Why start with the NIF?
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is the tax ID you’ll need for almost everything: signing a rental contract, opening a bank account, buying a SIM card, or hiring utilities. You can get a NIF at a local tax office (or through a fiscal representative if you apply from abroad). Bring your passport and proof of address — and if you apply from overseas, a local lawyer or agent can handle the process for a small fee.
Choose the right residency path
Which visa suits you best? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are the common options:
- D7 visa — for retirees and people with stable passive income or remote workers who can show regular income.
- Work visa — if you have a Portuguese employer ready to hire you.
- Digital nomad / remote-worker schemes — quicker, for those who don’t plan to settle immediately.
- Golden Visa alternatives — for investors (we covered Golden Visa in a separate guide).
Ask yourself: how long do you plan to stay, and what proof can you show quickly? That’s the quickest way to choose.
Opening a bank account: tips that actually help
A local bank account makes life so much easier. Many international banks operate in Portugal, and several Portuguese banks offer English-friendly online banking. Practical tips:
- Bring NIF, passport, proof of address (a landlord’s contract or a utility bill) and initial proof of funds.
- Choose a bank with a user-friendly app and good international transfer fees if you’ll move money from abroad.
- If you plan to rent, ask the landlord which banks they prefer — it speeds up the deposit process.
Find housing without the stress
Renting is typically the first step. Lisbon and Porto are competitive markets — expect honest deposits and sometimes broker fees. If you want lower rents and more space, look at smaller coastal towns or inland cities. Practical checklist for rentals:
- Prepare digital copies of passport, NIF, bank proof, and reference (if available).
- Visit the property in person before paying anything; if you can’t, request a live video tour.
- Sign a written contract, check who pays for utilities, and note the exact inventory of the property at move-in.
Register for healthcare and social security
Portugal’s national health system (SNS) is accessible after you register and contribute (or via private insurance). For immediate coverage, many expats keep international health insurance for the first months. To register with SNS you’ll typically need a NIF, proof of address, and your residency document. If you work locally, social security registration is automatic once your employer registers you.
Work, taxes and schooling
Working in Portugal? Expect a progressive tax system and mandatory social security contributions; hiring a local accountant early can save surprises. Families moving with children should research schools early — international and bilingual schools can have waiting lists. If you’re eligible for the NHR (non-habitual resident) tax scheme, that can be a big benefit — ask a tax advisor.
Practical checklist for the first 30–90 days
- Obtain your NIF and open a bank account.
- Secure temporary accommodation (Airbnb or short-term rental) while you search long-term.
- Apply for the chosen visa and schedule any SEF/biometric appointments.
- Register for healthcare and local tax/social security as needed.
- Arrange local mobile and internet services.
- Keep clear records of funds and contracts — you’ll need them for many applications.
Tips from people who moved recently
- Bring certified copies of key documents and have them apostilled/transalted if required.
- Learn a few Portuguese phrases — it helps with landlords and officials and earns you instant goodwill.
- Use local Facebook groups and expat forums for rental leads and trusted service recommendations.
- Plan for quieter seasons — many official offices slow down in August and around holidays.
Need a relocation checklist or a trusted lawyer list for Portugal? We can prepare a tailored package for your situation (couple, family, investor, remote worker). Last updated: November 9, 2025. Always confirm details with a Portuguese immigration lawyer or official resources for the most current requirements.
