Moving to start a new life in a new country can be one of the most exciting, challenging and liberating of experiences. I have had the privilege and opportunity to live in four different countries. When I look back at all of these memories, there is one clear thing that sticks in my mind. The first few weeks were a real ball ache. Yes that’s right, I said it. It is the time when everyone expects us to be happy, excited and prepared to grab onto everything, drink in all the culture, people, art, famous places, heritage, museums bla bla bla. All of us that form the special club of citizens of the world, know that the first few weeks are crucial and set the tone. You all know what I’m talking about, the dreaded paperwork.
Whether you are arriving in Lisbon with a job or with the hopes of landing one, are going to freelance or start your own business, these steps should help everyone.
If you arrive in Lisbon with employment already secured and you are a citizen of the EU:
If this is the case, as it was for me, then congratulations. However, there are still many things you need to sort out before you can relax.
NIF:
Número de identificação fiscal, also referred to colloquially as número contribuinte, is your tax fiscal number and something everybody requires to have by law. You will need this number to do anything; open a bank account, rent an apartment, or to purchase a lot of things in Portugal, so make sure you get this number before doing anything. When you go to a restaurant, get a haircut, or even buy furniture from Ikea, you will often be asked if you want an invoice. This is part of the government’s attempt to control IVA, or tax duty. There are a number of incentives to giving your contribuinte when paying for things in Portugal. A lot of people don’t know this but every month there is a draw for a brand new car, where a VAT receipt is picked at random. If you are registered as self-employed, there will be certain things you can claim back, so if in doubt, always ask for an invoice receipt with your NIF on it.
In order to get your NIF, you need to go to your local tax office, the link to their website is here:
http://www.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/
You will need to take with you the following documents, originals and photocopies:
Valid identity card or Passport, rental agreement, or if you are staying with friends you need to obtain a document in Junta de Freguesia, called Atestado de Residência. Be warned that when trying to get this document you may be asked for your NIF, so its better to have this sorted first. You will also need your employment contract.
Registering Residency (for EU Citizens):
You need to complete this process within three months of moving to Portugal or you risk getting fined.
An application for a certificate of registration must be filed with the Lisbon City Hall, located at Edifício Central do Município, Campo Grande, 25 – Piso 0, 1749 – 099 Lisboa (open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
The following documents must be presented for issuance of a registration certificate:
Valid identity card or passport; a declaration attesting that you are engaged in a professional activity (can be downloaded here: http://www.cm-lisboa.pt/servicos/formularios) and Proof of address.
Issuance of this certificate costs: € 15.00.
Upon registration, a certificate stating your name and address, and right of residence and the date of registration will be issued. This is valid for 5 years from the registration date.
Social Security:
The social security system has three basic schemes:
- A contributory scheme for employed individuals and their families (for sickness, birth/adoption, disability, retirement, unemployment, death, work-related accidents or illness)
- A contributory scheme for self-employed individuals (for birth/adoption, disability, retirement, death; optional coverage for family as well as illness and work-related illness)
- A non-contributory scheme for those who do not meet the minimum income requirements to belong to either of the first two schemes (for disability, retirement, death and family)
All individuals registered for social security coverage are also covered for healthcare in Portugal. All healthcare benefits are administered by the Ministry of Health (Ministério de Saúde) while social security benefits (pensions, disability, maternity/paternity benefit, etc.) are administered by the Social Security Institute (Instituto da Solidariedade e da Segurança Social).
Registering with Social Security:
Registration to obtain a social security number is done only once. The number issued is used throughout the holder’s life.
To apply for a Social Security Card (Cartão de Segurança Social), contact a local office of the Social Security Institute.
- To find the nearest social security office: Click here
The following documents will be required when registering with social security:
- Passport (Passaporte)
- Identity Card (Bilhete de Identidade)
- Portuguese tax number or national insurance number from country of origin (Número de Indentificação Fiscal – NIF)
- Residency Card (Cartão de Residência), or evidence of application
- Proof of address in Portugal (Comprovativo de Morada)
- Employees (Trabalhadores por Conta de Outrem) must complete Form RV1009/2009
- For a downloadable Form RV1009/2009: Click here (PDF; in Portuguese)
- Self-employed workers (Trabalhadores Independentes) must complete Form RV1000/2007 – DGSS
- To download Form RV1000/2007 – DGSS: Click here (PDF)
Employees must contact the Social Security Institute within 24 hours of beginning any new job in Portugal. This is to ensure that contributions are properly credited. This can be done via the internet, using Form RV1009-DGSS or in another written form. The notification must include:
- the worker’s full name
- date of birth
- nationality
- residence status
- social security number (if the employee has one)
- professional category
- location of workplace
- start date of employment
- name, address, social security and tax number of the employer
- if the employee has never worked in Portugal before, this must be indicated
- To download Form RV1009/2009: Click here (PDF)
Employers are also required to report to the Social Security Institute any new worker.
Contributions:
European Union citizens who have made social security contributions elsewhere in the EU may be covered under reciprocal agreements. Contact the Social Security Institute (Instituto da Solidariedade e da Segurança Social) for further information.
For a list of current contribution rates: Click here
Social Security Benefits
Contact the district Social Security Institute office to apply for maternity, paternity, adoption, grandparent, sickness and disability benefits.
To find the nearest social security office: Click here
For further information from the Segurança Social: Click here
Opening a Bank Account:
Most banks will ask for the following information:
NIF, Passport, Proof of address and employment contract.
Renting an Apartment:
The good news is most landlords are flexible regarding the NIF to sign the contract. The way I did it was to sign and pay the deposit. If you know someone willing to be your fiador – (guarantor on your contract – this is standard practice in Portugal) such as your employer or a family member/friend in Portugal the deposit will be less. The standard deposit is two month’s rent (without a fiador you could be asked for up to four months rent). I used the signed rental contract to get my NIF at the tax office, which was then added to the contract after it was given to me. Make sure your landlord gets the rental contract signed and stamped at the tax office too, so that it is all legal and will also be a significant tax saving for you, when you apply for your tax rebate at the end of the fiscal year.
Some good websites for searching for rentals:
http://casa.sapo.pt/Alugar-casas/Apartamentos/Lisboa/?sa=11
http://www.arrendacasa.com/anuncios/apartamento/lisboa/lisboa
The rental market can be quite confusing, here are some useful tips:
T0 = Studio
T1= One Bedroom
T1 + 1 = One Bedroom and one additional room which is not a livingroom but too small to be considered an additional bedroom
T2 = Two Bedrooms
Mobilada = Furnished
Equipada = White goods (Fridge etc)
Parqueamento/Garagem = Parking
There is a lot more information you will probably need to digest. I have just tried to compile what I found were the most important things I needed to know, when I first arrived in Lisbon. If I have missed anything crucial, please feel free to add it in the comments.
***The information on Social Security was obtained from this source:
http://lisbon.angloinfo.com/information/money/social-security/
aboutlisbonblog 
VERY useful, thanks!
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