Portuguese residency - current situation - advice needed

nortada said:
British Embassy Videos on Residency, Health Cover, Driving Licenses & The Latest Advice From The British Ambassador.

Providing they register and get a health number, it would appear that, irrespective of age, all residents in Portugal are entitled to free medical care.
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Entitled to free healthcare, yes. But once you are in receipt of your state pension (65 or whatever age) you should get the S1 form from UK and give it to the Saude or social security office to record it on their system, then they claim all your medical expenses back from UK.




Webcraft.
So it's just a number, which registers you on the Portuguese health system?
What about the EHIC?

Yes it's their number that references all your health records.

If your above pension age and in receipt of a state pension you will probably need the S1 to give them when you go to the Saude to get your health number.
I say probably because its Portugal and you never know what they'll ask for but the rules are that you need it once retired.
Once you get your health number, then you can apply for a portuguese EHIC from the Citizen shop ot the Social security office.
Another twist in the tale here - once you are a pensioner you should get your ehic from UK as they are the ones responsible for your health costs in retirement.
So basically get health number, if you are a pensioner you need the S1.
Then apply for a Portuguese EHIC unless you are a pensioner in which case you can keep the UK one.
This information is all on the UK government website, it just takes a bit of digging to find it.
 
Do you have to get a health number where you are registered,?

(We are registered in Cascais but will be moving on to the Algarve soon)

Greeny, what's this about a UK EHIC? Surely no such thing after 31st Dec.

And - S1 - what are the implications for health care when back in the UK?

- W
 
In theory no, the registration puts you in the national computer but, it's best to register locally. We were in the queue at Faro Centro one time when a Portuguese woman in front of us was told they were too busy to see her and to go back home to Lisbon and see her doctor there. I was also told they were fully booked and to go to emergency which at that time had 16 hour wait for non-urgent. I went somewhere else. In summer, many coastal health centres are overworked with tourists.

If you have problems, alternative is to use private clinics. Lots around, some deal with general complaints, some specialise. Typical cost to see a doctor is around €50. Mate had some melanoma burned off his arm, same day. €50 for doctor, €70 for laser. I has endoscopy one time €80, 2 day wait.
 
greeny said:
Entitled to free healthcare, yes. But once you are in receipt of your state pension (65 or whatever age) you should get the S1 form from UK and give it to the Saude or social security office to record it on their system, then they claim all your medical expenses back from UK.




Webcraft.
So it's just a number, which registers you on the Portuguese health system?
What about the EHIC?

Yes it's their number that references all your health records.

If your above pension age and in receipt of a state pension you will probably need the S1 to give them when you go to the Saude to get your health number.
I say probably because its Portugal and you never know what they'll ask for but the rules are that you need it once retired.
Once you get your health number, then you can apply for a portuguese EHIC from the Citizen shop ot the Social security office.
Another twist in the tale here - once you are a pensioner you should get your ehic from UK as they are the ones responsible for your health costs in retirement.
So basically get health number, if you are a pensioner you need the S1.
Then apply for a Portuguese EHIC unless you are a pensioner in which case you can keep the UK one.
This information is all on the UK government website, it just takes a bit of digging to find it.
Click to expand...

Graham you and I have discussed S1 before.

S1 means you are relocating to Portugal permanently so I am a still a bit concerned over other implications,UK residency, GP in UK, index linked pensions etc.

As I am in the S1 bracket, I intend to sit on my hands until January and see what materializes, once/if the UK/EU agreement is signed off.

At present there is too much speculation to make significant decisions other than the residency one.
 
nortada said:
Graham you and I have discussed S1 before.

S1 means you are relocating to Portugal permanently so I am a still a bit concerned over other implications,UK residency, GP in UK, index linked pensions etc.

As I am in the S1 bracket, I intend to sit on my hands until January and see what materializes, once/if the UK/EU agreement is signed off.

At present there is too much speculation to make significant decisions other than the residency one.
Click to expand...

I've not been asked for S1 so never applied for one.
 
I agree with Nortada, an S1 could cause complications in the UK so best not if you can avoid it.

If we end up in the Algarve presumably we can get our address (currently Cascais Marina) changed, then apply locally for a health number?

How easy is changing the address on your Residencia certificate?

- W
 
nortada said:
Come January, I hope to use the undoubted confusion; go over the Centro do Saude in Portimao and to go down the same route as you did.
I will keep the Centro do Saude in Lagos in reserve for Plan B.
Click to expand...

Why wait until January when you will no longer be a citizen of EU so maybe subject to different rules?

webcraft said:
I agree with Nortada, an S1 could cause complications in the UK so best not if you can avoid it.
If we end up in the Algarve presumably we can get our address (currently Cascais Marina) changed, then apply locally for a health number?
How easy is changing the address on your Residencia certificate?
- W
Click to expand...

My residential address and health registration are in Alges, just down the road from where you are now. Although we spend most of our time on the Algarve, haven't bothered changing anything except the car is registered and insured at an Algarve address because it's cheaper than Lisbon area.
 
I'll try and answer the questions asked of me in this one post.
First of all I've got to say that everyone has a different experience with these things dependant on what town you're in and what official you see on the day. But I think we're all well aware of that. Also whatever you read here is subject to possible/probable change after the end of the year.

