EU Citizens and Their Families in Portugal Quiz: CRUE and Article 15 Cards

7 questions ~3 min Last reviewed

EU citizens do not need a visa to live in Portugal, but they do need to register, and their non-EU family members follow a separate, simpler route than the standard visas. Test what you know.

  1. 1. When must an EU citizen living in Portugal register their residence?

    EU citizens who stay in Portugal for more than three months must register their residence.

    Source: EU citizens in Portugal 2026: CRUE and permanent residence (GrowIN Portugal)

  2. 2. What is the registration certificate for EU citizens called?

    EU citizens receive the CRUE, the EU citizen registration certificate, which proves legal residence in Portugal.

    Source: EU citizens in Portugal 2026: CRUE and permanent residence (GrowIN Portugal)

  3. 3. Where do EU citizens usually register for the CRUE?

    EU citizens register at the local câmara municipal, typically after about 90 days in Portugal; the fee is around €15.

    Source: Moving to Portugal with a non-EU family member (Portugalist)

  4. 4. Does an EU citizen need a passport to register in Portugal?

    EU nationals can identify themselves with either a valid national ID card or a valid passport. Their non-EU family members must present a valid passport.

    Source: EU citizens in Portugal 2026: CRUE and permanent residence (GrowIN Portugal)

  5. 5. A non-EU spouse is moving to Portugal with their EU-citizen partner. Which route do they normally use?

    Family members using Article 15 do not apply for a D7, D8 or any other Portuguese visa. They book an AIMA appointment and receive a residence card for EU citizens' family members.

    Source: Moving to Portugal with a non-EU family member (Portugalist)

  6. 6. How long is an Article 15 family member card typically valid?

    The Article 15 card is typically valid for the same period as the EU citizen's CRUE, normally five years, compared with a 2-year first permit on the standard visa routes.

    Source: Moving to Portugal with a non-EU family member (Portugalist)

  7. 7. After how long can EU citizens and their families apply for permanent residence, and how?

    After five consecutive years of legal residence, EU citizens can obtain the permanent residence certificate, and family members the permanent card, by applying online through AIMA.

    Source: EU citizens in Portugal 2026: CRUE and permanent residence (GrowIN Portugal)

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.