All foreigners need a residence card ( autorização de residência) to live permanently in Portugal and non-EU nationals may need a visa to enter Portugal, either as a visitor or for any other purpose.
Citizens of non-EU countries may need to obtain a visa (visto para residência) from a Portuguese consulate in their home country before coming to Portugal to work, study or live.
All foreigners need a residence card ( autorização de residência) to live permanently in Portugal, including EU nationals. Applications must be made at the nearest Foreigners’ Department ( Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras/SEF) of the Portuguese Ministry of Internal Affairs (there are offices in most major cities).
Non-EU nationals planning to reside permanently in Portugal must obtain a ‘residence visa’ before entering the country. Proof of income is required for both residence and work permits. After obtaining a residence card you must then obtain a Portuguese (blue) identity card ( bilhete de indentidade).
When in Portugal you should always carry your foreign or Portuguese identity card or passport. You can be asked to produce your identification papers at any time by the Portuguese police or other officials, and if you don’t have them with you, you can be fined (although this is unlikely).
Permit infringements are taken seriously by the Portuguese authorities and if you’re discovered living illegally in Portugal there are severe penalties, including fines and even deportation for flagrant abuses (which will mean being excluded from Portugal for a number of years).
A foreigner residing in Portugal for longer than six months must apply for a residence card ( autorização de residência). If you come to Portugal with the intention of remaining longer than six months (e.g. as an employee, student or a non-employed resident), you must apply for a residence card on your arrival.
EU nationals who visit Portugal with the intention of finding employment or starting a business have up to six months to find a job and apply for a residence card. However, if you don’t have a regular income or adequate financial resources your application will be refused. Failure to apply for a residence card within the specified time is a serious offence and can result in a heavy fine and even deportation.
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