As an EU citizen you can live and work in another EU or EEA country, or in Switzerland, without a visa. There are still steps to take in Portugal and in the new country. The official Your Europe portal explains the rights of people moving within the EU. If you are not an EU citizen, check first whether you need a work permit in the new country.
Tax
- Once you live abroad, update your address and tax residence on the Portal das Finanças. In the year you move you may be resident in Portugal for only part of the year: check how to file your income tax.
- Check on the Portal das Finanças the rules on tax representatives and electronic notifications for people living abroad.
Social security and health
- Employees working in another EU country usually contribute to, and are covered by, that country's system: you are covered by one system at a time.
- The European Health Insurance Card is for temporary stays. Once you move, you are covered where you work.
- Ask the Portuguese social security for documents proving your contributions: they count towards pensions and some benefits in another EU country.
Other steps
- Consular registration (for Portuguese citizens): not mandatory, but it makes Portuguese paperwork abroad easier (Portal das Comunidades).
- Check that your identity card and passport are valid: renewing them abroad takes longer.
- A Portuguese driving licence is valid in other EU countries.
- Contracts in Portugal (rent, phone, internet, gym): check notice periods early.