Moving to Portugal 2026: The Complete Pre-Arrival Checklist

Before you leave your home country

• [ ] Apply for your visa (D7, D8, D2, or other) — allow 3-6 months
• [ ] Get criminal record certificate + apostille
• [ ] Get income proof (bank statements, employer letter, contracts)
• [ ] Apostille all documents (or get them officially translated)
• [ ] Research neighbourhoods and find a flat (Idealista, Imovirtual)
• [ ] Sign a rental contract (you'll need this for AIMA)
• [ ] Get international health insurance (required for visa)
• [ ] Open a Wise or N26 account (easiest banking before arrival)

First week in Portugal

• [ ] Get your NIF at Finanças (bring passport + home address proof)
• [ ] Register your address (useful for later — bring rental contract)
• [ ] Get a Portuguese SIM card (NOS, MEO, Vodafone)
• [ ] Open ActivoBank account (easiest with foreign address)
• [ ] Book AIMA appointment (as early as possible — slots fill fast)

First month in Portugal

• [ ] Attend AIMA appointment (bring all original documents)
• [ ] Register with SNS (national health service) online
• [ ] Find a GP near you and register
• [ ] Research NHR eligibility — apply by March 31 of next year
• [ ] Set up Segurança Social if freelancing

The things people forget

• Apostilling documents takes time — do it 3 months in advance
• AIMA appointments book out 2-3 months ahead — book on day 1
• NHR deadline is strict — missing March 31 costs you a year
• Landlord confirmation (for Anmeldung equivalent) needed for NIF