Moving to Portugal made easy: Your relocation guide

Your ultimate relocation guide to an easy move to Portugal. Visa, accommodation, and healthcare tips are included.

Greta

3 minute read

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11 Jul 2024

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Moving

If you plan on moving to Portugal, this guide will take you through the ins and outs of relocation to Portugal. From understanding the visa and residence permit requirements to navigating the healthcare system, we'll cover all the essential aspects you need to know before your move.

If you’re moving to Portugal for university or because you found a job, you already know where you’re headed. But if you’ve yet to decide where to live in Portugal, you’ll be glad to know that Portugal offers a variety of beautiful cities, each with its unique charm and attractions. Here are some of the best cities in Portugal:

• Lisbon: As the capital and largest city, Lisbon offers a dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere with a rich cultural scene
• Porto: Porto's affordable cost of living and beautiful surroundings make it an attractive destination for those seeking a calm yet culturally rich experience.
• Faro: Faro is popular among expats due to its mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and affordable cost of living.
• Braga: Expats are attracted to Braga’s well-preserved historic center, charming squares, and vibrant festivals.
• Cascais: Located just west of Lisbon, Cascais is a charming coastal town known for its stunning beaches, elegant promenades, and lively atmosphere.

The average cost of living in Portugal per month for a single person is around €600 without rent. However, your monthly budget can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, Portugal’s cost of living is affordable compared to many other European countries.

Your rental prices will depend on the city and the neighbourhood in which you live. For example, if you’re about to find apartments for rent in Lisbon, then budget around €1,700. Similarly, you can search for homes for rent in Porto for roughly €1,250.

Are you going to work in Portugal? Learn more about the average salary in Portugal to see how much you need to earn to live comfortably.

Before you migrate to Portugal, you might need to get a visa and residence permit.

As a non-EU citizen, you can live in Portugal for an extended period by obtaining a residence visa and a Portuguese residence permit. The process will vary depending on the purpose of your stay.

Learn more about the application process and documents you need for specific visas below:

• Student visa Portugal
• Work visa Portugal

If you're a citizen of an EEA country, you won't need a visa to enter Portugal.

If you’re coming to Portugal on a visa, you’ll need to provide proof of accommodation. This makes it all the more important to start searching for homes before you arrive.

Finding accommodation is easier and more affordable in smaller towns of Portugal or less touristy areas. In larger cities like Lisbon and Porto, the demand for accommodation is higher, making it more competitive and challenging to find suitable housing, especially in popular neighborhoods. We recommend you start your accommodation search well in advance, especially if you are moving during peak season or looking for specific housing types.

You can use online rental platforms such as HousingAnywhere to find a house online safely. With HousingAnywhere, you can explore a variety of accommodations from verified landlords. If you don’t see a suitable option yet, you can set up a search alert on the platform based on your preferences.

3 months before your move, apply for your visa, if applicable, and book your flight tickets. A little more than 1 month before your move, terminate your rental contract, cancel or update any subscriptions, and de-register from the city you live in.

Once you’ve arrived in Portugal, you’ll need to apply for your residence permit or certificate.

As a non-EU citizen moving to Portugal for more than a year, you’ll need to apply for a Portuguese residence permit. You can apply for your residence permit at the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

As an EU citizen planning to live in Portugal for more than 3 months, you must apply for a residence certificate (Certificado de Registo) at the town hall.

Health insurance in Portugal is mandatory for all residents and is available through both the public and private sectors.

Public healthcare

The national health service (Serviço Nacional de Saúdeor SNS) in Portugal provides free or low-cost medical services to all residents and citizens. The public healthcare system is funded through taxes and contributions from employees and employers.

Private healthcare

Private healthcare is an alternative option for expats in Portugal. If your stay is less than 90 days, you won't be eligible for the public healthcare system, so private health insurance becomes necessary. Additionally, some expats prefer private insurance for more extensive coverage, even if they qualify for public healthcare. If you take private health insurance, expect to pay between €40–€100 per month.

Opening a bank account in Portugal is relatively straightforward; you just need to follow the steps below:

Collect required documents, such as passport and residence permit. Schedule an appointment with the chosen bank. Fill out the bank’s application form. Submit the required documents together with the application form. Pay a deposit (€250–€300).

When in Portugal, you’ll have to apply for a Portuguese tax identification number (Número de Identificação Fiscal - NIF) as it’s necessary for working in Portugal. The process of obtaining NIF is quite simple and can be completed by following the steps below:

Visit the nearest local tax office (Repartição de Finanças) in Portugal Bring the required documents (passport and proof of address in Portugal) Fill out the NIF application form Submit the completed form together with the needed documents Receive your NIF on the spot or within a few days