Moving to Portugal Checklist Quiz: Your First Steps in the Right Order

8 questions ~4 min Last reviewed

Moving to Portugal involves a dozen steps, and doing them in the wrong order costs weeks. This quiz walks through the sequence most people follow, from before you leave to your first tax return.

  1. 1. What is usually the very first administrative step when planning a move to Portugal?

    The NIF comes first: it is needed to open a Portuguese bank account, sign a lease and apply for a residence visa. It can be obtained remotely through a representative.

    Source: NIF Number service — Visas.pt

  2. 2. Where do you apply for a residence visa such as the D7 or D8?

    Residence visas are issued by the consulate or visa centre covering your country of legal residence, before you travel to Portugal.

    Source: D7 passive income guide 2026 (Migaku)

  3. 3. Once issued, how long is a residence visa typically valid?

    Residence visas are typically valid for about four months (120 days) with two entries. During that period you attend AIMA to get your residence permit.

    Source: D3 residence visa — validity and AIMA appointment

  4. 4. What do you do at AIMA after arriving on a residence visa?

    The residence visa is only an entry document. At the AIMA appointment you provide biometrics and documents and receive your residence permit, usually valid for 2 years.

    Source: D7 passive income guide 2026 (Migaku)

  5. 5. What do you need to register with the national health service (SNS)?

    To get a número de utente you register at your local centro de saúde with your residence permit and NIF. Registration is free.

    Source: SNS registration and número de utente 2026 (GrowIN Portugal)

  6. 6. You are a non-EU resident with a foreign driving licence. When should you start the exchange?

    Non-EU residents can drive while their exchange request is lodged in the first 90 days of residence. Direct exchange closes after two years, after which a practical exam is required.

    Source: Exchanging a foreign driving licence in 2026 (GrowIN Portugal)

  7. 7. You move in March 2026 and become tax resident. When do you file your first IRS return?

    IRS returns are filed between 1 April and 30 June for the previous year's income, so 2026 income is declared in spring 2027.

    Source: Portugal tax filing deadline 2026 (GrowIN Portugal)

  8. 8. When should you put your residence permit renewal in the calendar?

    Renewals are requested online between 90 and 30 days before expiry. A card expired for more than six months can no longer be renewed.

    Source: Renewing your Portugal residence permit with AIMA (Europe Simple)

This quiz is general information based on Portuguese rules in force on the review date above, not legal advice. Immigration thresholds change every January with the minimum wage, and laws change often. Confirm your case with a lawyer before applying.