Moving to the Azores
A practical roadmap for anyone considering living in the region, with the main steps and official links. Rules change: always confirm at the source before deciding.
This content is informational and is not legal or tax advice. Immigration and tax rules change often.
Visas and ways to reside
EU citizens: living in the Azores
Right to reside, municipal registration and first steps.
Read the guideD7 visa: passive income and retirees
Who can apply, what to prove and how the process works.
Read the guideD8 visa: remote work and digital nomads
For people who work remotely for companies or clients abroad.
Read the guideD2 visa: entrepreneurs and self-employed
Start a business or work self-employed in Portugal.
Read the guideWork visas and job-seeker visas
Employment contracts, skilled professions and the job-seeker visa.
Read the guideStudent visa
Studying in Portugal and the Azores: visa, enrolment and work.
Read the guideFamily reunification
Bringing a spouse, children and other relatives to Portugal.
Read the guideGolden Visa and investment visas
What changed and what is still possible.
Read the guideThe old "Golden Visa" through property purchase was closed in 2023; other investment routes continue under their own rules. Confirm the current regime before planning.
Essentials for arriving and settling in
NIF and fiscal representative
The tax number that opens every door.
Read the guideHealthcare in the Azores
Regional Health Service, private insurance and emergencies.
Read the guideCost of living in the Azores
Housing, groceries, energy and transport.
Read the guideTaxes for new residents
Income tax, tax residency and regimes for newcomers.
Read the guidePortuguese citizenship
By residence, marriage or descent: what we know and what is changing.
Read the guideDriving licence and car
Exchanging your licence, buying a car and getting around.
Read the guideStep by step
Get a NIF
The tax identification number is needed for almost everything: housing contract, bank account, utilities. If you do not live in the EU you need a fiscal representative.
Open a bank account
Many banks require a NIF and proof of address or of a pending visa.
Choose the right visa
Apply at the Portuguese consulate in your country, with the documents required for your route.
Book with AIMA
After arriving with the visa, you apply for or renew the residence permit at the competent agency.
Social Security and healthcare
Request your social security number (NISS) and register at a health centre to get your SNS user number.
Driving licence and records
Check whether your licence is valid or needs exchanging, and update your address and documents.
Official links
- AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal
- ePortugal: public services
- Tax Authority portal (NIF)
- Social Security
- Government of the Azores
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to live in the Azores?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not. Others generally do: you apply for the right visa before travelling, then for the residence permit.
What is a NIF and how do I get one?
It is the Portuguese tax number. You get it at the tax office or, in some cases, through authorised services. If you do not live in the EU you need to appoint a fiscal representative.
Can I work remotely from the Azores?
Yes, under the right framework. The D8 visa was created for remote workers; check the income requirements and tax implications.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
It helps a lot for daily life and paperwork. Citizenship has a language requirement. In tourism and services, English is widely used.
How does healthcare work?
Residents registered with the Azores Regional Health Service have access to the public network. Many expats add private insurance.