valid for 5 years and is a simple process, though requirements can vary from one municipality (câmara) to another.

Typically, the câmaras only require a passport and proof of address, which can sometimes be a PO Box. However, to ensure a smooth process, it’s a good idea to check with your local câmara before gathering documents to avoid unnecessary effort.

Basic requirements for the temporary residency certificate include:

• A passport or valid photo ID
• A declaration of whether you are employed or self-employed in Portugal (employment contracts may need to be translated into Portuguese)
• 3 months of bank statements showing proof of income
• Proof of address (such as a mortgage or rental agreement)
• A document from your local village hall (Junta) proving your residence address (called an atestado), with two local residents to vouch for your identity
• For pensioners: proof of income via pension statements and proof of private health insurance (S1 form for UK pensioners is often sufficient)
• A passport-sized photo
• A fee of 10–20 euros (cash is recommended)

In many cases, people are not asked for all of the documents above, but it’s wise to bring everything just in case.

Permanent Residency

After living in Portugal for 5 years with uninterrupted residency, you can apply for Permanent Residency. This applies to both EU and non-EU citizens. The application for permanent residency is handled by the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).

When applying for permanent residency, along with the documents you provided for temporary residency, you will need to supply:

• Proof of registration with the social security authority
• Permission for the SEF to conduct a criminal record check

The fee for permanent residency is around €100, and you must renew this status every 10 years.

Golden Visa Program (For Non-EU Residents)

If you are a non-EU resident, you may be eligible for Portugal’s Golden Visa Program, which allows for residency through qualifying investments. As of 2025, the program has undergone changes, especially in terms of real estate investment.

Key changes include:

• Real estate investments in Lisbon, Porto, and some coastal areas are no longer eligible for Golden Visa status.
• Investors can still apply by purchasing property in rural areas or in urban regeneration zones.
• Other options for obtaining a Golden Visa include making contributions to cultural, scientific, or environmental causes, starting at €250,000.

Once you have held a Golden Visa for 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting certain requirements.

UK Citizens Post-Brexit

UK citizens, following Brexit, no longer benefit from EU freedom of movement. As a result, UK nationals must now apply for residency through the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).

Portuguese Citizenship

After living in Portugal for 6 years without interruption, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. This option has become especially relevant for UK nationals post-Brexit. To obtain citizenship, you’ll need to speak with the SEF and provide the necessary documents, including:

• Proof of residence in Portugal for the past 6 years
• A language test (A2 level Portuguese proficiency)
• A criminal record check
• Birth certificates, proof of address, and photo ID

The citizenship application costs up to €200, and processing times can vary, so be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait. Once granted citizenship, you will receive a Portuguese EU passport, the right to vote, and many other benefits as a full Portuguese citizen.

Becoming a resident or citizen in Portugal is a process that requires planning and attention to detail. By following these steps and staying informed about the latest regulations, you can enjoy the benefits of living in this beautiful, welcoming country.

Please note that this guide is informational and does not replace professional legal advice. Always consult with a legal expert for the most up-to-date and tailored information for your specific situation.

This guide has been updated to reflect the latest residency and citizenship requirements for 2025.