Moving Services in Portugal

There are some legal requirements involved in moving to Portugal. All non Portuguese must have a residence card and a blue identity card to live in Portugal for longer than six months, including even European Union nationals. Citizens of other European Union countries can enter Portugal to visit for up to six months without a visa, but everyone else needs to get a visa first before visiting, working, studying or living in Portugal.

 

After staying in Portugal for 90 days they can then either apply for another 90 days extension, or apply for a residence card and work permit. Those who get the residence card must then get a blue identity card. Visitors to Portugal who are not from the European Union can also enter for 90 days as tourists. Those who are not from the European Union countries can still get a residence visa to be allowed to live in Portugal but they must show proof of independent income or sufficient means, usually a bank account with more than 3000 euros.

 

Many people from other European countries come to Portugal to work or retire. It is more difficult for non European Union nationals to get a work permit in Portugal, however.

See our guides

• Moving to Portugal