Certificate of Registration for Europeans and their Non-EU Families:
European Union, EEA, SWITZERLAND, and ANDORRA nationals and their families may enter and stay in Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa. All European Union (EU) passport holders and individuals who desire to remain in Portugal longer than 90 days are required to obtain a “Registration Certificate” valid for five years.
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining the Registration Certificate:
Step 1: Schedule an appointment with the municipal council:
Make an appointment with the local municipality in Portugal known as Câmara Municipal. A competent authority in Portugal to register EU, EEA, ANDORRA, and SWITZERLAND nationals who wish to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days. Before obtaining a registration certificate, the applicant must submit an online appointment request for their residence.
Step 2: Prepare the necessary documentation for application:
Carry the following documents with you when visiting the office for the collocation of the registration certificate:
- European Passport
- European identity card
- Portuguese tax number
- Accommodation proof in Portugal
- Bank account in Portugal
- Evidence of activity (subject to demand)
Step 3: Visit the office for the collection of registration certification:
On the day of your appointment, you will receive the registration certificate, which will be valid for the next five years. This document safeguards permanent residence in Portugal over the upcoming five years. For citizenship grants, certain other conditions must be met.
Step 4: Residence permits for families of citizens of the EU:
Portugal safeguards EU families under article 15/37. Family members from third countries (non-EU) who wish to accompany an EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen must apply to the SEF (Immigration Services Portugal) office to request a residence permit.
Valid for the following:
- Spouse
- Dependent children
- Parents
Step 5: Build a commercial presence in Portugal:
If you are a non-EU family member applying for a visa or permanent residence in Portugal. In that case, you must first provide evidence of your business or affiliation with Portugal before your application is forwarded to the appropriate official.
– Profession
– Subsistence funds
Needed paperwork under steps 4 and 5:
Before submitting visa or residence requests from non-EU families to the government authorities, gather the following necessary documentation:
- Valid EU passport
- Registration certificate
- Passport of non-EU family members
- Relationship document
- Professionalism documents
- Adequate funds or earnings (subsistence)
- Portuguese tax number
- Accommodation contract
- Police criminal record for the non-EU member
- Filled responsibility form
Step 6: Apply for an EU family visit visa:
Obtain an EU family visit visa at the Portuguese consulate in your home country of your non-EU family member, along with the required supporting documentation. Your country may be free from visa requirements, or your family may already possess a Schengen visa.
Step 7: Arrange an appointment with SEF:
Applicants can schedule an appointment with the SEF over the phone at a time and day of their choosing, along with a preferred location, provided that space is available per article 15.
Step 8: Visit SEF to submit the fingerprints:
The applicant is obligated to report to the Portugal immigration authorities (SEF) on the day of the appointment with relevant documents that have been translated into Portuguese.
Step 9: Collection of residence card:
The residence card will be mailed to your Portuguese address and will be valid for the next five years under Articles 15/37 as an EU family member.