Thinking about moving to Portugal? Whether you’re relocating for lifestyle, retirement, remote work, or investment, you’ll quickly notice a wave of acronyms being thrown around—NIF, SEF, IMT, and more.
It can feel like learning a new language! To make your transition smoother, we’ve put together this cheat sheet of the most common Portuguese acronyms you’ll encounter during your move. Keep it handy—it’ll save you time, confusion, and maybe even a headache or two.
Immigration to Portugal
SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras
Former immigration and border agency in Portugal. SEF handled residence permits, visas, and border control. It is now being replaced by AIMA.
AIMA – Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade
The new agency created to handle immigration, mobility, and integration services, taking over many responsibilities from SEF.
VFS – Visa Facilitation Services
A third-party company authorized by the Portuguese government to handle visa application submissions outside Portugal (e.g., D7, D2). Applicants often submit their documents through VFS before approval by the consulate.
TP – Temporary Residency
A residence permit typically valid for 1–2 years, renewable. Granted to visa holders like D2, D7, or D8 after arrival and registration in Portugal.
PR – Permanent Residency
Granted after 5 years of legal residency. It allows you to stay in Portugal indefinitely and enjoy most of the rights of Portuguese citizens (except voting in national elections).
CRUE – Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia
The CRUE is a residency certificate for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens planning to live in Portugal for more than 90 days. It’s issued by the local city hall (Câmara Municipal) and serves as proof of legal residence
NIF – Número de Identificação Fiscal
Portuguese tax identification number. You’ll need it to open a bank account, sign a lease, get utilities, and even shop online.
NISS – Número de Identificação da Segurança Social
Social Security number in Portugal. Required if you’re working, opening a business, or making social contributions.
SNS – Serviço Nacional de Saúde
Portugal’s public health system. Once registered, residents can access healthcare services at very low or no cost.
CC – Cartão de Cidadão
Citizen Card issued to Portuguese nationals, but foreigners receive a similar residence card. It serves as official ID in many situations.
IRN – Instituto dos Registos e Notariado
The public registry and notary office in Portugal. Handles civil registrations like births, marriages, company formation, and issuing official documents such as NIFs and certificates.
UE – União Europeia
European Union. Citizens of EU/EEA countries have special rights to live and work in Portugal without a visa.
A2 Level – Language Test
This refers to A2 Portuguese language test is commonly required for Portuguese citizenship applications.
IMT – Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes
Is Portugal’s transport authority, handling driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and transport services like taxis and TVDE.
IEFP – Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional
Public employment and vocational training service in Portugal. Offers support for job seekers, business creation, and skills development.
NHR – Non-Habitual Resident (phased out as of 2024)
Previously offered tax advantages to new residents for 10 years. Now replaced by updated rules.
IFICI – Incentivo Fiscal à Investigação Científica e Inovação
The new regime replacing NHR. Targeted at professionals in scientific research, innovation, and technology sectors, offering tax incentives to attract highly qualified talent to Portugal.
Visas Options to Portugal
D1 Visa – Subordinated Work Visa
Issued to individuals who already have a job offer from a Portuguese employer. Ideal for those relocating to work under an employment contract.
D2 Visa – Entrepreneur/Independent Professional Visa
Designed for those looking to start a business, open a branch, or offer independent services in Portugal.
D3 Visa – Highly Qualified Professional Visa
Targeted at professionals with specialized skills or advanced qualifications, often in high-demand fields such as tech, engineering, or healthcare. Fast-track to residency and EU Blue Card eligibility.
D4 Visa – Study and Training Visa
For students enrolled in higher education, professional training, internships, or volunteer programs in Portugal.
D6 Visa – Family Reunification Visa
Allows family members of legal residents in Portugal to join them and live legally in the country.
D7 Visa – Passive Income/Retirement Visa
Ideal for retirees or those with stable passive income (like rental income or dividends) who want to live in Portugal.
D8 Visa – Digital Nomad Visa
Tailored for remote workers earning income from abroad. Applicants must show a steady monthly income from a foreign employer or business.
Golden Visa (ARI – Autorização de Residência para Investimento)
A residency-by-investment program offering residence rights to non-EU nationals making qualifying investments in Portugal. (Note: real estate option has been restricted as of late 2023.)
Additional Legal Provisions (AIMA)
Article 15º
Grants the right to family reunification for EU citizens who are legally residing in Portugal. This applies to close family members, such as spouses and children.
Article 98º
Grants the right to family reunification for Non-EU citizens legally residing in Portugal. It allows eligible family members to join the primary resident under defined conditions.
Article 116º
Applies to individuals who hold long-term resident status in another EU country and wish to relocate to Portugal. This article outlines how to apply for residency under intra-EU mobility rules.
Article 125º
Refers to the Acquisition of Long-Term Resident Status (Estatuto de Residente de Longa Duração – ERLD). This status is typically granted after 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, offering stronger residence rights and more mobility within the EU.
Portugal Property Investment
AT – Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira
Portugal’s Tax and Customs Authority. This is the official government body responsible for tax matters, issuing NIFs, collecting income and property taxes, and overseeing customs operations.
IMT – Imposto Municipal sobre Transmissões Onerosas de Imóveis
Municipal Property Transfer Tax. Paid when you buy real estate in Portugal. The amount varies based on the value and type of the property (residential, secondary, etc.).
IMI – Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis
Annual property tax charged by the municipality where your property is located. The rate depends on the property’s location, type, and assessed value.
CPCV – Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda
Promissory Contract of Sale and Purchase. This is a legally binding agreement signed before the final deed, often with a deposit (typically 10%). It locks in the terms of the property deal for both parties.
SD – Imposto do Selo (Stamp Duty)
A tax applied to a range of transactions, including property purchases, loans, and contracts. On property purchases, stamp duty is generally 0.8% of the purchase price.
AL – Alojamento Local
Local accommodation license, required for short-term rental properties (like Airbnb). If you’re planning to rent out a property to tourists, you’ll need to register and comply with local rules under this regime.
Banking & Finance
IBAN – International Bank Account Number
Used for bank transfers within Portugal and across Europe. You’ll need this to send or receive money, pay bills, and set up utilities.
IRS – Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Singulares
Personal income tax. This applies to most types of income, including salaries, pensions, rental income, and investments.
IRC – Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Coletivas
Corporate tax applied to company profits. Relevant if you’re setting up a business or investing through a corporate structure.
IVA – Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado
Value Added Tax (VAT), similar to sales tax. Charged on goods and services at standard, reduced, or exempt rates.
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