Rights and Obligations in Portugal

All immigrants with a residence permit have access to the National Health Service (SNS) on the same terms as Portuguese citizens. To register, go to the health centre for your area with your permit and proof of address. Without a permit, a certificate from the Parish Council (more than 90 days in Portugal) gives provisional registration.

Pregnant women, children and minors have access to maternal and child healthcare and to vaccination in the SNS, whatever their immigration status.

The SNS includes mental health services. Your family doctor can refer you, and the SNS 24 line (808 24 24 24) offers psychological counselling. APAV (116 006) supports victims of violence or crime, including immigrants.

You are entitled to 22 working days of holiday a year. In the year you start working, you get 2 working days for each month of contract (up to 20), which you can take after 6 months. Holiday pay and Christmas pay are mandatory — a total of 14 monthly salaries a year.

If you become unemployed through no choice of your own and have at least 360 days of contributions in the last 24 months, you are entitled to unemployment benefit — 65% of your reference pay, with minimum and maximum limits. Register with the IEFP (employment service) and apply within 90 days.

The Labour Code protects all workers against unlawful dismissal. If you are dismissed without just cause, you are entitled to compensation. Contact the ACT (Working Conditions Authority) if you suspect irregularities.

Exploiting immigrant workers is a crime in Portugal. If you face degrading conditions, you can report it anonymously to the ACT or get support at a CNAIM (National Centre for Migrant Integration Support). The law will protect you.

Immigrant children who do not speak Portuguese are entitled to free PLNM classes at state schools. Ask the school’s management.

EU citizens apply to higher education on the same terms as Portuguese students. For everyone else, the usual route is the Special Admission for International Students, with its own fees — but people who have already lived legally in Portugal for some time may fall outside that regime. Check your situation with the DGES.

Pupils from low-income families have access to School Social Support (Ação Social Escolar) whatever their nationality.

For non-EU citizens: at least 1 year of legal residence in Portugal. Depends on household income. Reference amount in 2026: €247.56/month for the claimant. Apply at Social Security.

Monthly support for each child living in Portugal, depending on family income. Up to age 16; then up to 18, 21 or 24 if the young person is studying (depending on the level of education). Apply at Social Security.

With at least 6 months of Social Security contributions, you are entitled to sickness benefit when you are on medical leave. As a rule, the first 3 days are unpaid.

In a housing emergency, town halls and the Santa Casa da Misericórdia have temporary accommodation programmes, available whatever your nationality.

If you cannot afford it, you are entitled to free legal aid from the State for any legal proceedings, including immigration matters.

Immigrant victims of domestic violence have special protection — even if their permit depends on the abusive spouse, there is special protection that allows them to keep their residence.

EU citizens can vote in local elections. Brazilian and Cape Verdean citizens can vote after more than 2 years of legal residence; citizens of other countries with a reciprocity agreement, after more than 3 years. You must register on the electoral roll.

You have 60 days to report any change of address to AIMA online. Failing to do so can be grounds for not renewing your permit.

If you work in Portugal, you must declare your income for IRS every year (usually between April and June), even if tax is withheld at source. See the step-by-step guide at /irs.

Employees: 11% (the employer pays 23.75%). Self-employed (recibos verdes): you pay your own contribution monthly.