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Expats Relocation Basics

Nov 15, 2023

Cleuzina Cruz

Cleuzina Cruz | Paralegal

Embarking on a new chapter in a different country can be simultaneously exciting and daunting. LVP Advogados’ paralegal team focuses on facilitating relocation to Portugal and settling in the country, aiming to provide a hassle-free experience.

Here are the services you may be requiring in Portugal:

Driver's Licence Exchange and Registration: If you possess a foreign driver's licence, it is necessary to exchange it for a Portuguese one. The European Union driver's licence plus Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway are valid in Portuguese territory. if you acquire Portuguese residency the situation changes, is necessary to present the right documents in a certain time to avoid sanctions.

Portuguese Health System Registration: Registering with the Portuguese Health System is essential for accessing healthcare services in Portugal. To have access to the Portuguese healthcare services also known as Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) is necessary to make a registration and have all the documentation in order.

Social Security Registration: The Social Security Identification Number (NISS) is the number that allows a unique, precise, and accurate identification of citizens towards the Social Security system, at a national level. Registering with the Social Security system is a legal requirement for working in Portugal. It is important to make this process, ensuring compliance with all regulations.

Vehicle Importation, Registration Cancellation, and Ownership Transfer: If you move to Portugal, you can use your vehicle in Portuguese territory, but you have 60 days to register your car after a registration number has been allocated. Navigating the complex procedures for vehicle importation, registration cancellation, and ownership transfer in Portugal can be complex procedures.

Residence Certificate Issuance: Obtaining a Certificate of Residence from the Parish Council is essential for establishing your legal presence in Portugal. This official document proves your residency at a specific address and is often required in various situations, including importing goods to Portugal.

CAPLE Exam Registration: For those pursuing Portuguese language proficiency, registering for CAPLE exams is a crucial step in language certification. This certification proves that a person has proficiency in standard European Portuguese as a second language.

Driver's Licence Renewal: Keeping your driver's license up to date is crucial for legal road use. You need to meet the requirements to renew your driver’s licence.

Vehicle Purchase and Rental Assistance: Whether you're buying or renting a vehicle, it is important to know the car that suits your individual needs, research the types of cars available, traffic limitations and what kind of documents are needed to conclude this process.

Assistance with Public Transport: Living in a new city can be a challenge, especially when it comes to navigating public transportation. In Lisbon, Portugal, the Passe Navegante provides access to buses, trains, and metro lines in the metropolitan area.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a valuable tool for accessing healthcare services across Europe. It's a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom under the same conditions and cost as people insured in that country. To apply for this card, it's important to have all the necessary documentation in order.

Domestic Worker Contract Registration: If you employ a domestic worker in Portugal, registering their contract with Social Security is mandatory, otherwise is a crime punish by law. A domestic worker is a person who regularly provides household services to others, under their supervision and authority. It is mandatory to comply with all applicable regulations.

Via Verde Registration: Via Verde is an electronic toll payment system used in Portugal. If you have a Via Verde transponder you just drive through without stopping and the toll will be charged automatically to your credit card. It is a very comfortable way to drive on the highway of Portugal without all the hassle of stopping and paying the toll.

Resident Badge Procurement: This badge is usually given by mobility companies allocated to the respective region of residence, it is a very valuable badge if you possess a car and want to park in your area of residence without getting a ticket. This happens because certain areas in Portugal require a resident badge for parking.

Pet Transportation Support: If you're relocating with a pet, there are many things to consider, such as necessary paperwork and the best way to transport your furry friend. It's important to research the different types of transportation available and the shipping options to ensure a smooth and safe process.

Bank Account Opening: Opening a bank account is a crucial step in settling in Portugal, although it isn’t mandatory will make it easier to pay taxes, get paid by a Portuguese company, and establish permanent residency. Find a bank that suits your individual needs, knowing the types of counts available for you and what kind of documents are needed it is important for a smooth process.

Birth Registration and Document Procurement for Newborns: All children born in Portugal must be registered, even if their parents are not Portuguese citizens. If you have a newborn in Portugal, registering their birth and obtaining NIFs and Social Security numbers is essential.

Time Counting Certificate: When you want to prove your time spent in Portugal for legal purposes, a Time Counting Certificate may be necessary. This is especially important when you want to attain Portuguese residency quickly.

Portuguese Criminal Record Acquisition: If you require a Portuguese criminal record certificate for legal purposes, the certificate keeps all the information about convictions and subsequent decisions handed down against citizens over the age of 16 and legal persons. Sometimes the Portuguese criminal record certificate is required for specific legal purposes.

Document Legalization: The legalization of documents is a very important action to do when you move to Portugal, in that way the documents are suitable for use in this country. Ensuring their validity and acceptance within Portuguese legal systems is crucial to avoid any unwanted outcome. This process involves several different steps with various authorities.

To transition smoothly to Portugal and experience the quality of life that the country has to offer these are some of the essential steps that you need to follow.

If you have additional questions concerning our paralegal services or would like to find out ways we can assist you, please feel free to contact Cleuzina Cruz.

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Benefits of Personal Income Tax for Young Professionals

by Diogo Pedro • 07 May, 2024

Over the past four years, young workers who earned their first income as employees or self-employed individuals have been eligible for a tax benefit in their personal income tax, known as 'IRS Jovem”. This benefit is intended to offer young workers the possibility of minimising their tax obligations, allowing for a higher amount of disposable income. To enjoy this benefit, taxpayers are required to comply with the following requirements: Have a complete course of level 4 or higher studies on the National Qualifications Framework (high school level acquired through double certification and aimed at pursuing higher education such as a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a PhD). Age between 18 and 26 years old. Considered independent, i.e., no longer included in the parent’s household for tax purposes. The specified age limit includes individuals up to 26 years old, inclusive. However, this limit is extended to 30 years old for taxpayers who have completed a degree at level 8 of the National Qualifications Framework (PhD). In 2024, this tax benefit has been improved, with increased tax exemption rates and an expanded range of applications over time. In this sense, upon completing the course of studies required, the individual may qualify for an exemption from personal income taxes for a duration of 5 years, as explained in the following details: 100% of the income in the first year with a cap of 40 times the Social Support Index – “IAS” value (€20.370,40). 75% of the income in the second year with a cap of 30 times the IAS value (€15.277,80). 50% of the income in the third and fourth year with a cap of 20 times the IAS value (€10.185,20). 25% of the income in the fifth year with a cap of 10 times the IAS value (5€.092,60). Moreover, the exemption can only be used once by the same taxpayer and should be requested when preparing and filing the personal income tax return. It is also important to acknowledge that this benefit has implications for withholding tax, allowing adjustments to the value subject to withholding tax. However, be aware that, while the withholding tax rate applied corresponds to the total amount of income earned, it is only applicable to the portion that is not exempt. If you have any questions or need assistance with this or related matters, feel free to reach out . We would be delighted to help you.

Being an urgent process, this legal action has priority over legal actions not deemed to be urgent.

My application has been pending for months with the Immigration Office - AIMA. What can be done?

by Sara Ferreira • 29 Apr, 2024

It is known to the general public that the Portuguese Immigration Office (AIMA) has not been able to timely approve residency authorisation requests within the legal timeframe defined to do so, thus resulting in residency applicants having their applications on hold for months, in some cases even years. One way to tackle this inaction from the Immigration Office is to file a legal action, namely the Subpoena for rights, freedoms and guarantees of the citizens.