How to Obtain an Atestado de Residência in Portugal

A Complete Guide for 2025

An Atestado de Residência is an official document issued by your local Junta de Freguesia (parish council) in Portugal, serving as proof of your residence. It’s often required for various administrative processes, such as opening a bank account, registering a vehicle, or applying for residency.

What Is an Atestado de Residência?

An Atestado de Residência confirms that you reside at a specific address within a particular parish. It’s not a residency permit but a certificate verifying your current residence.

Required Documents

While requirements may vary between Juntas, commonly requested documents include:

  • Valid Identification: Passport or EU ID card.
  • NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal): Portuguese tax identification number.
  • Proof of Address: Rental contract, utility bill, or property deed.
  • Residency Permit: For non-EU nationals.

In some cases, especially if you lack formal proof of address, you may need:

  • Witness Statements: Declarations from two local residents attesting to your residence.

Note: Some Juntas may require you to sign a declaration of honor regarding your length of stay at the address.

Finding Your Local Junta de Freguesia

Your local Junta is determined by your residence address. To identify it:

  1. Check Your Rental Contract: The parish (freguesia) is often specified.
  2. Use Online Tools: Websites like Informações e Serviços Lisboa provide directories of Juntas.

Email Template to Request Information

Assunto: Pedido de informações sobre Atestado de Residência

Exmos. Senhores,

O meu nome é [O SEU NOME] e resido em [A SUA MORADA COMPLETA].

Gostaria de solicitar um Atestado de Residência e, antes de me dirigir à Junta de Freguesia, agradecia se me pudessem esclarecer as seguintes questões para que possa preparar toda a documentação necessária:

  1. Quais são os documentos necessários para a emissão do atestado?
  2. É necessário apresentar testemunhas? Se sim, quantas e com que requisitos?
  3. Preciso de me deslocar pessoalmente à Junta ou basta enviar a documentação por email?
  4. É necessário marcar uma visita/atendimento prévio ou posso comparecer sem marcação?
  5. Quanto tempo demora a emissão do atestado após a entrega da documentação?
  6. Qual é o custo do atestado e quais os métodos de pagamento aceites?

Ficarei muito grato(a) pela vossa resposta e disponibilidade.

Com os melhores cumprimentos,
 [O SEU NOME COMPLETO]
 [NÚMERO DE TELEFONE, se quiser facultar]
 [EMAIL]

English Translation:

Subject: Request for information regarding Atestado de Residência

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is [YOUR NAME] and I reside at [YOUR FULL ADDRESS].

I would like to request an Atestado de Residência (Proof of Residence), and before going to the Junta de Freguesia, I would appreciate it if you could kindly clarify the following points so that I can prepare all the required documents:

  1. What documents are required for the issuance of the certificate?
  2. Are witnesses necessary? If so, how many and what are the requirements?
  3. Do I need to appear in person at the Junta, or is it possible to send the documents by email?
  4. Is an appointment necessary, or can I attend without one?
  5. How long does it take to issue the certificate after submitting the documents?
  6. What is the cost of the certificate and what forms of payment are accepted?

I would be very grateful for your response and assistance.

Kind regards,
 [YOUR FULL NAME]
 [PHONE NUMBER]
 [EMAIL]

Processing Time and Fees

  • Processing Time: Typically between 1 to 3 business days. Some Juntas may offer expedited services.
  • Fees: Vary by Junta, generally ranging from €5 to €30. Expedited services may incur higher fees.

Note: Payment methods can differ; some Juntas may not accept card payments.

Contact Information for Selected Juntas de Freguesia

Here are contact details for several Juntas:

Lisbon

Porto

  • Bonfim: [email protected]
  • Campanhã: [Email not provided]
  • Paranhos: [Email not provided]
  • Ramalde: [Email not provided]
  • Aldoar, Foz do Douro e Nevogilde: [Email not provided]
  • Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São
  • Nicolau e Vitória: [Email not provided]
  • Lordelo do Ouro e Massarelos: [Email not provided]

Note: For Porto Juntas, specific email addresses may not be publicly listed. It’s advisable to visit their official websites or contact them via phone for accurate information.

Important Considerations

  1. Variability: Procedures and requirements can differ between Juntas. Always confirm specifics with your local office.
  2. Witnesses: If required, witnesses usually need to be residents of the same parish.
  3. Appointments: Some Juntas operate on a walk-in basis, while others may require appointments.