Toranja Solutions

Trusted Partners
10 Must-Do Things During Your First Week in Portugal​

10 Must-Do Things During Your First Week in Portugal

Portugal, one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations, offers a unique blend of tradition, modernity, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If you are preparing to move to this welcoming country, whether for work or leisure, there are several things you should do during your first week in Portugal to ease your transition and make the most of your experience. 

Portugal, one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations, offers a unique blend of tradition, modernity, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If you are preparing to move to this welcoming country, whether for work or leisure, there are several things you should do during your first week in Portugal to ease your transition and make the most of your experience. 

Here’s a detailed list of 10 essential things to do during your first week in the country

  • Find Your New Home in Portugal
  • Register with the Portuguese Authorities
  • Register with the Healthcare System
  • Open a Portuguese Bank Account
  • Get a Portuguese SIM Card
  • Look for a Job
  • Organize Transportation
  • Set Up Internet and Other Services
  • Enroll Your Children in School
  • Explore and Enjoy Local Culture

Find Your New Home in Portugal

The first thing you should do upon arriving in Portugal is to secure your place of residence. If you don’t have a house or apartment already booked, you can opt for temporary accommodations such as a short-term rental apartment. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro offer a wide range of housing options. However, if you’re looking for something more permanent, you can begin searching for apartments or houses for long-term rent. Online platforms such as Idealista or OLX are great starting points, but it’s also advisable to contact a local real estate agent, especially if it’s your first time in the country.

If your intention is to purchase a home, the search begins online as well, but keep in mind that the home-buying process in Portugal involves a series of bureaucratic steps, such as obtaining an NIF (Tax Identification Number) and the assistance of a specialized lawyer.

The first thing you should do upon arriving in Portugal is to secure your place of residence. If you don’t have a house or apartment already booked, you can opt for temporary accommodations such as a short-term rental apartment. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro offer a wide range of housing options. However, if you're looking for something more permanent, you can begin searching for apartments or houses for long-term rent. Online platforms such as Idealista or OLX are great starting points, but it’s also advisable to contact a local real estate agent, especially if it’s your first time in the country. If your intention is to purchase a home, the search begins online as well, but keep in mind that the home-buying process in Portugal involves a series of bureaucratic steps, such as obtaining an NIF (Tax Identification Number) and the assistance of a specialized lawyer.

With the help of Toranja Solutions, make buying your home easier. Click here!

Register with the Portuguese Authorities

Depending on your nationality and length of stay, it’s important to register with the appropriate authorities. If you are an EU citizen and plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must register at the Municipal Chamber of your area of residence to obtain a EU Citizen Registration Certificate. Non-EU citizens must register with the Immigration and Asylum Agency (AIMA) and may require a Residence Visa or Residence Citizen Card.

Additionally, you should apply for your NIF (Tax Identification Number), an essential document for various everyday tasks such as opening a bank account or signing contracts.

Depending on your nationality and length of stay, it’s important to register with the appropriate authorities. If you are an EU citizen and plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must register at the Municipal Chamber of your area of residence to obtain a EU Citizen Registration Certificate. Non-EU citizens must register with the Immigration and Asylum Agency (AIMA) and may require a Residence Visa or Residence Citizen Card. Additionally, you should apply for your NIF (Tax Identification Number), an essential document for various everyday tasks such as opening a bank account or signing contracts.

In Portugal, the process of obtaining an NIF can be handled in several places.

If you need help, Toranja Solutions can assist you. Click here!

Register with the Healthcare System

Portugal has a public healthcare system called the National Health Service (SNS), which you can use after registering with the local authorities. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access SNS services without additional costs. However, many expats opt to take out private health insurance that offers more extensive coverage and faster treatment. Global providers like Allianz Care and Cigna Global are popular among expats.

Additionally, if you plan to drive in Portugal, make sure to obtain appropriate car insurance, as well as other essential insurance policies, such as home insurance.

Portugal has a public healthcare system called the National Health Service (SNS), which you can use after registering with the local authorities. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access SNS services without additional costs. However, many expats opt to take out private health insurance that offers more extensive coverage and faster treatment. Global providers like Allianz Care and Cigna Global are popular among expats. Additionally, if you plan to drive in Portugal, make sure to obtain appropriate car insurance, as well as other essential insurance policies, such as home insurance.

Don’t waste your time, register with the healthcare system and take care of your health with ease with our help. Click here. 

