What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Portugal for a while?
We asked expats what residency documents or visas they need when settling in Portugal. They wrote...
"My wife and I had appts on 2 different dates. We brought all our papers and got there when they just opened and asked if they could take my wife. We got a very stern NO! Then the guard asked if my wifes appt was at the same center which it was. He left us for a moment and came back and said they would process both of us. I would go to the center where your appt is and ask if they could take you. Have a good reason and hope you get a good response," remarked another expat who made the move to Albufeira, Portugal.
"If you plan to stay in Portugal for a while, you will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. You will need to apply for a Long Term Residence Visa at the Portuguese Embassy or consulate in your home country. Depending on your length of stay, you may also need to apply for a Residence Permit once your visa is approved. Additionally, you may need a Temporary Residency Card if you plan to stay in Portugal for more than three months," explained one expat living in Portugal.

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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Portugal?
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- Is there a lot of crime in Portugal?
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- Is the cost of living in Portugal high?
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- What type of recreational facilities are in Portugal?
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- Are there good restaurants in Portugal?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Portugal?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Portugal?
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- What do I need to know when buying property in Portugal?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Portugal?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Portugal for a while?
If you live in Portugal, newcomers to Portugal would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.