Customs Regulations in Portugal

The British need a residence card (autorização de residência) to live permanently in Portugal either as a visitor or for any other purpose.

Passports must be valid for up to six months. The British need a valid passport.

If you come to Portugal with the intention of remaining longer than six months, for example as an employee, student or a non-employed resident), you must apply for a residence card on your arrival.

Documentation required to apply: Passport or identity card; 2 current passport-type photographs; Notarized letter from employer stating expected duration of employment (if intending to work); Proof of health insurance; Criminal background check.

British nationals who visit Portugal with the intention of finding employment or starting a business have up to six months to find a job and apply for a residence card. Nevertheless, if you don’t have a regular income or adequate financial resources your application will be refused. Failure to apply for a residence card within the specified time is a serious offence and can lead to a heavy fine and even deportation.

The following items are prohibited to import to Portugal: firearms, weapons and ammunition; drugs, medicines and alcohol; pornographic material; gold in bars; perishable foodstuff; games of chance.