The Brazilian lawyer André Lima responds every week to a question from DN Brasil readers about immigration.
This week, a reader asked the following question: I decided to return to Brazil. Do I need to notify the Portuguese authorities?
Lawyer André Lima responds:
“I have a residence permit and have decided to return to Brazil for good. Do I need to notify the Portuguese authorities?” The question is common — and the answer goes far beyond simply canceling the residence permit or giving up the process of granting the residence permit. The most important step is to regularize your tax situation before returning, so that there are no outstanding issues in Portugal.
Anyone who decides to leave the country definitively must declare their departure to the Tax Authority, informing them that they are no longer a tax resident in Portugal. This communication is made directly on the Finance Portal. This procedure is essential to avoid undue charges or double taxation on income obtained outside Portugal.
If the citizen carried out professional activity or had an open company, it is essential to formally close the activity in Finance and Social Security. Otherwise, contributions and tax obligations may continue to be generated, even after returning to Brazil.
It is also advisable to inform AIMA (formerly SEF) about the definitive return, even though this is not a legal obligation. This communication demonstrates administrative good faith and avoids complications if the person wants to return to the country in the future.
Another important point is to check the situation with Social Security. If the citizen is receiving any benefit — such as unemployment, parental or illness benefits — they must request the suspension of payment. Furthermore, it is possible to transfer contribution periods to Brazil, based on the International Social Security Agreement between the two countries.
Finally, it is prudent to close or update local contracts — such as bank accounts, leases, insurance, gyms, telephone and internet services — to avoid debts or charges upon return. Leaving everything resolved is the best way to end a cycle calmly and open another without any pending issues.
Frequently asked questions from those returning to Brazil:
1. Do I need to request the cancellation of the residence permit?
No. It is not mandatory to request the cancellation of the residence permit. It automatically loses validity if the holder remains outside Portugal beyond the legal period. Still, informing AIMA about your definitive return is recommended, especially if there are plans to return in the future.
Click here and follow the DN Brasil channel on WhatsApp!
2. Do I need to cancel my NIF?
No. The NIF remains valid, but it is important to declare the tax exit to the Tax Authority, ceasing to be a tax resident in Portugal. This avoids double taxation and keeps the tax situation regularized.
3. Should I inform Social Security?
Only if you are receiving any benefit (unemployment, illness, parenthood, etc.), for payment to be suspended. If there are no active benefits, it is not mandatory to report, but it is sensible to confirm that there are no outstanding contributions.
4. Is it necessary to cancel other contracts?
Yes. It is important to cancel consumer contracts (gyms, telephone, internet, insurance, leases) to avoid future charges or debt records in the holder’s name.
5. What about banks?
Make sure you don’t leave negative balances or loans outstanding. If you decide to maintain accounts in Portugal, keep your contact details up to date with the bank. Bank debts can generate restrictions and charges even after returning to Brazil.
In short, returning to Brazil must be done with the same care as starting a life in another country. More than delivering documents, it is about ending responsibilities and protecting your legal and tax history. Leaving Portugal with everything in order is a gesture of responsibility — and the first step towards being able to return, one day, with open doors.