Moving to Portugal - Registration Procedures

A citizen of a European Union Member-State can enter the Portuguese territory by presenting a valid Identity Card or Passport.

All EU/EEA citizens are free to move to another country, being subject to some formalities that vary according to the time that they plan to spend in that country:

• If you intend to stay no more than three months, all you need is a valid identity card or passport. There is no need for residence permit.
• If you stay between three months and one year you will need a temporary residence permit for the period in question.
• In all other cases, you may apply for a residence permit.

The authorities have the right to check the validity of your identity card when you cross the border. This control includes the verification between the identity card and the person that presents the documents.

EU citizens that enter in the territory, for a period no longer than 3 months are not obliged to declare their entrance. However family members who are non-EU nationals are obliged to declare their entrance.

This declaration of arrival should be made three days after entering in Portugal at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, Policia de Segurança Pública, Guarda Nacional Republicana or Brigada Fiscal.

Useful references:

• SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras
  Rua Conselheiro José Silvestre Ribeiro, 4
  1649-007 Lisboa
  Tel: +351 21 711 5000
  Fax: +351 21 714 03 32
  Website

Text last edited on: 01/07/2003

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.