Essential Immigration and Visa Terms to Know When Moving from the US to Portugal

A straightforward guide to the key terms you’ll encounter

Thinking about relocating from the United States to Portugal? Whether you're drawn by the Atlantic views, a slower pace of life, or the growing expat community, moving abroad requires navigating a new world of immigration and visa terminology. Here’s a straightforward guide to the key terms and concepts you’ll encounter as you plan your move.



1. Visa

A visa is official permission to enter and stay in Portugal for a specific purpose and duration. U.S. citizens can enter Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, but if you plan to live, work, or retire in Portugal, you'll need a national visa before you leave the U.S.

2. Residence Permit (Autorização de Residência)

After arriving in Portugal with your visa, you must apply for a residence permit. This is your legal authorization to live in the country long-term. It’s issued by AIMA and typically needs to be renewed every one to two years.

3. NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)

This is your Portuguese tax number, and you’ll need it for almost everything—renting an apartment, signing a phone contract, or opening a bank account. You can get a NIF at a local tax office (Finanças) or through a lawyer or relocation service.

4. Social Security Number (NISS)

If you plan to work in Portugal, you’ll need a Portuguese social security number. It allows you to contribute to and benefit from the country’s social system, including healthcare and pensions.

5. AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade)

As of 2023, AIMA is gradually taking over some responsibilities from SEF in processing immigration documents and supporting migrants. Once you receive your visa, you will need an appointment with AIMA to apply for residency. 

6. Temporary vs. Permanent Residency

• Temporary Residency: Your initial residence permit is typically temporary and valid for 1–2 years.
• Permanent Residency: After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency, which offers more stability and fewer renewal requirements.

7. Citizenship

After 5 years of legal residence, you may also be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship—one of the shortest paths to EU citizenship in Europe. You'll need to pass a basic Portuguese language test and meet other requirements.

8. Solicitor (Attorney)

Known as an Attorney in the US, a Solicitor can assist with various needs such as immigration, taxation, and purchasing property. 

9. Número de Utente (SNS)

The SNS user number is a unique identifier that grants residents access to Portugal’s public healthcare services. With this number, you can benefit from a wide range of medical services, including general practitioner consultations, specialist appointments, and hospital care. To be eligible for an SNS user number, you must be a legal resident of Portugal. This includes both EU and non-EU citizens who have obtained the appropriate residency status.

10. EU/Non-EU/Schengen/EEA/ETIAS

EU (European Union) The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union formed by its member countries, and, within its territory, products, services, people and money can move freely without customs duties or other obstacles. The EU was established with the Maastricht Treaty in 1993.

EEA (European Economic Area) The European Economic Area was established via the Agreement on the European Economic Area, an international agreement which enables the extension of the European Union’s single market to member states of the European Free Trade Association. The EEA agreement was established in 1994.

ETIAS (European Travel Information Authorization System) It is a completely electronic system that keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone (the US is one of those countries). In a way, it resembles the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose.

Schengen Area The Schengen countries form a territory where there are no travel restrictions or border controls between member states

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