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Take off for Portugal now!
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Moving to a new country is a huge adventure, filled with excitement and, let's be honest, a fair share of paperwork. If Portugal is your chosen destination, welcome!
One document you'll likely encounter is the "Atestado de Residência," or proof of residency. Let's walk you through what it is, why you need it, and how to get it.
We'll delve deeper into the nuances and potential challenges you might face as an immigrant.
Simply put, the Atestado de Residência is an official document that confirms your address in Portugal.
It's issued by the local 'Junta de Freguesia' (Parish Council) and serves as formal validation of where you live. To be considered a resident, you need to be living in Portugal for at least 185 days per year, whether for work or personal reasons. This isn't just about having a place to sleep; it's about establishing your center of life in Portugal.
⚠️ It's usually used by residents that don't have a rental agreement or property deed in their name.
You might be wondering, "Why do I really need this document?" Well, the Atestado de Residência can be surprisingly useful in a multitude of situations, often in ways you might not anticipate:
⚠️ Here at AnchorLess, you don't need to show an Atestado. Using an address proof according to your country's regulation is absolutely possible. This Atestado is an option only when you are already living in Portugal.
There are a few ways to get your hands on this important document, but the most reliable is usually through your local Junta de Freguesia. Let's break down the options:
⚠️ If you're brand new to Portugal, you might not be able to get it this way.
This should generate a PDF document that you should save and validate the digital signature. However, many institutions prefer the Junta de Freguesia version.
The certificate will be generated automatically, free of charge, and available for you to print under the "Consultar Certidões" (Consult Certificates) section. However, many institutions specifically require the Atestado from the Junta.
1. Identify Your Junta: Visit the Associação Nacional de Freguesias website to find the Junta de Freguesia corresponding to your address. Don't just assume you know which one it is!
2. Check Requirements: Crucially, before you go, call or visit the Junta's website to confirm their specific requirements. Each junta operates independently, and their rules can vary. This will save you a lot of time and frustration.
3. Gather Documents: You'll likely need to fill out a "declaração de residência" (residency declaration) form (often available on their website) and provide identification documents such as:
You will also need an official letter from a Portuguese institution, such as a bank statement, and a copy of it.
4. Witnesses (if required): If your name isn't on the lease, you'll almost certainly need two witnesses (testemunhas) who are residents of the same freguesia and can vouch for your residency. They will need to bring their own identification or fill out the paper with their information and provide copies of their identities.
⚠️ Only legal residents can act as a witness.
⚠️ There are Juntas that will allow you to simply fill out the form with their information. They will need to sign and provide a copy of their ID to submit with the request with the Junta, this is a solution if you witnesses are not available to head directly to your local parish.
5. Visit the Junta: Go to the Junta during their opening hours. Be prepared to wait, as they can be busy.
6. Pay the Fee: There's a small fee for the Atestado.
Obtaining an Atestado de Residência might seem daunting, but with a little preparation, it can be a relatively straightforward process. Remember:
Final words
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to obtaining your Atestado de Residência and settling into your new life in Portugal. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
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