First Week in Portugal — Essential Checklist

Before You Arrive

If possible, prepare these items before your flight to Portugal:

• Passport — Valid for the duration of your stay. Make photocopies and digital scans.
• Visa or residence permit — If required for your nationality. Carry the original and copies.
• Proof of address — Even a temporary address (hotel booking, friend’s address with their permission) can help with initial registrations.
• Cash in euros — Bring enough cash for your first few days. ATMs (Multibanco) are widely available, but having cash on arrival gives you flexibility.
• Travel insurance — Until you register with the Portuguese health service, travel insurance provides essential medical coverage.
• Document translations — If you have official documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, qualifications), consider getting certified translations into Portuguese before you arrive.

Step 1: Get a Portuguese Phone & SIM Card

Priority: Day 1

A Portuguese phone number is essential — you will need it for almost every registration, appointment, and service. Portugal’s main mobile operators are MEO, NOS, and Vodafone.

You can buy a prepaid SIM card at:

• Operator shops in any shopping centre or high street
• Electronics stores
• Some supermarkets and newsagents

You will need your passport (or residence permit) and your NIF to register the SIM card. If you do not have a NIF yet, some shops may sell you a SIM using your passport alone — but you may need to update the registration later.

Full details: Phone & SIM Cards Guide

Step 2: Get Your NIF (Tax Number)

Priority: Days 1–3

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is your Portuguese tax identification number. It is required for virtually everything in Portugal:

• Opening a bank account
• Signing a rental contract
• Starting employment or freelancing
• Buying a SIM card
• Registering for public services
• Making purchases over a certain value

You can apply at a Finanças (tax office) in person. Bring your passport and proof of address (even a temporary one). EU citizens can usually get a NIF on the same day. Non-EU citizens may need a fiscal representative (representante fiscal), though this requirement has been relaxed for those who become residents.

Full details: NIF Guide

Step 3: Open a Bank Account

Priority: Days 2–5

A Portuguese bank account is important for receiving salary, paying rent, and managing bills. Major banks include Millennium BCP, Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD), Novo Banco, Santander, and BPI. Digital banks like ActivoBank and Moey also operate in Portugal.

To open an account, you typically need:

• Passport or residence permit
• NIF
• Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill, or a declaration of accommodation)
• Proof of income or employment (some banks require this)

Requirements vary between banks. Some are more flexible with newcomers than others. If one bank refuses, try another. Digital banks often have simpler requirements.

Full details: Bank Account Guide

Step 4: Register Your Address

Priority: First week (EU citizens) / As required by visa

EU/EEA citizens who plan to stay in Portugal for more than three months should register at the local Câmara Municipal (city hall) or Junta de Freguesia (parish council) to obtain a Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (EU citizen registration certificate).

Non-EU citizens will typically have their address linked to their residence permit through AIMA. If you move to a new address, you must update your registration.

Registering your address is important because:

• It establishes your legal residence in Portugal
• It is needed for many other registrations (healthcare, schools, voting)
• It proves your connection to a specific municipality for local services

Step 5: Register with SNS (Healthcare)

Priority: First week

Portugal has a public healthcare system called the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). To access it, you need to register at your local Centro de Saúde (health centre). Registration gives you a Número de Utente (patient number) and assigns you a family doctor (médico de família), though waiting lists for a family doctor can be long in some areas.

To register, bring:

• Passport or residence permit
• NIF
• Proof of address
• EHIC card (if you are an EU citizen)

Even before you get a family doctor, registering with the health centre gives you access to emergency care and urgent consultations.

Full details: Register with SNS Guide

Step 6: Get Your NISS (Social Security)

Priority: Before starting work

The NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is your Portuguese social security number. You need it to work legally in Portugal, whether as an employee or self-employed. Your employer may handle the registration, but you can also apply directly.

The NISS gives you access to:

• Employment protection
• Sick pay and parental leave
• Unemployment benefits
• Pension contributions

Full details: NISS Guide

Step 7: Set Up Utilities

Priority: When you move into permanent housing

Once you have a rental contract, you will need to set up or transfer utilities:

• Electricity — Main providers include EDP, Endesa, Galp, and Iberdrola. You can switch providers for better rates.
• Gas — Piped gas is common in urban areas. Some areas use bottled gas (bilha de gás), available at supermarkets and delivery services.
• Water — Managed by your local municipal water company. Contact the local provider (varies by municipality).
• Internet & TV — Major providers are MEO, NOS, and Vodafone. Packages bundling internet, TV, and phone are common.

You will need your NIF and rental contract to set up utility accounts. Many providers allow online registration.

Full details: Utilities Guide

Step 8: Find Your Local Health Centre

Priority: First week

Locate the Centro de Saúde (health centre) nearest to your home. This is your primary point of contact with the Portuguese public health system for non-emergency medical needs. You can find your local health centre by:

• Searching on the SNS website
• Asking at your local Junta de Freguesia
• Searching online maps for “centro de saúde” near your address

Also locate your nearest pharmacy (farmácia). Portuguese pharmacies are well-stocked and pharmacists can provide basic health advice and over-the-counter medication. Pharmacies operate on a rotation system for nights, weekends, and holidays — a sign in the pharmacy window shows which nearby pharmacy is on duty.

