FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Portuguese property purchasing process complicated?
- I am a British citizen. Do I need authorization to settle in Portugal?
- Do I need an identity card?
- What is the procedure if I wish to bring my car with me?
- May I continue to drive on my British driver's licence once I am resident in Portugal?
- Will I be entitled to use the Portuguese national health service?
- Can I bring my pet with me to Portugal?
Is the Portuguese property purchasing process complicated?
Not usually! Most property purchases are fairly straightforward and the process offers good protection for both buyer and seller.
For more information see our property page.
I am a British citizen. Do I need authorization to settle in Portugal?
As a European Union national, you may remain in Portugal, as a tourist, for a period not exceeding 180 days. If you intend to settle, you must apply for a residence permit from the nearest office of the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Portuguese Immigration authority).
Do I need an identity card?
The Portuguese authorities no longer issue identity cards to EU nationals resident in Portugal. However, it is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification with you at all times and your residence permit or passport is acceptable for this purpose.
What is the procedure if I wish to bring my car with me?
As a tourist, you may keep your vehicle in Portugal for a maximum of 180 days in any 12-month period provided it is for your own private use and you do not loan it to anyone else during that period. Do not depart leaving your vehicle unaccompanied. If you do, you may be subject to a fine. If your stay exceeds 180 days or you intend to take-up residence in Portugal, you must apply for the permanent importation of your vehicle to the nearest office of the Direcção-Geral das Alfândegas (Customs authority) as soon as possible after your arrival.
More information: Importing your car to Portugal
May I continue to drive on my British driver's licence once I am resident in Portugal?
A national driver's licence (old-style green model) has to be exchanged for a Portuguese-issued licence within 12 months of taking-up residence in this country. A community model driver's licence is valid until it expires. However, it is advisable to exchange even this licence for one issued by the Portuguese authority (Direcção-Geral de Viação) for the following reasons:
- It is a legal requirement in Portugal, as it is in the UK, for the address on the licence to reflect the address of its holder.
- The licence can only be renewed or replaced by the original issuing authority, but the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency will not renew or replace a UK-issued licence to an overseas address.
- When the licence eventually expires, the Portuguese authority will not renew it unless the holder takes (and passes) a new driving test.
Will I be entitled to use the Portuguese national health service?
Residents
On production of your UK passport and residence permit, you will be entitled to apply for a Portuguese national insurance identity card from your local health Centrex (Centro da SaΓΊde) and enroll with one of their GPs. Once you have evidence that you have applied for the issue of a national health card, you will become eligible to use the national health service under the same conditions as any Portuguese national.
Visitors
On production of a UK passport you will be entitled to receive emergency state treatment.
Pensioners
If you receive a UK state retirement pension, you may apply (with your passport and pension receipts) for a national health identity card and enroll with a state GP.
Can I bring my pet with me to Portugal?
Yes. If the animal is arriving from an EU country, it must be accompanied by a health certificate (Atestado Sanitário) issued by the competent authority in the animal's country of origin. In Britain this is the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), 1A Page Street, London.
More information is available on this web site written by a qualified vet can be seen by clicking here
For more information on pet passports - the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) - see the DEFRA web site or contact their Pets Help line on +44 (0)870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm).
If the authority in the animal's country of origin requires official notification of the need to issue a health certificate, such notification may be requested from the Direcção-Geral de Veterinária, Largo da Academia Nacional de Belas Artes 2, 1200-005 Lisboa.
Phone: 213239500 / e-mail: veterinaria@mail.telepac.pt.