How to get your EU registration certificate (CRUE) in Portugal

What it is

The Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (CRUE) is the document showing you have the right to live in Portugal as a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland. It's valid for up to 5 years. After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for a permanent residence certificate.

It's issued by your câmara municipal (city or town hall), not by AIMA, the immigration agency.

Do you need this guide?

EU, EEA or Swiss citizen staying more than 3 months? Yes.
Non-EU family member of an EU citizen? You apply for a residence card through AIMA instead.
Non-EU citizen? You need a residence permit from AIMA.

Before you start

You'll need:

Your passport or EU identity card.
Your NIF (many câmaras ask for it).
Proof of your address in the municipality: a rental contract, property deed, or a residence certificate from your junta de freguesia.
A signed declaration of your situation: that you work in Portugal (employed or self-employed), study here, or have enough money and health insurance to support yourself. Some câmaras ask for evidence, such as an employment contract or bank statements.

Steps

Wait until you've been in Portugal 3 months, then apply within the following 30 days.
Check your câmara's website for where and how to apply. Many require an appointment.
Go to the câmara with your documents.
Pay the fee and collect your certificate. It's often issued the same day.

Cost

A small fee, currently €15.

Common pitfalls

Booking with AIMA. For EU citizens the CRUE comes from the câmara municipal. AIMA will send you back.
Wrong câmara. Apply at the câmara for the municipality where you live.
Missing proof of address. If your rental contract isn't in your name, ask your junta de freguesia for a residence certificate (atestado de residência).
Not updating it. If you move to another municipality, register your new address.

When to ask a helper

Requirements differ between câmaras. If yours asks for extra documents, or you've been in Portugal much longer than 3 months without registering, ask someone who registered in the same municipality.