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A Temporary Residence Permit (TRC) is one of the first big steps—and the good news is, the process is more straightforward than most people expect. Whether you’re moving for work, investing, or simply craving a better lifestyle, this guide walks you through each stage so you know exactly what to prepare and what to expect.
What is a Portugal Temporary Residence Permit (TRC)?
A Portugal temporary residence permit, also known as TRC (Título de Residência), is is an authorization that allows non-EU citizens to live legally in Portugal. Initially valid for two years and can be renewed for successive three-year periods.
To obtain one, you must first enter Portugal with an approved residence visa, then apply for your residence permit with the immigration authority (formerly SEF, now AIMA). Applicants must provide a valid passport, proof of sufficient income, proof of accommodation, and a clean criminal record.
You must also meet residency requirements—typically spending at least 16 months in Portugal during each two-year period. After five years of legal residency, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Who can apply for a temporary residence permit in Portugal?
A temporary residence permit in Portugal is available to most non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who meet the requirements of an approved residency visa. You can apply if you:
- Enter Portugal with a residency visa (such as D7, D8 Digital Nomad, D2 Entrepreneur, Study Visa, or Work Visa)
- Have valid accommodation, financial means, and health insurance
- Can prove the purpose of your stay, such as work, study, investment, or remote income
- Hold a clean criminal record that meets Portuguese legal standards
How to Get Portugal Temporary Residence: Step-by-Step
1. Set up your NIF and a Portuguese bank account
Start by obtaining your Portuguese tax number (NIF) and opening a Portuguese bank account. These are essential for proving financial stability, securing housing, and preparing the documents required for your visa application.
2. Secure accommodation in Portugal
You’ll need proof of accommodation before applying for your residency visa. This can be a rental contract, property purchase, or an official invitation/accommodation letter. It shows the authorities that you have a suitable place to stay once you relocate.
3. Travel Insurance
For a Portugal visa, the consulate requires travel insurance with at least €30,000 in medical coverage, valid across all Schengen countries, and covering medical emergencies plus repatriation. The policy must match the full duration of your stay, and having no deductible—or a very minimal one—is strongly preferred.
4. Submit your residency visa application at the Portuguese consulate
With your documents ready—NIF, bank account, income proof, accommodation, and any visa-specific requirements—you can submit your application to the Portuguese consulate. Once approved, the consulate issues a visa that allows you to enter Portugal specifically for residency purposes.
5. Attend your biometric appointment at AIMA
Once your visa is approved you must travel Portugal and you’ll have your biometrics appointment where your fingerprints, photo, and signature are collected. This step confirms your identity and finalizes your temporary residence application.
6. Receive approval and get your residency permit card
Once approved, you’ll receive your first temporary residence permit card, usually valid for two years. After that, the permit is typically renewed for three-year periods until you complete a full five years of legal residency, making you eligible for permanent residency or citizenship (if you meet the requirements).
What documents do I need to apply for temporary residence in Portugal?
To apply for a temporary residence permit in Portugal, you will typically need:
- Valid passport
- Residency visa issued by the Portuguese consulate in your home country
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract, property deed, or invitation letter)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements or income documentation)
- Criminal record certificate from your home country and recent countries of residence
- Health or travel insurance covering you until your permit is issued
- NIF – Portuguese tax number
- Portuguese bank account showing required funds
- Completed AIMA application forms and payment of applicable fees
What are the benefits of a temporary residence permit in Portugal?
A temporary residence permit in Portugal offers several advantages for anyone looking to live, work, or invest in the country. The key benefits include:
Legal right to live in Portugal
You can live in Portugal year-round and enjoy access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and the social system.
Freedom of movement in the Schengen Area
A temporary residence permit allows visa-free travel across 27 EU/Schengen countries, making it ideal for frequent travellers.
Access to work and business opportunities
You can work for a Portuguese employer, run your own business, or engage in freelance or remote work depending on your visa type.
Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
Time spent under a temporary residence permit counts toward Portugal’s long-term residency and citizenship requirements.
Family reunification rights
You can bring your family members, such as spouse, children, and dependents under family reunification rules, allowing your family to live and study in Portugal.
Get In Touch With a Portugal Immigration Specialist
Portugal Residency Advisors® has assisted numerous international families in successfully relocating to Portugal and securing residency. Discover how our trusted, all-in-one solution makes your move simple and successful.
Residency Visas to Obtain Temporary Residence in Portugal
Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa
The D7 Passive Income Visa is ideal for retirees or anyone with stable passive income (pensions, rentals, dividends).
