Apply for a Resident Card in Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Description

What is it?

An application for a resident card for foreign citizens in Portugal. This is typically required for non-Portuguese individuals who intend to stay in the country for longer durations, often exceeding six months.

Who needs it?

Mainly required by non-EU citizens, including students, workers, self-employed individuals, interns, volunteers, or family members, who are planning to live in Portugal for a long term.

Procedure

  1. First, initiate the application at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). This is done by booking an appointment online at SEF .

  2. Attend your appointment in person to submit your application. Non-EU citizens are required to provide their passport, two recent passport-sized photos, valid travel insurance, evidence of sufficient means of subsistence, and accommodation proof.

  3. If you are intending to work in Portugal, you may also need to provide a work contract.

  4. Pay the associated fee and wait for the processing to complete. The waiting period can differ significantly based on individual cases.

Required Documents

The exact documents can depend on your specific circumstances, but some common requirements include:

  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized color photos
  • Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Work contract for workers
  • School enrollment documents for students

Providers that can do it for you

(We are currently curating the best providers. If you are or know a provider, please contact us or edit the page directly)

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Additional details

The validation of a resident card may take several weeks or, in some cases, several months. Furthermore, the documentation needed for the application can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances, so it is recommended to check with SEF for any specific requirements. Also, note that some of the documents need to be translated into Portuguese by a professional translator recognized by the consulate.

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