Open a Portuguese Bank Account

Having a Portuguese bank account makes it much easier to integrate into the country, as it is needed to pay for services, receive salaries, or even make online purchases. Major Portuguese banks such as Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Novo Banco, and Millennium BCP have straightforward processes for opening an account, but it’s recommended to bring documents such as your NIF, proof of address, and a valid identification document.

Alternatively, you can opt for digital banks such as Revolut and N26, which offer the ability to open an account remotely, which can be a good option if you don’t speak fluent Portuguese.

Having a Portuguese bank account makes it much easier to integrate into the country, as it is needed to pay for services, receive salaries, or even make online purchases. Major Portuguese banks such as Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Novo Banco, and Millennium BCP have straightforward processes for opening an account, but it’s recommended to bring documents such as your NIF, proof of address, and a valid identification document. Alternatively, you can opt for digital banks such as Revolut and N26, which offer the ability to open an account remotely, which can be a good option if you don’t speak fluent Portuguese.

Open your bank account quickly and easily. Get started now!

Get a Portuguese SIM Card

For those arriving from outside the European Union, a local SIM card is essential to ensure lower mobile tariffs and stay connected. Operators such as MEO, NOS, and Vodafone offer a variety of mobile plans. Getting a prepaid SIM card is the easiest and quickest option, but you can also choose a contract if you need more data or calling minutes.

Make sure to install essential apps like Google Maps, Uber, BlaBlaCar, and others to facilitate mobility and communication in the country.

For those arriving from outside the European Union, a local SIM card is essential to ensure lower mobile tariffs and stay connected. Operators such as MEO, NOS, and Vodafone offer a variety of mobile plans. Getting a prepaid SIM card is the easiest and quickest option, but you can also choose a contract if you need more data or calling minutes. Make sure to install essential apps like Google Maps, Uber, BlaBlaCar, and others to facilitate mobility and communication in the country.

Here are some topics related to telecommunications and connectivity in Portugal that you can explore:

  • Main Telecommunications Operators in Portugal (MEO, NOS, and Vodafone)
  • Prepaid Plans vs. Contract Plans
  • Best Apps for Communication and Mobility
  • Internet Access and Public Wi-Fi in Portugal
  • Network Coverage and Mobile Service Quality
  • Alternatives to Local SIM Cards

Look for a Job in Portugal

If you don’t have a job secured, the first week is a good time to start job hunting. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra offer the most job opportunities, but there are openings across the country. Websites like LinkedIn, Expresso Emprego, and Sapo Emprego are the main portals for job searching. Depending on your field of work, you may need to translate your CV into Portuguese and prepare for interviews, which may sometimes be conducted in Portuguese.

Furthermore, if you are a freelancer, explore the possibilities of registering a sole proprietorship in Portugal, especially if you plan to start your own business.

If you don’t have a job secured, the first week is a good time to start job hunting. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra offer the most job opportunities, but there are openings across the country. Websites like LinkedIn, Expresso Emprego, and Sapo Emprego are the main portals for job searching. Depending on your field of work, you may need to translate your CV into Portuguese and prepare for interviews, which may sometimes be conducted in Portuguese. Furthermore, if you are a freelancer, explore the possibilities of registering a sole proprietorship in Portugal, especially if you plan to start your own business.

Here are some topics related to job searching and working in Portugal that you can explore:

  • Main Job Portals in Portugal (LinkedIn, Expresso Emprego, and Sapo Emprego)
  • How to Adapt Your CV to the Portuguese Job Market
  • Interview Preparation for Jobs in Portugal
  • Freelancing and Self-Employment Opportunities
  • Industries with High Demand for Professionals in Portugal
  • Networking and Professional Opportunities
  • Visas and Work Permits for Foreigners

Organize Transportation

Portugal has good public transportation networks in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, where you can use the metro and buses with the Lisboa Viva card or Andante in Porto. In smaller cities, public transportation may be limited, so it may be a good idea to get a bicycle or even a car. For EU citizens, the driver’s license can be used directly, but non-EU citizens will need to obtain a Portuguese driver’s license after one year of residency.

Portugal has good public transportation networks in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, where you can use the metro and buses with the Lisboa Viva card or Andante in Porto. In smaller cities, public transportation may be limited, so it may be a good idea to get a bicycle or even a car. For EU citizens, the driver's license can be used directly, but non-EU citizens will need to obtain a Portuguese driver’s license after one year of residency.

Organize your transportation simply and effectively. Book now!

