Moving to Madeira from the UK as an EU Citizen: Overview and Legal Requirements
Thank you for the a2a. If you're moving to Madeira from the UK but are originally from Poland, the process of legally living and working in Portugal is simpler than you might think. As a Polish citizen and therefore part of the European Union, you have the right to live and work in Portugal without any additional restrictions.
EU Citizenship and Free Movement Rights
Since Portugal is an EU country and you're a Polish EU citizen, you enjoy the same rights as a Portuguese citizen when it comes to living and working in Portugal. There's no need to obtain a visa or specific permission from the Portuguese authorities to settle down and start your new life. This is all thanks to the principle of free movement within the EU.
Registering for Essential Services
To ensure smooth integration into Portuguese life, it's important to register for several key services. These include:
Fiscal Registration and Social Security
As a Polish/EU citizen, you must register with the tax authority Autoridade Tributária e Alfandegária (AT) and obtain a fiscal identification number (Número de Identifica??o Fiscal, NIF). Similarly, you need to register with the Social Security (Seguran?a Social, SS) and secure a Social Security number (Número de Inscri??o no Sistema de Seguran?a Social, NISS).
Note that these services may be less efficient compared to others in Portugal. For assistance with these registrations, consider contacting the Estados Generais da Fronteira (SEF), the Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service.
It’s important to note that these registrations are not just for tax purposes but also for accessing medical services under the National Health Service (Servi?os de Saúde Português, SNS). Make sure to obtain a resident card from SEF to facilitate all these processes.
National Health Service
Upon settling in Portugal, you should register with the Servi?os de Saúde Português (SNS) and receive a social security number. If you intend to stay for short periods, you may use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, for a full integration, you should register as a normal and habitual user of the SNS.
Post-Residency Benefits
After two years of residency in Portugal, you may be eligible to vote in local municipal elections, as well as in regional elections in Madeira. National elections, which involve the entire country, are limited to Portuguese citizens only. If you plan to remain in Portugal for the long term, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5-6 years of permanent residency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a Polish EU citizen moving to Madeira, Portugal, the process is straightforward and similar to that of any other EU/EEA national. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and enjoy the benefits of living in an EU country. Don't hesitate to seek additional support from local authorities or SEF if you encounter any difficulties.