Expatriation to Portugal doesn't always go according to plan, and returning home is often part of the final chapter in a move abroad. Just as you had to take the necessary steps to settle in Portugal, there are various organisations to notify and documents to obtain before leaving the country. Taxes, social security, contracts: there are many formalities to complete before saying goodbye to Portugal. To help you make the return journey in the best possible conditions, I'm Lisbob, the expats’ assistant, and I'm here to tell you about the 11 things you need to do before leaving Portugal.
Inform the tax authorities
Before leaving Portugal, it's essential to inform the tax authorities of your departure. As a taxpayer, you are required to notify the Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) of any change in your tax residence. You will need to complete a change of address form, which can be obtained online from the AT website or in person at a local office. You will need to provide information such as your NIF (tax identification number), your old address and your new address. It is also important to request a certificate of tax residence covering the period during which you have lived in Portugal. This document may be needed to prove your tax situation to the tax authorities and avoid double taxation. Don't forget to pay all your outstanding taxes and check whether you are entitled to a tax refund before leaving the country.
Termination of the rental contract
When you plan to leave Portugal, it is crucial to terminate your tenancy agreement in accordance with the terms of the lease. Generally, 30 to 60 days' notice is required, but this may vary depending on your specific agreement with the landlord. Be sure to reread your contract carefully for notice requirements and any penalties for early termination. Inform your landlord of your intention to leave in writing (registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt) and arrange a final inspection to check the condition of the property. You will also need to recover your deposit, less any necessary repairs. Don't forget to ask for written proof of termination of the lease, as this may be useful in justifying your change of residence to other bodies.
Termination of energy and water contracts
Terminating energy and water contracts is an important step in avoiding unnecessary costs after leaving Portugal. Contact your electricity, gas and water suppliers at least two weeks before your departure to inform them of your intention to cancel the contracts. They will give you instructions on how to proceed and inform you of any penalties or conditions to be met. Be sure to provide final meter readings to avoid being billed for energy and water consumption after your departure. It's also a good idea to keep a copy of your final bills and payment receipts to prove that your accounts have been closed correctly. Finally, don't forget to provide your new address to your suppliers so that they can send you any documents and refunds.
U1 certificate (Social Security)
The U1 certificate is an important document when you leave one European Union country for another. It enables you to claim periods of insurance, employment and residence completed in the country you are leaving, for the calculation of unemployment benefits in the country of destination.
Here's how to obtain the U1 certificate in Portugal:
Contact the competent institution: In Portugal, the institution competent to issue the U1 certificate is the "Instituto da Segurança Social" (Social Security Institute). You will need to contact them to request the PD U1 form.
Filling in the form: Fill in the form with your personal and professional details, including periods of work and insurance in Portugal.
Submit the form: Once you have completed the form, submit it to the Instituto da Segurança Social. They will examine your application and, if you are eligible, send you the U1 certificate.
Bear in mind that processing times may vary, so it is advisable to apply for the U1 certificate well before you leave Portugal.
Once in your new country, you will need to present the U1 certificate to the employment service when you register as a jobseeker. This document will enable them to take into account your periods of work and insurance in Portugal to determine your eligibility for unemployment benefit.
Termination of telecommunications contracts
When you leave Portugal, it is important to cancel your fixed-line, mobile and Internet contracts to avoid unnecessary charges. Contact each of your suppliers to inform them of your departure and request that your contracts be terminated. Notice periods and cancellation conditions vary between providers and offers, so it's essential to check this information in your contracts. Make sure you also pay all outstanding bills and return any leased equipment, such as modems and decoders. Keep a copy of the documents confirming the termination of your contracts and payment receipts, as you may be asked for them at a later date. Don't forget to give your new address to your suppliers so that they can send you any documents and refunds.
Home and vehicle insurance
Before leaving Portugal, it's important to cancel or amend your home and car insurance policies, depending on your situation. Contact your insurance company to inform them of your departure and request cancellation of your home insurance. You may need to provide proof that your lease has been terminated or that you have sold your property. As far as car insurance is concerned, you will need to decide whether you want to keep your vehicle in Portugal, export it or sell it. Inform your insurer of your decision and ask for your policy to be cancelled or amended accordingly. Be sure to check the cancellation conditions, any penalties and notice periods. Keep a copy of the cancellation documents and payment receipts to prove that your contracts have been closed correctly.
This is just goodbye!
Change of address
When you leave Portugal, it is essential to update your address with the relevant organisations and companies. This includes banks, insurance companies, subscriptions, clubs and associations, health bodies and public services. Some address updates can be done online, while others may require a visit in person or sending a registered letter. Don't forget to update your address on your identity documents, such as your passport and driving licence. It is also advisable to have your mail forwarded from your old address in Portugal to your new address for a set period of time. You can request this service from the Portuguese postal service, CTT Correios, to make sure you don't miss any important mail.
Health services
Cancelling your registration with the Portuguese health services is an important step before leaving the country. If you are registered with a public health centre or have private health insurance, inform them of your departure and cancel the contracts accordingly. You may need to provide proof of your change of residence, such as cancellation of your lease or sale of your property. Also ask for your medical records and those of your family members, if necessary. These documents contain important information about your medical history, vaccinations and current treatments, which may be useful to your new doctor. If you have any prescription medicines, make sure you have enough to cover the transition period between Portugal and your new country. Finally, find out about the procedures for registering with the health services, including Social Security and general practitioners, to ensure continuity of care once you arrive.
Education system
If you have children attending school in Portugal, it is important to unregister them from their schools before you leave. Inform the schools or nurseries of your intention to leave the country and ask for a certificate of attendance and school reports for each child. These documents are essential for enrolling your children in the education system in your new country. They will enable schools to determine your children's level of education and to direct them towards the appropriate classes. Find out about schools and enrolment procedures to make the transition easier. If necessary, consider organising tutoring or language classes to help your children adapt to their new school environment and overcome any language barriers.
Closing a bank account
If you do not wish to keep your bank accounts in Portugal, make an appointment with your bank to close them and transfer your funds. Closing a bank account may require the presence of the account holder in person and the presentation of identity documents. Make sure you pay all outstanding charges, including any penalties or account closure fees. You will also need to inform your bank of your new address so that they can send you any documents and refunds. Before closing your accounts, it is advisable to open a bank account in your new country to make it easier to transfer funds and manage your finances abroad. Find out about the banks in your new country and the different offers available so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Resident card
If you hold a resident card in Portugal, you must inform the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) of your departure and return your card. The procedure for returning your resident card may vary from one SEF office to another, depending on your personal situation. We recommend that you contact the SEF to find out about the specific steps to be taken in your case. Surrendering your residence card will avoid possible complications if you wish to return to Portugal at a later date for a short-term stay or to reside here again. Bear in mind that if you wish to return to live in Portugal in the future, you will probably have to start a new residence card application procedure. In addition, if you have specific work permits or visas linked to your residence card, be sure to cancel or amend them accordingly. Finally, if you have family members who depend on your residency status, don't forget to inform them of the situation and help them take the necessary steps for their own residency status.
You now know the 11 administrative steps to take before leaving Portugal. Of course there are others, and each departure is unique, but it would be impossible to cover all the points in a single article.
