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Table of contents

Understand your EU citizen rights
Why choose Portugal?
Start your journey towards residency
Your tax life after establishing in Portugal

21/05/2024

How to become a Portuguese resident as an EU citizen

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.

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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.

You must apply either from your country of origin or from a country where you are legally residing. You can’t apply from Portugal directly.

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 have an article about how you can get your NIF in Portugal.

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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.

Learn here 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.

What happens after I change my NIF Address?

You'll officially become a Portuguese Tax resident!

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.

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.

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.

Portugal has agreements in place to avoid dual taxation with a number of countries.

However, you should be aware that your home country's laws may require you to pay additional taxes on income, houses, assets, or time spent there.

What can I do to prevent this?

If you wish to keep things simple, contact a tax specialist in your native country or review the tax legislation there. They can guide you through any potential issues.

This is a useful advice to guarantee that you handle your tax obligations correctly and avoid any double-taxation issues if your country has an agreement, or that you pay the necessary taxes in both locations.

This is a helpful tip to ensure you handle your tax obligations accurately and steer clear of any double-taxation problems.

File your Portuguese IRS online, handled by expert tax accountants

A stress-free way to file your Portuguese IRS, officially submitted to Finanças by certified Portuguese tax pros. NHR and IFICI status fully supported, foreign income handled.

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Final takeaways

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? Start your Portuguese life today.

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