NIF
To get a NIF number in Lisbon as a student, follow these steps:
- Gather Documents: Bring your passport (or EU ID), proof of address (like a rental contract or accommodation letter), and optionally, your student ID or proof of enrollment.
- Visit a Finanças Office: Head to a local Finanças office in Lisbon. Go early to avoid long lines.
- Fiscal Representative: If you're an EU/EEA student, you usually don't need one. Non-EU/EEA students will need a fiscal representative (someone with a NIF in Portugal).
- Request Your NIF: Inform the staff that you need a NIF, provide your documents, and fill out the form.
- Receive Your NIF: Your NIF will be issued on the spot, often free of charge.
That's it! You'll have your NIF number ready for any necessary activities in Portugal.
Transport Card
If you're living or planning to study in Lisbon, the Navegante pass is the most practical and affordable way to move around the city and its surrounding areas.
The good news? If you're an Erasmus+ student and under 23, you can get this pass completely free!
The Navegante is a monthly public transport pass that allows you to travel with just one card across various transport services in the Lisbon area, including:
- Lisbon Metro
- Carris buses and trams
- Suburban trains (CP) – Sintra, Azambuja, Cascais lines, etc.
- Ferries (Transtejo/Soflusa) – e.g., to Almada, Barreiro, Seixal
- Other operators within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML)There are different versions of the pass (e.g., Municipal or
- Metropolitan), but for students, the most common is the free version valid across the entire AML.
What do you need to apply?
To apply for your physical Navegante Card, you'll need:
- Passport or EU national ID;
- Portuguese NIF (tax number);
- Proof of address in Portugal (sometimes required);
- Proof of enrollment (if you're over 23 and in an integrated degree);
- Completed and signed Navegante application form.
Where to apply for the card?
You can apply in person or online:
In Person – Available at:
Navegante service points
Carris ticket offices
CP (Comboios de Portugal) train stations
Citizen Shops (Lojas do Cidadão)
Online – Through:
www.navegante.pt
Navegante App
Accommodation
Due to renovation work in IPL's Residencences there are not available slots for students in mobility programs in 2026/2027.
You may also consider options such as:
- http://spru.pt/
- http://www.inlifeportugal.com/
- http://www.studyinlisbon.pt/en/alojamento/
- https://www.uniplaces.com/
- http://www.erasmuslisboa.com/alojamento/
- http://www.erasmuslifelisboa.com - housing@erasmuslifelisboa.com
- http://www.esn-lisboa.org/?q=content/housing-availability
Health Services
Students coming from the European Union or the European Economic Area EU or EEA should accompany themselves with the European Health Insurance Card or equivalent. Form more information about the EHIC, see here. With this, students gain automatic access to the National Health Service.
Students coming from outside the EU or EEA must make sure, before traveling, that they have a valid health insurance that guarantees medical assistance during their stay in Portugal.
National emergency number: 112
Saúde 24: 808 24 24 24
Security
Portugal ranks 7th as the safest country in the world. As long as common sense measures are taken, there is no reason why there should be any concerns on this matter.
Rates for violent crime, like conflicts, gang-related crime or drug issues, are pretty low and it is safer at night and safer for female travelers in Portugal than in most European countries. Both the risk of natural disasters and of terrorist attacks is extremely low.
As everywhere else around the world, empty, deserted or poorly lit streets are best avoided at night, especially in the largest cities, Lisbon and Porto. Also, Portugal is not a pickpockets-free country and attention should be paid in the usual places - train stations, airports, shopping areas and tourist-frequented areas.
Checklist
Before traveling to Lisbon, don't forget to:
Bring a valid Identification Card/Passport
Get the European Health Insurance Card (for students from the European Union.
More information, here.
Bring the Declaration of Arrival (if requested by your home university)