Citizens of the European Union are free to travel across the region without the need for an additional visa or travel authorization. However, they’ll need a residency permit to live in another EU country for more than 90 days.
In Portugal, this residency document is called Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia, or CRUE for short. In this article, we’ll cover what EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens need to get a CRUE.
You’ll also find out more about:
What is a CRUE?
CRUE is the European citizen certificate, a residency permit (or official authorization) for a citizen of any EU country to live and work in Portugal for more than 90 days.
The temporary residency permit is valid for five years and can be renewed or converted to permanent residency if you meet certain requirements.
All EU countries have similar permits but under different names. For example, in Germany, it is called Anmeldebescheinigung für EU-Bürger while in France it is called Attestation d’Enregistrement pour Citoyens de l’Union Européenne.
CRUE Requirements
EU/EEA citizens can apply for a CRUE 90 days after arriving in Portugal and have 30 days to do so. Unlike non-EU citizens who arrive in Portugal through an uncontrolled border (like driving from Spain to Portugal), they don’t have to report their presence in the territory.
Any EU citizen has the right to live in Portugal for more than 90 days, provided they comply with at least one of the following conditions:
- They are employed or self-employed in Portuguese territory
- They have sufficient resources for themselves and for members of their family. While the requirement is around €9,000, some application centers accept a declaration that simply states you have enough funds – whether in a Portuguese bank account or abroad.
- They are enrolled at an officially accredited private or public teaching establishment and have sufficient resources for themselves and/or their family members
If they are from an EU country where Portuguese citizens must have health insurance, they must also have health insurance in Portugal.
Required documents
As with any visa or permit application, several documents must be presented. While visas are handled by Portugal’s Agency for Immigration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), CRUE applications are submitted to the local city council.
The required documents for the Portugal Residency Certificate for EU Citizens are:
- Valid identity card or passport
- Declaration, under oath, that you carry out a subordinate or independent professional activity in Portugal
- or that you have sufficient resources for yourself and family members
- or you are enrolled in an officially recognized public or private educational establishment
- If traveling with an EU citizen family member, a document proving the family relationship or the status of the partner
- A document proving a direct ascendant who is a national of a European Union country, as well as that of the spouse or partner (for example, a parent)
How to Register for Portugal's CRUE
EU citizens who have been in Portugal for three months must register at their local city council (Câmara Municipal) within 30 days to get a CRUE. This can also be done at a citizen shop (Loja Cidadão).
- Once you have taken a ticket for the European Citizen (Cidadão Europeu) line and reached the front, ask the attendant for a Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia application form.
- Carefully fill in the details, ensuring that all information is correct, and note down the correct reason for your application.
- Hand over your documents along with your application. In some cases, you might be required to show proof of accommodation in Portugal or provide bank statements.
- The attendant will check that everything is in order and then generate an invoice. The fee for a CRUE is €16 for adults and €7.50 for children under the age of six.
- Take the invoice and pay the required amount at the payments desk. You’ll be issued a receipt, so ensure you keep it safe.
- Go back to the attendant and hand them your proof of payment. They will then print out your Portugal CRUE, which you must sign.
CRUE for Non-EU Family Members
The same rules don’t apply to family members who don’t have EU citizenship. In this case, the family member must apply for a residency card to live in Portugal for more than three months with the EU citizen.
Provided that they have long-term residency in another EU country, they must apply for Portuguese residency through Portugal’s Agency for Immigration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). The granting of the residency visa falls under Article 116 of Portugal law.
Alternatively, the family member can apply for a Portugal Family Reunification Visa (D6), also through AIMA. It is one of the only visa applications that can be done online.
The required documents that must be submitted include:
- The residence permit or CRUE of the citizen who is residing in Portugal
- Valid passport or other valid travel document
- Proof of legal entry into Portugal
- Duly authenticated evidence of the family ties invoked
Permanent Residency and Citizenship
After the CRUE holder has lived in Portugal for five consecutive years, they can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
Applications are made through AIMA and are considered citizenship by naturalization. To apply for Portuguese citizenship, you need to submit several documents, including:
- Clean criminal record: Obtain a certificate confirming you don’t have significant criminal convictions.
- Clean health record: Provide a health certificate indicating that you are in good health and do not have any serious or communicable diseases.
- Proof of Portuguese residency: If applying through the naturalization route, submit evidence of your legal residency in Portugal. This includes documentation such as a residence permit, utility bills, rental agreements, or other official records demonstrating that you have lived in Portugal for the required period, as stated above.
- Fluency in Portuguese: Show proof of Portuguese proficiency by passing the CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) test or providing equivalent evidence.
You’ll also need to present a completed Portugal citizenship application form, a valid passport (proof of identification), and proof of payment for the application processing fee.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal's CRUE
What is the CRUE, and why do I need it?
The CRUE is a registration certificate for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who plan to live in Portugal for over 90 days.
It proves your legal residency under EU freedom of movement laws and requires access to services like healthcare, banking, and education.
Who needs to apply for the CRUE?
Any EU/EEA/Swiss citizen intending to reside in Portugal for more than 90 days must apply. Family members who are not EU citizens may need a residence card under different rules.
Where do I apply for the CRUE in Portugal?
Applications are made at the local Câmara Municipal (City Hall) in the area where you live.
What documents are required to apply for the CRUE?
- A valid passport or national ID card.
- Proof of financial means (e.g., employment contract, bank statement, or proof of self-employment).
- Proof of address in Portugal (e.g., rental contract, utility bill).
- For students, they need proof of enrollment in an educational institution and health insurance.
How long does the CRUE remain valid?
The CRUE is valid for five years or the planned duration of your stay if it is shorter. After five years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
How much does it cost to apply for the CRUE?
The application fee is usually minimal, around €15, though it can vary slightly depending on the municipality.
Can I work in Portugal with a CRUE?
Yes, the CRUE confirms your right to live and work in Portugal without requiring a separate work permit. It is valid for both employed and self-employed individuals.
Do I need to renew the CRUE?
You don’t need to renew the CRUE itself within its five-year validity. However, after five years, you can apply for a permanent residence certificate, which grants indefinite residency rights.
What happens if I don’t register for the CRUE?
Failing to register within 90 days of your arrival could result in fines or complications with accessing services.
It’s also a legal obligation under Portuguese law and can lead to fines.
Can my family members apply for the CRUE?
Family members who are also EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can apply for their own CRUE.
Non-EU family members must apply for a residence card through a different process, proving their relationship to you.
