Residency in Portugal
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How to become a Portuguese resident as an EU citizen
Brenda L.
22 mai 2024 • 6 min read
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Are you considering living to Portugal, by any chance? Great choice! It's no wonder that this Iberian gem is a magnet for tourists, thanks to its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and delightful climate.
As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you have the wonderful advantage of being able to freely travel and live in any member state. 🚀
So, how exactly can you become a resident of Portugal? It's actually quite simple! We will break it down for you in a direct way, so keep reading to understand all.
Understand your EU citizen rights
Just to clarify, if you're an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you won't require a Portuguese visa to live, work, or study in any EU country. It's a perk of being an EU citizen! 😬
Portugal is currently a hotspot for nationals from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Luxembourg. And you can also become a resident!
The EU has a list of fundamental rights, and one of them is the freedom we're talking about. 🚀
Which nations are part of the EU?
✅ Here is a list of the EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
And which nations are part of the EEA?
✅ In addition to the EU member countries, the EEA also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Why choose Portugal?
Why Portugal, you might ask? Portugal offers an irresistible combination of affordable living and an exceptional quality of life. The weather is absolutely lovely, with plenty of sunshine and a pleasant temperature. 💙
And let's not forget about the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding us. You'll find a little something to suit everyone's taste, from the bustling streets of Lisbon to the exquisite wines of the Douro Valley or the stunning beaches of the Algarve. The fascinating history and vibrant culture provide a captivating backdrop for everyday life. 🤩
Start your journey towards residency
Once you've chosen Portugal as your destination, get ready for a new life. Just follow these steps ✅:
- Get a NIF;
- Get your CRUE;
- Change your NIF address and become a legal tax resident.
It's important to keep in mind the phases of the residency process.
1 - Get a Portuguese NIF
In order to start your new life in Portugal, you'll need to obtain an NIF, which stands for "Número de Identificação Fiscal", or Tax Identification Number. 😊
You'll need a NIF for pretty much anything in Portugal, and we have a full guide explaining all about NIF right here.
-> We wrote an article about how you can get your NIF in Portugal.
Get your NIF in 24 hours and save on your relocation 🇵🇹
2 - Get Your CRUE
Getting your CRUE is next on your agenda. ✅
In order to comply with the legal requirements, it is necessary for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens planning to stay in Portugal for more than three months to obtain this certificate.
If you want to fully understand how to get your CRUE, step by step, head here.
3 - Update your NIF Address
Please remember to update your NIF address once you have your CRUE. 😬
It's important to keep your information updated. Make sure to correctly direct your official communications and taxes. This is crucial for smooth operations, and to become a tax resident in Portugal.
-> We wrote an article about how to update your address on your NIF
Why do I need to keep your NIF Address Up-to-Date?
By updating your NIF address, you can ensure that you receive important government correspondence and essential tax alerts. It's also the main step to become a tax resident. 🚀
It's a simple way to stay informed and connected, and to easily manage your responsibilities. Additionally, it helps ensure that you remain in good legal standing in Portugal.
Get helped to update your address
What happens after I change my NIF Address?
You'll officially become a Portuguese Tax resident! 🎉
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Your Tax life after establishing in Portugal
When you update your NIF address in Portugal, the country will automatically recognise you as a tax resident. It's a straightforward process that ensures compliance with tax regulations. 😊
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Attention:
Ensure that your home country does not view you as a tax resident. Take a look at local tax law, and what you need to comply with to avoid double taxation. Each country has its own rules.
In Portugal, there are agreements in place to prevent double taxation within the EU. However, it's important to note that your home country's laws may require you to pay additional taxes on properties, assets, or time spent there.
What should I do to prevent that?
If you want to keep things simple, it's always a good idea to reach out to a tax expert in your home country or take a look at the tax regulations there. They can help you navigate through any potential complications. 😬
Receive assistance with your taxes in Portugal
This is a helpful tip to ensure you handle your tax obligations accurately and steer clear of any double-taxation problems.
Final words
Being an EU citizen and resident of Portugal is truly rewarding and fulfilling (we know that very well here!). Settling into your new life in this beautiful nation is a breeze when you have AnchorLess by your side, a little time and proper preparation.
Each stage, from the very beginning to fully integrating into society, brings you closer to experiencing all that Portugal has to offer.
Enjoy the journey! Why not go ahead and give it a try? Embark on your exciting Portuguese adventure today!
Start your new life in Portugal 🇵🇹
Relocating to Portugal made simple.
AnchorLess is not a bank, accounting, tax, investment, or legal advisor. We serve as an intermediary, streamlining your access to accredited financial and legal professionals for your relocation to Portugal.
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