EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have the right to live in Portugal without a visa under EU free movement rules, but must register at their local Câmara Municipal within 90 days of arrival.
European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA — Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Swiss citizens do not need a long-stay visa to live in Portugal. They exercise their right of free movement under EU law.
However, EU citizens who plan to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days must register their residence at the local Câmara Municipal (town hall) within 90 days of arrival. This registration produces an Atestado de Residência — a residence certificate that confirms your right to live in Portugal.
Even with free movement rights, EU citizens still need:
EU citizens do not need to attend AIMA for a residence permit card in the same way non-EU citizens do. The Câmara Municipal registration is the equivalent process.
Common misconception: EU free movement applies to EU citizens only. British citizens lost EU free movement rights on 31 December 2020 (end of the Brexit transition period) and now require a long-stay visa (typically D7 or D8) to live in Portugal beyond 90 days.