Residing in Portugal: How to Obtain the First Registration Certificate for EU Citizens

Are you a citizen of a country in the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland and want to live in Portugal? In this article, we will detail the process for applying for a Certificate of Registration, including when and how to do it.

Rights and legislation

According to Law no. 37/2006, citizens of European Union (EU) countries and their family members, regardless of nationality, have the right to enter, stay and reside in Portugal.

EU citizens can reside in Portugal for up to three months with just a valid identity card or passport. However, for longer stays, formal registration is required. The Certificate of Registration must be obtained within 30 days of the first 90 days of residence. We recommend that you start the process as soon as possible, as you may need to make an appointment beforehand.

Who can apply

Any citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland or the Principality of Andorra can apply for the Registration Certificate.

When and where to apply

When: Within 30 days of three months of entering national territory.

Where: At your local town hall. Before you go, check the location and opening hours with the town hall, and whether you need to book in advance.

Required documents

• Valid identity card or passport.
• A sworn statement that you are engaged in a subordinate or independent professional activity in Portugal, or
• A sworn statement that you have sufficient resources for yourself and your family, as well as health insurance, if this is required in your country of origin for Portuguese citizens.
• If you are a student:
  • Declaration, under oath, that you are enrolled in an officially recognized public or private educational establishment and that you have sufficient financial resources for yourself and your family, as well as health insurance, if required in your country of origin for Portuguese citizens.

Certificate cost

The cost of applying for the Registration Certificate is 15 euros.

Application process

The Registration Certificate must be applied for at the Town Hall responsible for the area of residence, within the established time limit. There is no need to go to the SEF (Aliens and Borders Service, now replaced by AIMA – Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) once the certificate has been issued by the City Council.

Regularization of family members

If your family members also have European citizenship, the procedure is the same. For family members of other nationalities, it is necessary to contact AIMA to obtain a “residence permit for family members of a European third-country national”.

Application for Family Members from Third States

The residence card must be requested for periods of more than three months. The right of entry and stay applies to citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area, Switzerland and their family members, provided they present a valid passport.

Required documents

• Identification document of the European citizen.
• Valid and up-to-date passport.
• Proof of kinship.
• Birth or marriage certificates, where applicable.

Cost and Applicable Legislation

The cost of the Registration Certificate is 15 euros, half of which is for children under six. Check the updated values at the time of application.

Students in Portugal

For students, the Certificate of Registration must be requested from the Town Hall in the area of residence, with the same documents and cost as mentioned above.

Permanent Residence Certificate

After five years of legal residence, EU citizens and their family members can apply for a Certificate of Permanent Residence. This application must be made at AIMA (SEF’s substitute) by prior appointment, or at the nationality office for the duration of residence.

Required documents

• Proof of five years’ continuous residence.
• Valid passport or identity card.
• Permanent certificate application form.

The cost is 15 euros, and the process can take up to 15 days to complete.

Applicable legislation

• Law no. 37/2006, of August 9th.
• Ordinance no. 164/2017.
• Ordinance no. 1334-D/2010.

Permanent Residence Card for Family Members from Third States

Family members of EU citizens of other nationalities can also apply for a permanent residence card after five years of continuous residence. The application must be made to AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) before the temporary residence card expires.

Required documents

• Proof of five years’ continuous residence.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of family ties (up-to-date marriage certificate or proof of common-law marriage).

Conclusion

The Certificate of Registration allows you to reside legally in Portugal and, after the legal period, to secure permanent residency. For more details, consult the websites of AIMA and the local councils, and consider the advice of a specialist lawyer.