CRUE — EU Citizen Registration in Portugal

The CRUE (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) is your registration certificate as an EU/EEA citizen living in Portugal. If you plan to stay longer than 3 months, you are legally required to register at your local Câmara Municipal (town hall).

Step-by-step

1. Get your NIF first — you need this before applying for CRUE
2. Book an appointment at your local Câmara Municipal (town hall) — some accept walk-ins, but appointments are faster
3. Bring: valid EU ID or passport, NIF, proof of address (rental contract or Atestado de Residência from Junta de Freguesia), proof of financial means (employment contract, bank statements, or proof of self-employment)
4. Fill in the registration form and pay the €15 fee
5. Receive your CRUE certificate — a green A4 document with your registration number

Good to know

• The CRUE is for EU/EEA citizens only. Non-EU citizens need a residence permit (Autorização de Residência) through SEF/AIMA instead.
• You need proof of financial means — this can be an employment contract, 3 months of bank statements, or proof of freelance activity.
• The CRUE is needed for SNS healthcare registration as an EU citizen.
• Keep the original safe — you may need it for various official procedures.