Step 9: Enrol Children in School

Priority: As soon as possible (if applicable)

Education in Portugal is compulsory for children aged 6 to 18. If you have children, enrolling them in school should be a priority. Portugal’s public school system is free, and all children living in Portugal have the right to attend regardless of their immigration status.

To enrol your child:

• Visit your local school (escola) or the agrupamento de escolas (school cluster) in your area
• Bring the child’s identification, your identification, proof of address, and any previous school records
• The school will assess the child’s level and place them in an appropriate year

Portuguese is the language of instruction. Schools may offer Portuguese language support for children who do not speak the language yet.

Full details: School Enrolment Guide

Step 10: Learn Basic Portuguese

Priority: Start immediately

Even a few basic phrases will make your daily life significantly easier and show respect for your new country. Start with these essential words and phrases:

• Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (male / female speaker)
• Por favor — Please
• Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite — Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
• Fala inglês? — Do you speak English?
• Não percebo — I don’t understand
• Quanto custa? — How much does it cost?
• Onde fica...? — Where is...?
• Desculpe — Excuse me / Sorry
• Preciso de ajuda — I need help
• A conta, por favor — The bill, please

Portugal offers free Portuguese courses for immigrants through the government-supported programme. Many community organisations also offer language classes.

Full details: Learn Portuguese Guide

Practical Tips for Daily Life

Money & Payments

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro (€). Coins come in 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, and €2 denominations.
• Multibanco: ATMs are everywhere and accept most international cards. They are free to use with Portuguese bank cards. Foreign cards may incur fees from your home bank.
• Card payments: Widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and services. Contactless payment (MB WAY, Apple Pay, Google Pay) is increasingly common.
• MB WAY: Portugal’s popular mobile payment app. Once you have a Portuguese bank account, set up MB WAY for easy transfers and payments.

Power & Plugs

• Plug type: Type F (Schuko), with two round pins. If you are coming from the UK, India, US, or other countries with different plugs, buy an adapter.
• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz. Appliances from countries using 110V (US, Japan, some South American countries) will need a voltage converter or may not work safely. Most modern laptop and phone chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V) — check the label.

Tipping Culture

• Tipping is not mandatory in Portugal but is appreciated for good service
• Restaurants: Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is common for table service
• Cafés: Leaving small change (20–50 cents) for a coffee is a nice gesture
• Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest euro is standard
• Hotels: €1–2 per bag for porters, €1–2 per day for housekeeping (optional)

Business Hours

• Shops: Most open 9:00 or 10:00 to 19:00 or 20:00, Monday to Saturday. Shopping centres stay open until 23:00 or later, including Sundays.
• Government offices (Finanças, Segurança Social, AIMA): Typically 9:00 to 15:30 or 16:00, Monday to Friday. Many require advance appointments.
• Banks: Usually 8:30 to 15:00, Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays.
• Supermarkets: Major chains open 8:00 to 21:00 or later. Some open on Sundays with reduced hours.
• Pharmacies: Most open 9:00 to 19:00 or 20:00. A rotation system ensures one pharmacy in each area is always open 24/7 for emergencies.

Safety

• Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is rare.
• Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs in tourist areas and on public transport — keep valuables close and be aware of your surroundings.
• Emergency number: 112 (police, ambulance, fire). This is free to call from any phone.
• SOS Imigrante helpline: 808 257 257 — free support line for immigrants, with interpreters available in multiple languages.

Common Questions

What is the first thing I should do when I arrive in Portugal?

Your first priority should be getting a Portuguese phone number (SIM card) so you can be contacted and access services. Then focus on getting your NIF (tax identification number), as it is required for nearly everything — opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, getting a job, and accessing public services.

How long does it take to get a NIF in Portugal?

A NIF can often be obtained on the same day if you visit a Finanças office in person with the required documents (passport, proof of address). EU citizens can apply directly. Non-EU citizens may need a fiscal representative (representante fiscal), though this requirement has been relaxed for residents. Check our NIF Guide for current requirements and the documents you need.

Can I open a bank account in Portugal without a residence permit?

Yes, in many cases. Portuguese banks can open accounts for non-residents with a valid passport and NIF. Some banks are more flexible than others. Digital banks operating in Portugal may have simpler requirements. The documents and policies vary by bank, so check with several banks or see our Bank Account Guide for details.

What type of power plug is used in Portugal?

Portugal uses Type F power plugs (also known as Schuko), with 230V electricity at 50Hz. If you are coming from a country with different plugs (such as the UK, India, or the US), you will need a plug adapter. These can be purchased at airports, electronics stores, or online. If your appliances use a different voltage (e.g., 110V from the US), you may also need a voltage converter.

Is Portugal safe for immigrants?

Portugal is generally considered one of the safest countries in Europe. It consistently ranks high on the Global Peace Index. Violent crime is rare, though petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. As with any country, use common sense — keep valuables secure in crowded areas, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid leaving belongings unattended.