One page with the route, the money and the dates

Nothing saved yet. Change an answer, then save the version so you can compare Porto alone against Lisbon as a couple without losing either.

Free keeps your last 3 versions, in this browser and in your account when you are signed in.

After the visa

Permanent residence and citizenship

1. Year 0Residence permit issuedThe clock starts on the first residence permit, not on the visa or on arrival.
2. Year 2First renewalRenewals must be filed before expiry; a lapse can reset continuity.
3. Year 5Permanent residence5 years of continuous legal residence, with absences under 183 days per year.
4. Year 5Citizenship application possibleRequires an A2 Portuguese certificate and a clean criminal record. The residence period is under political revision.

1. 210 days before the moveGather proof of incomeTwelve months of statements, pension letters or contracts, in your name.
2. 180 days before the moveGet your NIFThe Portuguese tax number that every later step depends on.
3. 165 days before the moveOpen a Portuguese bank accountFund it with the amount you intend to show as available means.
4. 150 days before the moveRequest criminal record certificatesThey expire, so time this to your appointment, not to today.
5. 140 days before the moveApostille and translate documentsApostille first, translate after, never the other way round.
6. 120 days before the moveArrange accommodation evidenceA lease, promise of lease or hosting declaration for the application.
7. 110 days before the moveTake out health insuranceTravel and health cover valid for the first months of residence.
8. 100 days before the moveBook the consular appointmentSlots are the bottleneck — book as soon as the file is close to complete.
9. 60 days before the moveSubmit the visa applicationOriginals plus copies, with every certificate still inside its validity.
10. 21 days before the moveBook flights and shippingOnly once the visa is issued, unless the tickets are refundable.
11. Move dateMove to PortugalEntry within the visa validity window.
12. 14 days after arrivalRegister with the parish councilAtestado de residência, plus your NISS if you will work.
13. 30 days after arrivalAIMA residence permit appointmentThe visa is the entry; the permit is the residence.