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UI&DS

Researcher Support

Presentation

Lusófona University welcomes all international faculty and researchers who choose our institution to develop their academic and scientific activity in Portugal. This page supports your integration by providing practical, well-organized information for each stage of your experience with us. Our goal is to offer a clear and accessible guide that helps your adaptation and ensures access to the resources and benefits of Universidade Lusófona, so your experience is as simple and enriching as possible.

Preparing for your stay

We recommend organizing essential documents and accommodation as early as possible, as these processes may take some time.

  • Institutional Benefits

    All employees of Lusófona University receive institutional benefits, including:

    Health and Wellness

    Services Lisbon PBS – Health Benefits Plan: consultations, exams, and treatments at reduced prices at the São João de Deus Clinic and São José de Camarate Clinic.

    Lisbon Progresso Pharmacy – Discounts on over-the-counter medications and products, with free delivery to the Lusófona University of Lisbon Campus.

    Sports

    Manz CES – Exercise and Wellness Club: discounts on registration and physical assessment. Email: Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ter o JavaScript autorizado para o visualizar. | Phone: +351 917 385 371.

    Banks

    Benefits on bank products and credit solutions:

    Education

    Lusófona Store – 30% discount on publications from Lusófona University Editions and 10% discount on other publications.

    Lusófona University – Tuition fee reduction under the School Social Action Regulation.

    Real Colégio de Portugal – Discounts on enrollment, registration, and monthly fees for employees’ children.

    Home

    MEO – Discounts and benefits on MEO services. Identify yourself as a COFAC, SESC, or CTD (Ensino Lusófona) employee.

    PROVE – Basket delivery on campus (Thursdays, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM). Vegetable and fruit baskets (9–11 kg) – €10 (paid directly to the supplier).

    Travel

    Tazzi – 20% discount on trips. Coupon: ECOLUSOFONA.

    Btravel Xperience – Travel discounts.

  • Resident Visa and Residence Permit
    Citizens of of an EU country

    Citizens of the European Union do not need a residence visa to live, study, or work in Portugal.

    For stays of up to three months, no registration is required. A valid national identity card or passport is sufficient.

    For stays of more than three months, EU citizens must apply for a European Union Citizen Registration Certificate (CRUE) at the City Hall (Câmara Municipal) of their area of residence. This certificate serves as proof of legal residence in Portugal and does not constitute a visa.

    After five years of legal and continuous residence in Portugal, EU citizens may apply for a Permanent Residence Certificate.

    Nationals of a non-EU country

    Researchers who are not nationals of an EU country and intend to work or carry out research in Portugal must obtain a visa. To come to Portugal as a researcher, you need:

    1. Temporary stay visa (research activities for less than one year), or
    2. Residence visa and, after arrival, a residence permit (research activities for one year or more).

    You also need an acceptance letter and an employment contract, a service provision contract, or a scientific research grant from an accredited research institution.

    Apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate in your country of origin or residence. A residence visa allows entry into Portugal for the purpose of applying for a residence permit, if requirements are met. Consult: Migration and Home Affairs.

    Consulting the AIMA portal is essential for obtaining a residence visa and/or residence permit card for students, researchers, mobility programs, volunteering, and internships. The acceptance letter and/or contract must be attached to the documents requested by AIMA when applying for a visa.

    Note: Lusófona University provides, upon request, an acceptance letter (by email and/or regular mail). Some consular services may also require the employment contract.

    Important:

    1. Applicants are responsible for collecting and preparing all documents required by consular services.
    2. All costs associated with visa applications are the responsibility of applicants.
    3. Consular services are solely responsible for assessing, approving, and issuing visas.
  • Tax Identification Number (NIF)

    The Tax Identification Number (NIF) is a unique number assigned to each taxpayer in Portugal by the Tax and Customs Authority (AT).

    Note: Without a NIF, it is not possible to open a bank account, sign legal contracts, or receive income in Portugal.

    Citizens of an EU country

    To qualify as a tax resident, EU citizens must present one of the following documents:

    • A civil identity document, or
    • A passport, or
    • A European Union Citizen Registration Certificate issued by the municipality of the area of residence.

    To qualify as a non-resident for tax purposes, EU citizens must present:

    • A civil identity document, or
    • A passport.
    Citizens of a non-EU Country(non-EU)

    To qualify as a tax resident, non-EU citizens must present:

    • An identity document or passport, and
    • A valid residence permit.

    To qualify as a non-resident for tax purposes, non-EU citizens must present:

    • An identity document or passport, and
    • A tax representative who resides in Portugal (individual or legal entity).

    The tax representative may be:

    • A lawyer or accountant hired by the company, or
    • A family member or friend who resides in Portugal.