- Low financial requirements
- One of the most popular pathways
- Leads to PR after 5 years of legal residency
D8 Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
The D8 Remote Worker Visa or employees or freelancers earning income from outside Portugal.
- Requires remote income above the set threshold
- Provides full residency rights
- Eligible for PR after 5 years
D2 Entrepreneur Visa
For those opening a business or investing in a Portuguese company the D2 Visa is the perfect fit.
- Flexible and business-friendly
- Can also cover freelancers or independent professionals
- PR possible after 5 years
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
For individuals with a job offer or contract in Portugal they must apply for the D1 Work Visa.
- Requires a Portuguese employer
- Available for various professions and sectors
- Leads to PR after 5 years
Golden Visa (Investment Visa)
The Portugal Golden Visa although with fewer options now, it remains a valid route via certain investment categories.
- Minimal physical stay requirement
- Residency granted for 5 years
- Eligible for PR and citizenship afterward
Portugal Temporary Residence Permit Renewal
Your temporary residence permit in Portugal must be renewed before it expires to keep your stay legal and continuous. The first permit is typically valid for two years, and renewals usually extend your residency for an additional three-year period.
To renew, you’ll need updated documents such as proof of income, accommodation, health coverage, and a clean criminal record, along with attending a biometric appointment at AIMA.
Keeping your residency active and uninterrupted is essential for reaching the five-year mark needed for permanent residency or citizenship.
Portuguese Permanent Residency
After completing five years of continuous and legal residency in Portugal, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. The status itself is indefinite, meaning it does not expire. However, it can be canceled if you spend 24 consecutive months outside Portugal or a total of 30 months abroad within a three-year period.
You’ll still need to renew the physical card every five years, but your right to live in Portugal remains permanent as long as you meet the residency requirements.
Portuguese Citizenship
Once you reach five years of legal residency, you may also apply for Portuguese citizenship, as long as you meet the integration requirements—most importantly, passing the A2-level Portuguese language exam. Citizenship grants full rights, including an EU passport and the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere within the European Union.
Why Work With Us
Local Expertise
We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.
Honest Guidance
We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.
All-in-One Solution
One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.
Seamless Process
Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.
Your Questions Answered
How do I qualify for a temporary residence permit in Portugal?
You must enter Portugal with an approved residency visa (such as D7, D8, D2, work visa, or Golden Visa) and show proof of income, accommodation, health coverage, and a clean criminal record.
How long is the temporary residence permit valid in Portugal?
The initial permit is valid for two years. After that, you can renew it for consecutive three-year periods as long as you continue to meet the requirements
What are the stay requirements for Portugal temporary residency?
You must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during each two-year period, keeping your residency active and continuous to remain eligible for renewals and future permanent residency.
Which visas allow me to apply for temporary residence in Portugal?
Common residency visas include the D7 Passive Income Visa, D8 Digital Nomad Visa, D2 Entrepreneur Visa, work visas, the HQA/Tech Visa, and the Golden Visa.
Does a temporary residence permit lead to permanent residency in Portugal
Yes. After five years of continuous legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency, provided you meet the language and stay requirements
Can I get Portuguese citizenship after holding a temporary residence permit?
Yes. After completing five years of legal residency, you may apply for citizenship if you pass the A2 Portuguese language exam and meet all integration requirements.
Do temporary residents pay tax in Portugal?
Yes. Once you become a tax resident—usually after spending 183 days per year in Portugal—you must declare your worldwide income. Temporary residents staying fewer than 183 days may only be taxed on Portuguese-sourced income. Tax treatment also depends on double taxation agreements.
How much time will it take to get TRC in Portugal?
After entering Portugal with your residency visa, the time it takes to receive your TRC depends on AIMA’s appointment availability and current processing volumes. In many cases, the process can take 1–3 months, but during periods of heavy backlog, it may extend to 6–8 months or longer.
How many days can I stay outside Portugal after TRC?
Temporary residence permit (TRC) holders should not spend more than six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months outside Portugal during the permit’s validity. Longer absences may affect renewals or future permanent residency eligibility.
Which countries are visa-free for Portugal TRC?
With a valid Portuguese TRC, you can travel visa-free across all 27 Schengen countries, including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and more, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
How much does a TRC card cost?
The AIMA issuance fee for a temporary residence card is typically around €170–€190, depending on the visa category and updates to administrative fees.
What is the difference between TRC and visa?
A visa allows you to enter Portugal for residency purposes, while a TRC (Temporary Residence Card) gives you the legal right to live in Portugal for one or more years, work or study, travel within Schengen, and renew toward permanent residency or citizenship.
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