๐ช๐บ Good news: French citizens are EU nationals with the full right to live and work in Portugal without any visa. Registration at the local Cรขmara Municipal within 90 days of arrival is required to obtain your official EU residence certificate.
How to Settle in Portugal as a French Citizen
EU Free Movement
As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Portugal without any visa.
NHR / IFICI Tax Regime
Preferential tax programme for new residents. Our lawyers assess your eligibility.
Citizenship by Investment
Route to Portuguese citizenship via qualifying fund investment of โฌ500k+.
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers and freelancers earning from non-Portuguese clients. Minimum ~โฌ3,040/month.
Get your NIF number
You need a NIF before opening a bank account, signing a lease, or filing taxes. We obtain it remotely in 1โ3 days.
Get NIF number
Open a bank account
Our lawyers open your Portuguese bank account remotely โ no need to travel to Portugal first.
Open bank account
How to Register in Portugal
As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa or consulate appointment. Register at your local Cรขmara Municipal or Loja do Cidadรฃo within 90 days. Bring your French national ID card or passport, proof of address in Portugal, and supporting documents (employment contract, proof of income, or self-sufficiency declaration as applicable).
Our team guides you through the full setup โ NIF number, Portuguese bank account, and tax registration โ so everything is in place from day one.
Tax Considerations for French Expats
France and Portugal have a double taxation convention. French nationals moving to Portugal should consider whether their French pension, rental income, or investment returns are taxed under the French or Portuguese system under the treaty. The IFICI programme has attracted considerable interest from French professionals and entrepreneurs. Our tax lawyers provide tailored advice for French-Portuguese tax situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. French citizens are EU nationals and can move to Portugal freely under EU free movement rules. No visa is required. You must register at your local Cรขmara Municipal within 90 days of arrival. Registration is straightforward and our team can guide you through the process.
Yes. French nationals who become tax residents in Portugal and meet the qualifying criteria can apply for the IFICI programme (successor to NHR). This is particularly attractive for French professionals in technology, research, and finance, as well as entrepreneurs and investors. The programme can significantly reduce Portuguese tax on qualifying income. Our tax lawyers handle the application.
The France-Portugal DTA determines which country has the right to tax different types of income โ employment income, pensions, dividends, rental income, and capital gains each have their own rules under the treaty. Many French expats are surprised to find that some French-source income remains taxable in France even after moving to Portugal. Our tax lawyers map out your exact position under the treaty.
Yes. France is one of the largest sources of new residents in Portugal. The French community is particularly strong in Lisbon, Cascais, and the Algarve. There are French schools, French-speaking professionals, and active social communities. Direct flights from Paris, Lyon, and other French cities to Lisbon, Porto, and Faro make the move logistically easy.
Ready to make your move to Portugal?
Book a free consultation. We help with your NIF, bank account, tax registration, and everything you need from day one.
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