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Whether you’re chasing sunshine, job opportunities, or a fresh start, Portugal continues to attract thousands of international workers each year. With its booming tourism sector, expanding industrial and service-based economy, and vibrant expat community, the country offers both quality of life and career prospects.
But before you step into the Portuguese job market, you must navigate a few administrative steps. From tax numbers to residency permits, here’s a complete guide to all the documents you’ll need to work legally as an employee in Portugal.
1. Valid Passport or National ID Card
This is your starting point.
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: A valid national ID card is sufficient to enter Portugal and seek employment.
Non-EU Nationals: You will need a valid passport and, crucially, the correct visa to enter and stay legally in the country.
Keep in mind: Tourist visas do not permit you to work. You must apply for a work visa or a residency visa with work authorization from the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country before entering Portugal.
2. Portuguese Tax Number (NIF – Número de Identificação Fiscal)
The NIF is arguably the most essential number you’ll need in Portugal.
It’s required to:
Sign an employment contract
Open a bank account
Rent a house
Access public services
Pay taxes
➤ Where to get it?
You can request a NIF at any Finanças (Tax Office) with:
Valid passport or EU ID
Proof of Portuguese address (temporary or permanent)
For non-EU citizens: a Portuguese tax representative is required unless you are already legally residing.
Pro tip: Some agencies and law firms offer NIF services for non-residents if you want to get this sorted before arrival.
3. Social Security Number (NISS – Número de Identificação da Segurança Social)
Once you have a job, you need to be registered with Segurança Social. Your employer usually does this, but you should confirm it's been done.
This number gives you access to:
Public healthcare
Parental and sick leave
Unemployment benefits
Retirement pension
➤ Required documents:
Employment contract or job offer
Valid ID or passport
NIF
Proof of address in Portugal
You can also apply for a provisional NISS in advance if you’re actively job hunting.
4. Residence Certificate or Permit
Whether you’re from the EU or not, some form of residency documentation is required if you intend to stay in Portugal long term.
➤ For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens:
After 90 days, you must register with the local town hall (Câmara Municipal) and request a:
Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia
(Certificate of EU Citizen Residency)
Required documents:
Valid ID
Proof of employment or sufficient income
Portuguese address
➤ For Non-EU citizens:
You’ll need to apply for a:
Work Visa (usually long-term, D1 type)
Then, within 4 months of arrival, you must apply for a residence permit through AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum).
The residence permit must be renewed periodically and includes biometric data collection.
5. Employment Contract or Job Offer
You need a signed employment contract or at least a formal job offer to:
Secure a work visa (for non-EU citizens)
Apply for a NISS
Register for residency
The contract should clearly state:
Employer and employee details
Job title and duties
Salary and payment terms
Work schedule
Duration (fixed-term or indefinite)
For Portuguese contracts, understanding your rights under the Labor Code (Código do Trabalho) is essential—especially regarding trial periods, holidays, and termination clauses.
6. Portuguese Bank Account
Although not strictly required by law, having a Portuguese bank account is critical:
Your employer will pay your salary into it
Many landlords require it for rent payments
It’s needed to pay taxes or access certain online services
➤ What you need:
Passport or ID
NIF
Proof of address (sometimes temporary)
Proof of employment (in some banks)
Most major banks (Millennium BCP, Santander, Novo Banco) have expat-friendly services and online account opening options.
7. Health Insurance
If you’re registered with Social Security, you’ll have access to Portugal’s national healthcare system (SNS). However, coverage can be limited and waiting times long.
Many newcomers opt for private health insurance—especially during the first months—until they’re fully integrated into the system.
Good to know:
Private insurance is often required for visa applications.
Several international providers (Médis, Allianz, Cigna) offer competitive expat packages.
8. Criminal Record Certificate (When Required)
Some jobs (especially in child care, education, health, or security) may require you to provide:
A criminal record certificate from your home country
Or a Portuguese equivalent (obtained via Registo Criminal)
For visa applications, this document may also be requested, and it must be translated and apostilled if issued outside the EU.
9. Professional Qualifications (If Applicable)
Are you applying for a regulated profession such as:
Engineer
Nurse
Architect
Electrician
Then you may need to:
Present your academic or professional diplomas
Get them recognized by the appropriate authority (ex: Ordem dos Engenheiros, Ordem dos Médicos)
The recognition process can take time, so it’s wise to start before relocating.
Bonus: Additional Tips for a Smooth Start
Translation: Have all your documents translated into Portuguese (preferably certified), especially if applying for residency or a professional license.
Digital Portugal: Most services are now available online, but many still require physical appointments and paper documentation—always bring printed copies.
Appointments: Book appointments early at SEF, Finanças, or Segurança Social—waiting times can be long, especially in Lisbon or Porto.
Final Words
Portugal offers a great quality of life and growing job opportunities, but navigating the paperwork is part of the journey. Whether you’re coming from within the EU or from across the world, getting the right documents in order is essential to building your professional future here.
Once you're settled, you’ll find Portugal to be a welcoming and rewarding place to work and live.
Need help getting started?
If you're applying for industrial or service-sector jobs in Portugal, consider working with a certified recruitment agency like Flexible Details to help guide you through the legal, administrative, and practical steps of starting your new job.