Initial residency in Portugal

Member since 01 March 2013

ShowaddywaddyNew member02 April 2021 13:08:39

I am from the UK, 67 years old and have been living in Spain for several years. Within the next 7 weeks I intend to relocate to Portugal. It seems that I can move to Portugal by road with no problem and stay for a maximum of 90 days. Within that period I must register for my initial residency at a tax office (Financas) or public service office (Loja de Cidadao). Is it the case that the documents needed are :-

Proof Of Identity - UK Passport
GHIC Card
Address In Portugal - Rented Accommodation - Rental Agreement Document?

I have not had a UK address for years so I cannot get a GHIC card from there. Furthermore I have been living in Spain merely as an EU citizen with only an NIE card, so a GHIC equivalent from there is not possible. How much of a problem is this GHIC card? Some folk suggest that it could be possible to get a S1 document from the UK but how is that done? Some have said that the public service office will resource the S1 from the UK if the Proof Of Identity and Address In Portugal are supplied to them. Some have said that the public service office in some towns will grant the Initial Residency document having seen only Proof Of Identity and Address In Portugal.

Please advise. What was the minimal documentation that succeeded for you and in which town was this?

See also

Traveling to Portugal - Guide
US residents first trip to Portugal - 2 Replies
Who gives the decision on initial D7 visa, embassy or AIMA? - 7 Replies
Using my “valid” Latvian residency card to apply for residency permit in Portugal ? - 8 Replies
Duration from arrival into Portugal till residency ID is granted - 7 Replies
D7 visa - initial duration residence - 4 Replies
Any body need information about Portugal residency card? - 66 Replies

varabuds Member

Member since 22 March 2021

varabudsMember02 April 2021 21:56:40

Hi

Have you considered moving to Portugal on a D7 visa?

Process is relatively straight forward and the funds required are manageable.

Buds

Showaddywaddy New member

Member since 01 March 2013

ShowaddywaddyNew member03 April 2021 00:37:33

Buds,
Regarding a D7 would I have to complete the application form and get it accepted before being allowed to set foot in Portugal or could I go to Portugal, rent a house and do it there?

I have been in Spain for a while as an EU / UK citizen without Spanish residency, just an NIE number and I believe that I remain a UK citizen even though I have no UK address.
Clearly, it is time to go before Spain kicks me out. The financial burden of trying to get Spanish permanent residency is far too heavy.
Thus Portugal is the place to become a genuine resident, being as good a place to be whilst it demands less in financial matters, especially in terms of residency rules about income.

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert03 April 2021 00:48:35

5221

Hi Showaddywaddy,

After 1 January 2021, as a new resident, you will need to apply for a visa.
But you can come to Portugal without a visa for three months (short stay).

In your case, I would suggest:
- Non-habitual tax resident (NHR) regime (with tax benefits for 10 years)
or
- D7 visa for retirees or holders of income who wish to live in Portugal (without tax benefits)

Please read this:
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=908742
(Post #7)

Portable document S1 is required to have access to the portuguese National Health System
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=902977
(Post #1)

Kind regards