Work and Legal Basics

Work Permit Checklist for Lisbon Newcomers

What non-EU citizens need to work legally in Portugal.

Action checklist

Complete these steps in order for the fastest, safest setup.

1EU citizens: register at Câmara Municipal — no work permit needed
2Non-EU: D2 (digital nomad), D7 (passive income), or work visa via employer
3NIF and NHR application: submit as soon as you have an address
4SEF appointment (now AIMA): book online — appointment wait is months

City context: Lisbon

These steps are tailored for newcomers in Lisbon. Costs, availability, and requirements may differ in other cities — switch the city selector above to switch context.

Read what residents say about Work and Legal Basics in Lisbon

Work and Legal Basics

Work Permit Checklist for Lisbon Newcomers

What non-EU citizens need to work legally in Portugal.

Action checklist

Complete these steps in order for the fastest, safest setup.

1EU citizens: register at Câmara Municipal — no work permit needed
2Non-EU: D2 (digital nomad), D7 (passive income), or work visa via employer
3NIF and NHR application: submit as soon as you have an address
4SEF appointment (now AIMA): book online — appointment wait is months

City context: Lisbon

These steps are tailored for newcomers in Lisbon. Costs, availability, and requirements may differ in other cities — switch the city selector above to switch context.

Read what residents say about Work and Legal Basics in Lisbon