Set Up Internet and Other Services

Once you settle into your home, you should arrange for essential services like electricity, water, and internet. Companies like EDP, MEO, and Vodafone are the main providers for telecom and energy services. For internet, options range from fiber optic to ADSL, and the main companies also offer combined packages with TV and landline phone services.

Once you settle into your home, you should arrange for essential services like electricity, water, and internet. Companies like EDP, MEO, and Vodafone are the main providers for telecom and energy services. For internet, options range from fiber optic to ADSL, and the main companies also offer combined packages with TV and landline phone services.

Here are some topics related to setting up essential services in Portugal that you can explore:

  • Electricity and Water Providers in Portugal (EDP, Endesa, Galp)
  • Internet and Telecommunications Providers (MEO, Vodafone, and NOS)
  • Combined Packages: Internet, TV, and Landline Phone
  • Costs and Contracts for Essential Services
  • How to Change Energy or Internet Providers
  • Tips for Reducing Energy and Internet Consumption
  • Essential Services for Expats and Non-Residents

Enroll Your Children in School

If you’re moving with children, you should look into school options available. Public schools in Portugal are of good quality, but many families prefer international schools, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto, where there are various options. If you choose a public school, you must go to the Municipal Chamber to complete the registration. Private and international schools may require a longer application process.

If you’re moving with children, you should look into school options available. Public schools in Portugal are of good quality, but many families prefer international schools, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto, where there are various options. If you choose a public school, you must go to the Municipal Chamber to complete the registration. Private and international schools may require a longer application process.

The future starts at school. Enroll your children now and open the doors to knowledge. Click here!

Explore and Enjoy Local Culture

Finally, after handling the bureaucratic matters, don’t forget to explore Portuguese culture. Stroll through the historic streets of Lisbon, Porto, or Sintra, enjoy local cuisine — such as the famous bacalhau, pastéis de nata, and Port wine — and take the opportunity to visit the beautiful beaches of the Algarve or the serene landscapes of the Serra da Estrela. Attending cultural events and local leisure activities is a great way to integrate and make new friends.

Finally, after handling the bureaucratic matters, don’t forget to explore Portuguese culture. Stroll through the historic streets of Lisbon, Porto, or Sintra, enjoy local cuisine — such as the famous bacalhau, pastéis de nata, and Port wine — and take the opportunity to visit the beautiful beaches of the Algarve or the serene landscapes of the Serra da Estrela. Attending cultural events and local leisure activities is a great way to integrate and make new friends.

Here are some of the best ways to explore Portugal’s cultural and historical treasures:

Conclusion

Your first week in Portugal may seem challenging due to the bureaucratic and logistical tasks, but with organization and a positive attitude, adapting to this new chapter will be easy. From finding housing to exploring the local cuisine and culture, Portugal offers everything to make you feel at home quickly.

Your first week in Portugal may seem challenging due to the bureaucratic and logistical tasks, but with organization and a positive attitude, adapting to this new chapter will be easy. From finding housing to exploring the local cuisine and culture, Portugal offers everything to make you feel at home quickly.

Good Luck and enjoy your New Adventure!

Categories
Finance & Investments

Finance & Investments

Living in Portugal

Living in Portugal

Documentation & Legalization

Visas & Documentation

Other Relevant News

  • Essential Tips for Exploring Portugal​
    Essential Tips for Exploring Portugal

    Portugal, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class gastronomy, is an unmissable destination for all travelers. The country offers a combination of vibrant cities, paradisiacal beaches, and warm hospitality that makes any visit special. With a deep cultural heritage, full of medieval castles, historical monuments, and a unique musical and artistic tradition, Portugal is perfect for those seeking immersion in culture. The mild climate for much of the year makes it attractive in any season, with coastal regions ideal for relaxation and mountainous areas perfect for outdoor activities. 

    March 27, 2025
    Read More
  • First Week in Portugal​
    10 Must-Do Things During Your First Week in Portugal​

    Portugal, one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations, offers a unique blend of tradition, modernity, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If you are preparing to move to this welcoming country, whether for work or leisure, there are several things you should do during your first week in Portugal to ease your transition and make the most of your experience. 

    March 24, 2025
    Read More
  • Startups in Portugal
    New Incentives to Boost Competitiveness of Startups in Portugal

    The Portuguese government has launched a new Incentive System for the Competitiveness of Startups, offering non-refundable financial support to boost innovation and international growth. With targeted funding through the Voucher Deep Tech, Voucher Go to EIC Accelerator, and Start from Knowledge Program, this initiative aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Portugal and position the country as a hub for tech startups.

    March 10, 2025
    Read More