Obligations of Immigrants in Portugal

Renewal is requested between 90 and 30 days before the permit expires, on the AIMA Renewals Portal (portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt). An expired permit can leave you in an irregular situation, even if you are working and paying taxes. The renewal application receipt serves as your document while it is being processed.

Legal basis: Art. 78 of Law 23/2007

You must report any change of address to AIMA within 60 days. You can do it online at aima.gov.pt. An up-to-date address is essential to receive official mail, including your renewed permit.

Legal basis: Law 23/2007

If your permit was granted for work and you lose your job or change employer, keep the evidence (new contract, registration with the IEFP employment service): at renewal you will have to prove means of subsistence and that your Social Security situation is in order. If you are unsure about your case, check with AIMA or the Migrant Support Line.

Legal basis: Law 23/2007

Being away from Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months (or 8 months in total while your permit is valid) can lead to your residence permit being cancelled. There are justified exceptions (illness, military service, work reasons). Always report long absences to AIMA.

Legal basis: Art. 85 of Law 23/2007

The NIF is required for any economic activity in Portugal: working, opening a bank account, renting a home, buying goods. Get it on the Tax Portal or at any Tax Office with your passport. It is free.

Legal basis: Tax and Customs Authority

If you work in Portugal, your income is subject to IRS. Your employer deducts it every month (withholding tax). Between April and June each year you must file your IRS return on the Tax Portal, even if your income is low. If you do not file, you may be fined.

Legal basis: IRS Code

To renew your residence permit, AIMA requires certificates showing you owe nothing to Social Security and the Tax Authority. If you have tax debts, settle them before applying for renewal. You can pay or ask for a payment plan.

Legal basis: Art. 78 of Law 23/2007

The NHR regime (Non-Habitual Resident) is closed to new residents. Its replacement, IFICI, gives a reduced IRS rate for 10 years, but only to people who have not been tax resident in Portugal in the last 5 years AND carry out certain qualified activities (research, innovation, startups, among others). Most immigrants are not eligible — check with an accountant before counting on it.

Legal basis: Art. 58-A of the Tax Benefits Statute

The NISS (Social Security Number) is required to work legally. Your employer should register you, but check that it has been done. Without a NISS you do not build up years of contributions or have access to benefits (unemployment, sickness, parental). Since July 2026, AIMA generates the NISS automatically at the residence permit appointment; otherwise, request it at seg-social.pt or at a Social Security office.

Legal basis: Contributory Schemes Code

If you are self-employed (freelancer), you must register as such with Social Security and pay monthly contributions: 21.4% on 70% of income from services (20% for sales of goods), based on your quarterly declaration. In your first year of activity you are exempt if you had no self-employed activity in the previous 3 years. Late payments accrue interest and can block your permit renewal.

Legal basis: Art. 140 of the Contributory Code

Child benefit (abono de família) must be requested from Social Security after the birth. It is a right if you meet the requirements (valid permit and contributions up to date), but it is not given automatically — you have to apply.

Legal basis: Decree-Law 176/2003

As a resident in Portugal you are subject to Portuguese law. Offences that are minor in other countries may carry harsher penalties in Portugal (e.g. drink-driving, drug possession). A criminal conviction can lead to expulsion or to your permit not being renewed.

Legal basis: Law 23/2007

The law allows the permit to be cancelled if the immigrant is a threat to public order or internal security. This includes convictions for serious crimes, membership of criminal organisations or behaviour that endangers others.

Legal basis: Law 23/2007

Compulsory schooling in Portugal runs from age 6 to 18 (years 1 to 12). If you have children in this age group, you are legally required to enrol them in a school. Failing to do so can lead to neglect proceedings. Enrolment in state schools is free.

Legal basis: Law 85/2009

People receiving RSI (Social Integration Income) must take part in integration activities set by Social Security: vocational training, community work, Portuguese classes. Refusing without good reason means the benefit is suspended.

Legal basis: Law 13/2003

If your driving licence is from a non-EU country, you must exchange it for a Portuguese licence at the IMT (Institute for Mobility and Transport). Deadline: 185 days after obtaining residence, if your country has signed the international road traffic conventions; 2 years if the licence is for life or has no expiry date. Since Decree-Law 114/2026 (8 June), if you are a non-EU citizen with a valid visa or residence permit, your driving licence is valid for as long as your residence permit, instead of the normal deadlines. Since 21 January 2026 the exchange request starts online, on the IMT Services Portal; once validated, you go to an IMT office (or a participating Espaço Cidadão) to hand in the original licence and have your photo and signature taken, and you receive a temporary permit to drive until the Portuguese licence arrives. Licences from countries with a bilateral agreement (Brazil, CPLP, some others) may have a simplified process with no new test — check your case at imt-ip.pt.

Legal basis: Highway Code / Decree-Law 114/2026

If you brought a vehicle from abroad and now live in Portugal, you must legalise it: a customs process at the Tax Authority and Portuguese registration at the IMT. There may be a vehicle tax (ISV) exemption for transfer of residence, with its own deadlines — ask the Tax Authority before bringing the car. Driving an unregistered car leads to fines.

Legal basis: Decree-Law 54/75

Although not strictly a legal obligation, registering at the health centre is essential to access the SNS. Do it as soon as you can, with your permit (or residence visa) and proof of address. Without registration you will not be assigned a family doctor.

Legal basis: Basic Health Law

Vaccination is not compulsory in Portugal, but the National Vaccination Programme (PNV) is free for all children, whatever their immigration status, and strongly recommended. Take your child’s vaccination record from your country to the health centre so they can update it.

Legal basis: National Vaccination Programme