Azores Expats

Guides & how-tos

The paperwork and the practical stuff, explained by people who've done it.

Free to read in outline. Every guide's outline is free here; the full step-by-step — exact offices, documents, costs and the local shortcuts — opens in the free members' area.

Written by people who've done it. Lived experience, not official manuals.

Not formal advice. Guides are not legal, tax or medical advice. Rules, fees, thresholds and deadlines change, and the Azores often differ from the mainland — always confirm the current requirements with the relevant office (Finanças, AIMA, your câmara) before you act.

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New here? Start with these

The paperwork, roughly in the order you'll need it
  1. 1
    Get your NIFTax number — you'll need it for almost everything else.
  2. 2
    Register your residencyYour right to stay, step by step.
  3. 3
    Register for healthcareSNS number and your local health centre.
  4. 4
    Sort transportImporting or registering a car — you'll likely need one.
  5. 5
    If you'll work hereInvoicing and the freelancer basics.
  6. 6
    If you have childrenEnrolling in school and childcare.