How to use it: Tick the steps that apply to you. The order is not identical for everyone; visa, family, work and housing circumstances can make some tasks inapplicable.

Progress: 0/00%

Progress stays on this device and browser. No account or server storage is used.

Before arrival or on day one

Identity, communication and safety foundations.

Create secure copies of your passport, visa and key documents PRIORITYKeep cloud and offline copies; do not share originals.

Check your AIMA appointment and visa detailsUse official channels only. AIMA guide

Prepare temporary accommodation, transport and a first-week budgetInclude deposits and unexpected costs.

Choose a Portuguese SIM or eSIM optionMobile and eSIM guide

First 30 days

Identity, address, banking, transport and essential registrations.

Verify your NIF and Portal das Finanças access PRIORITYNIF guide

Check that your tax address is correctA tax address is not the same as tax residence. Finanças address guide

Open a Portuguese bank account where usefulBank account guide

Start the permanent-home search and review the leaseVerify the property and authority before paying a deposit. Rental guide

Check whether you need an Atestado from the JuntaIt is not universally required for every procedure.

Get Navegante or your regional transport passNavegante guide

Save emergency numbers: 112 and SNS24Emergency guide

For children, prepare the school-area registration fileSchool guide

Save essential Portuguese phrasesFor health, housing, transport and public offices.

Days 31–60

Residence, health, Social Security and home services.

Complete your category-specific AIMA file OFFICIALUpdate accommodation, means, health and category evidence.

Verify NISS and Segurança Social Direta accessNISS guide

Start Centro de Saúde and Utente registrationSNS guide

Transfer electricity and water contractsUtilities guide

Review internet and mobile minimum termsHome internet guide

If freelancing, plan the opening of activityCheck VAT, IRS and NISS before the first job. Freelancer guide

Review employment contract and payroll detailsConfirm NIF, NISS, IBAN and tax-address matching.

Assess whether you need Chave Móvel DigitalUse official gov.pt information until our separate guide is published.

Check driving-licence and vehicle-use conditionsDriving guide

Days 61–90

Close open loops and build a sustainable routine.

Archive AIMA application and payment evidenceA receipt is not a travel document.

Verify the card-delivery address and mailbox nameUpdate relevant authorities after a move.

Review actual spending for the first quarterSeparate rent, utilities, transport, food, health and tax reserves.

Create your tax and Social Security calendarFreelancers should include VAT, IRS and quarterly declarations.

Review insurance coverageHealth, home, vehicle and self-employed accident insurance.

Research disability or special-needs rights where relevantAMIM and rights guide

Add expiry and renewal dates to your calendarPassport, residence card, insurance, contracts and licence.

Review the first three monthsAre the city, housing, work, transport and budget choices still suitable?

Main related guides

Relocation Hub →The central roadmap First Steps →Arrival procedures AIMA →Residence and card Freelancer →Tax and Social Security

Your First 30/60/90 Days in Portugal

Before arrival or on day one

First 30 days

Days 31–60

Days 61–90

Main related guides

Essential procedure guides