EU citizens living in Madeira (or in any Portuguese territory) for longer than 3 months have to formalize their right of residence by registering.
After 3 months in Madeira (or in any Portuguese territory), EU citizens have 30 days to register, after which they receive a registration certificate.
EU citizens living in Madeira: What they have to do?
They must apply at the local city/town hall (Câmara Municipal) with jurisdiction over their residential address and provide the following documents:
- Workers
- a valid identity document
- a declaration on oath that they are employed or self-employed in Madeira (or in any Portuguese territory); or
- a declaration on oath that they have sufficient financial resources for themselves and their family members, and a health insurance policy, if the country of which they are citizens has the same requirement for Portuguese citizens.
- Pensioners
- a valid identity document
- a declaration on oath that they have sufficient financial resources for themselves and their family members, and a health insurance policy, if the country of which they are citizens has the same requirement for Portuguese citizens.
- Students
- a valid identity document
- a declaration on oath that they are registered with an officially accredited public or private educational establishment
- a declaration or other means of proof that they have sufficient financial resources and a health insurance policy, if the country of which they are citizens has the same requirement for Portuguese citizens.
Notwithstanding the above documentation legally required by city/town halls, additional documentation might be requested by the municipal governments, usually differing from municipal government to municipal government and even from administration from administration. This is where we can help not only navigate the bureaucracy but also the compliance of the documents to be provided.
Failure to register is an offense punishable by a fine of between EUR 400 and 1500.
Registering or remaining registered without meeting the necessary conditions is an offense punishable by a fine of between EUR 500 and 2500.
In the event of an abuse of the law, fraud, or false marriage or partnership of convenience, residence rights will be refused and withdrawn.
For further information please and assistance in complying with immigration requirements in Madeira, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team has more than 20 years of experience in assisting expats relocating to Madeira.
Miguel Pinto-Correia holds a Master Degree in International Economics and European Studies from ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics & Management and a Bachelor Degree in Economics from Nova School of Business and Economics. He is a permanent member of the Order of the Economists (Ordem dos Economistas)… Read more
