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Algarve Local Reference INFOrmation
Moving house is complicated: changing address, notifying the gas, water and telephone companies, your satellite provider, tax office, bank. This list of essential "to-do" items should simplify your Portugal move as much as possible.
Registering with the authoritiesThe Portal do Cidadão (Citizens Portal) has an online and office-based "moving house" service Alteração de Morada which provides a system to easily notify organisations and authorities of a change in address (there is a fee in some cases). These include the electricity and water suppliers, tax office, health service and pensions bureau. The service is available to any legal resident of Portugal. In order to use it, an EU citizen will need their Identity Card (Bilhete de Identidade) updated with their new address as will a non-EU resident, with a Foreign Identification Number (Numero de Identificação de Estranjeiro) on their green Residency Card (Cartão de Residência).
Residency CardsUpdating the address on an Identity Card or Residency Card means the documents can be used as proof of address and identity when registering for utilities and services. To change the address on a residency cardContact the Portuguese Immigration Authorities (Serviço dos Estangeiros e das Fronteiras, SEF) to have the card reissued with the new address.
Those with a Residency Card (Cartão de Residência) may apply for a Portuguese Identity Card. This can be done on the website of the Civil Registry office (Registos e Notariado, DGRN). Fill in Form Number 11 (Modelo 11 – Pedido de Bilhete de Identidade), which can be downloaded from the website.
Rental ContractsMost rental contracts in Portugal stipulate that the landlord needs to be given a minimum of one month's notice, and many will require three months' notice. A letter giving notice should be photocopied and sent by registered post (Correio Registado).
UtilitiesElectricityWhen changing address contact the national electricity supplier, Energias de Portugal, EDP and fill out a contract cancellation form (Rescisão de Contrato). This can be done at one of EDP's Shops (Loja EDP), at a Citizens' Shop (Loja do Cidadão) or online.
When changing personal details at a EDP office or Citizen's Shop take the following documents:
TelephoneMake sure Portugal Telecom is contacted before moving. If a landline is installed at the new address, billing of it can be transferred to the new account holder's name for re-connection. Set up a standing order with the bank to pay both connection and phone bills or alternatively visit a Portugal Telecom Shop (PT Shop) and fill out all the necessary forms. Payment of fees and existing bills can be made via a Multibanco Card (Cartaõ Multibanco) at the PT Shop.
Check that all previous bills have been paid, as the new account holder is liable for them. WaterContact the water supply company to cancel the existing contract. Request the service be stopped and attach a copy of passport identity page and EU Identity Card/Residency Card. The Águas de Portugal website provides the names and contact information of local water boards in Portugal.
The following documents (and payment) are needed to open a new account:
GasThe gas market in Portugal is currently a regulated monopoly and consumers have the choice of only one provider – Galp Energia. If a contract is held with a gas company, it is necessary to notify the company and tell them to suspend the service.
If the new property is supplied with mains gas, contact the local gas supplier to arrange a supply contract and have the gas switched on and the meter read. This can also be done at the Citizens' Shops (Loja do Cidadão) PostContact the Post Office (CTT Correios) one month before moving and apply for a mail redirection service. There is a charge for this, but the redirection service can last for up to six months. The service can be set up:
Vehicle Registration and Driving LicenceAnyone with a vehicle registered in their name should have their new details of address entered on their Ownership Registration Document (Título de Registo de Propriedade ) at the Vehicle Registration Office (Conservatória do Registo Automóvel).
The driving licence (Carta de Condução) can be updated by sending it to the Portuguese Driving Licence Authority (Direcção-Geral de Viação, DGV).
The application for an alteration of address should be submitted with copies of:
The alterations on both documents can also be dealt with at a Citizens' Shop (Loja do Cidadão) Social SecurityThose receiving benefits or pensions from the Social Security (Segurança Social) should inform them of the change of address. It will be necessary to re-register if joining a new administrative region. Tax OfficeInform the current local Tax Office (Repartição de Financas) of the change of address and register with a new one near the new residence. Also Contact:
Further Information
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