    Universidade Lusófona may request a provisional Tax Identification Number (NIF) on behalf of the researcher. The researcher must later visit the Tax Office in person, accompanied by a legal representative, to convert the provisional NIF into a definitive one.

    Note: The Taxpayer’s Card no longer exists. The Citizen’s Card replaces it for Portuguese nationals and for Brazilian citizens covered by the Porto Seguro Agreement.

  • Social Security Identification Number (NISS)

    The Social Security Identification Number (NISS) is mandatory for anyone working in Portugal. It is a unique number assigned to each person for registration and monitoring with Social Security.

    Note: Without a NISS, it is not possible to register contributions or access Social Security benefits. It is required for employment contracts and administrative procedures related to work and social protection.

    Applying for the NISS is free of charge. You can apply by completing the form available on the Social Security website and attaching the required valid identification documents.

  • Recognition of Academic Degrees

    For academic degrees awarded by foreign higher education institutions, under Decree-Law No. 66/2018 of 16 August, recognition of the degree and conversion of the final grade to the Portuguese grading scale may be required to ensure equal treatment.

    Recognition and grade conversion must be completed within the application submission period. Requests can be made at any public higher education institution or at the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) (automatic recognition only). For more information, consult the DGES Portal.

  • Accommodation

    Lusófona University offers accommodation at the Manuel da Maia University Residence, located at the intersection of Av. Manuel da Maia and Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques, as part of a Lisbon City Council project available to higher education institutions in Lisbon.

    Residência Universitária Manuel da Maia

    Additional housing options:

  • Employment Contract or Research Agreement

    To prepare the contract, the following information is required:

    • Full name
    • Address (including district, postcode, and town/city)
    • Tax identification number in the country of residence
    • Date of birth
    • Place of birth
    • Nationality
    • Copy of identity document
    • Work plan

    Note: The employment contract requires a tax identification number (NIF) issued by the Tax Authority (AT), which is personal, unique, and permanent for life.

  • Access to Health Care

    Foreign nationals in Portugal who need health care have the right to be treated at a Health Centre or, in case of emergency, a Hospital. Foreign researchers legally residing in Portugal have access to health care and medication support under the National Health Service (SNS), under similar conditions as Portuguese citizens.

    To access SNS services, obtain an SNS user number at the Health Centre in the area of residence or at a Citizen’s Shop (Loja do Cidadão). Present proof of residence permit, work visa, or authorization to stay in Portugal. If you do not contribute to Social Security, you must cover the cost of treatments.

    Important contacts:

    • General Emergency Number: 112 – free, 24/7 (police, fire brigade, ambulance, rescue).
    • Poison Information Centre – 808 250 143 (24/7).
  • Transport
    Lisbon

    In Lisbon, there are two main travel pass options:

    1. Municipal travel pass – €30/month. Valid for travel on regular public transport within one of the 18 municipalities of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Valid from the first to the last day of the month of purchase, within the selected municipality.
    2. Metropolitan travel pass – €40/month. Valid on all regular public transport in all 18 municipalities of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Valid from the first to the last day of the month of purchase.

    More information: Navegante card.

    GIRA bikes in Lisbon

    Lisbon residents with an active Navegante monthly pass can access the GIRA network at no extra cost through the GIRA app. Residents aged 24–64 with tax residence in Lisbon may request GIRA NAVEGANTE access at EMEL service points (Loja do Cidadão das Laranjeiras, Loja do Cidadão do Saldanha, or Loja CML do Campo Grande).

    Oporto

    In Oporto, the Andante Metropolitano pass allows the use of metro, buses, and suburban trains across the 17 municipalities of the Porto Metropolitan Area. Valid monthly, from the first to the last day of the month. Price: €40/month.

End of Stay

  • Cancellations

    Before concluding your stay in Portugal, cancel all active commitments: rental contract and household services (water, electricity, gas, internet, mobile/TV), transport passes (such as Navegante or Andante), health or other private insurance, bank accounts, gym or association memberships, and any school or daycare enrollments for children or social benefits.

  • Use a mail forwarding service

    Before leaving, set up an out-of-office message on your institutional email account. This informs colleagues, partners, and students about your absence, the duration of unavailability, and alternative contacts when needed. This helps maintain clear communication and avoids delays.

  • Review your tax obligations
    IRS (Personal Income Tax)

    If you worked or received a fellowship in Portugal, you may need to submit an IRS tax return, even after leaving the country.
    Note: Specific rules apply for tax residents and non-residents.

    Withholding and proof of income: Confirm whether tax was withheld at source on salaries or fellowships. Keep receipts and supporting documents.

    Tax benefits or deductions: Check eligibility for deductions or refunds before leaving.

Useful Links

Portuguese Tax Authority Social Security Portugal SNS24 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal

Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum Study and Research in Portugal – FCT European Health Insurance Card