Essential practical guides and news for living in Portugal, covering NIF tax numbers, NHR/tax updates, SNS healthcare registration, rental housing laws, and cost of living insights.
Finding a job in Portugal requires more than sending your CV to recruitment websites. For many people, especially foreigners, the most effective approach is to combine personal contacts, local Facebook groups, OLX, LinkedIn, recruitment agencies and Portugal’s official IEFP employment service. The Portuguese government also provides an important option for non-EU citizens who are still … Read more
Living in Portugal with a foreign degree? You may need to have your qualification officially recognised to continue studying, apply for certain jobs or meet professional requirements. The process depends on whether you completed secondary school, a university degree or a professional course, and choosing the correct route can save you time and money. Portugal … Read more
Portugal’s housing crisis is making it increasingly difficult for many immigrants and low-wage workers to find an affordable place to live, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. With Portugal’s minimum monthly wage reaching €920 in 2026, even people who have jobs can struggle to pay rent, cover everyday expenses and meet landlords’ requirements. Moving to smaller … Read more
Foreigners living in Portugal can request an SNS number through a public health centre or hospital, and eligible applicants can also request it alongside their tax and social security numbers at designated Espaços Cidadão. However, some health centres use their own email instructions for handling requests, so applicants should check the procedure at their local … Read more
Opening a bank account in Portugal can be difficult for immigrants who have not yet received their residence cards, but a residence permit is not the only identity document recognised in the country’s official banking guidance. Banco de Portugal lists a valid passport among the accepted identification documents, while also requiring information about a customer’s … Read more
Getting a Portuguese driving licence does not always mean starting from zero or paying for a full driving-school course. Foreign licence holders may qualify for an exchange, beginners can follow the standard driving-school route, and a new law allows eligible learners to practise with a qualified tutor under specific conditions. Portugal’s mobility authority, the Instituto … Read more
Portugal plans to increase its national minimum wage from €920 to €970 per month in 2027, giving workers an extra €50 in gross monthly pay if the announced target is implemented. The government confirmed the figure in its October 2026 budget announcement, although the final legal measure establishing the 2027 rate still needs to be … Read more
Portugal still allows foreign citizens to apply for a NISS online, but getting the Social Security number is not always straightforward. More documents, identity checks, employment verification and the absence of a fixed processing deadline are leaving some applicants waiting or facing problems with their applications. For foreigners living and working in Portugal, the NISS … Read more