According to the Uk government web pages it says that when you are resident abroad (read abroad as in EU) and a pensioner you should obtain the S1, give it to the authorities in your new country to enable them to claim health care costs back from the UK.
It says that as a pensioner you are still eligible for UK health care when in the UK. It also says you should inform your doctor that you are leaving the country and no longer live there so you can be removed from his list.
If you are not of retirement age, and therefore you are not S1, you are not entitled to healthcare in the UK system but can use your Ehic to obtain treatment for emergency illness whilst in the UK.

Before retirement age the Ehic is issued by your country of residence as they pick up the health costs associated with it. After retirement and you have a government pension, the Ehic is issued by your "original" country, not your country of residence, as the associated health costs are now paid by your "home" country.
My Portuguese Ehic expired on my 65th birthday and when I applied for the replacement I was told to apply in UK which I duly did and received the card within 3 weeks.
While I was in the social office initially trying unsuccessfully to get a portuguese replacement I was told that I must get my S1 and then make an appointment with them to go and submit it. I applied and got my S1 but have delayed going further and registering it here until it becomes clearer what the deal or no deal will mean to the situation. More or less the same position as Nortada on this one.

The UK Ehic may or may not be useful after the end of December, it may not even exist, who knows what will be agreed if anything. The Portuguese ehic would have been useful for travel throughout Europe in the absence of a deal on healthcare but I got knobbled for that one and have missed out.

The healthcare number is the number you need to be in their health system. In the past I have received treatment without it at the centre de saude but I just pretended to be a tourist. I do also have a private scheme which is very good.
It is necessary to have this number though if you are going to exchange your driving license, which is mandatory if you become resident. Without that number, the details of the the medical which is necessary, can't be entered onto the electronic system for the license people IMT to access, and you won't get your license.

And on top of all that, my friend who wants to exchange his driving license, was yesterday refused his health number at Lagoa Centre de saude because he was retired and didn't have an S1 to give them. He was told to go away and get one then come back. More or less what I was told when at the social security office when I was in there for my Ehic.

I believe that Brexit and the high numbers of UK people getting their residency, health numbers, driving licenses sorted out has brought a heightened level of awareness and knowledge to the people in the government offices and with that, new interpretation and application of what is and isn't required to satisfy the rules. I don't think it's going to get any easier now, and after the year end we'll be one of the "rest of the world", a third country, when it comes to obtaining residency.
 
greeny said:
I'll try and answer the questions asked of me in this one post.
First of all I've got to say that everyone has a different experience with these things dependant on what town you're in and what official you see on the day. But I think we're all well aware of that. Also whatever you read here is subject to possible/probable change after the end of the year.

According to the Uk government web pages it says that when you are resident abroad (read abroad as in EU) and a pensioner you should obtain the S1, give it to the authorities in your new country to enable them to claim health care costs back from the UK.
It says that as a pensioner you are still eligible for UK health care when in the UK. It also says you should inform your doctor that you are leaving the country and no longer live there so you can be removed from his list.
If you are not of retirement age, and therefore you are not S1, you are not entitled to healthcare in the UK system but can use your Ehic to obtain treatment for emergency illness whilst in the UK.

Before retirement age the Ehic is issued by your country of residence as they pick up the health costs associated with it. After retirement and you have a government pension, the Ehic is issued by your "original" country, not your country of residence, as the associated health costs are now paid by your "home" country.
My Portuguese Ehic expired on my 65th birthday and when I applied for the replacement I was told to apply in UK which I duly did and received the card within 3 weeks.
While I was in the social office initially trying unsuccessfully to get a portuguese replacement I was told that I must get my S1 and then make an appointment with them to go and submit it. I applied and got my S1 but have delayed going further and registering it here until it becomes clearer what the deal or no deal will mean to the situation. More or less the same position as Nortada on this one.

The UK Ehic may or may not be useful after the end of December, it may not even exist, who knows what will be agreed if anything. The Portuguese ehic would have been useful for travel throughout Europe in the absence of a deal on healthcare but I got knobbled for that one and have missed out.

The healthcare number is the number you need to be in their health system. In the past I have received treatment without it at the centre de saude but I just pretended to be a tourist. I do also have a private scheme which is very good.
It is necessary to have this number though if you are going to exchange your driving license, which is mandatory if you become resident. Without that number, the details of the the medical which is necessary, can't be entered onto the electronic system for the license people IMT to access, and you won't get your license.

And on top of all that, my friend who wants to exchange his driving license, was yesterday refused his health number at Lagoa Centre de saude because he was retired and didn't have an S1 to give them. He was told to go away and get one then come back. More or less what I was told when at the social security office when I was in there for my Ehic.

I believe that Brexit and the high numbers of UK people getting their residency, health numbers, driving licenses sorted out has brought a heightened level of awareness and knowledge to the people in the government offices and with that, new interpretation and application of what is and isn't required to satisfy the rules. I don't think it's going to get any easier now, and after the year end we'll be one of the "rest of the world", a third country, when it comes to obtaining residency.
Click to expand...

Thanks Greeny for an excellent post.

I will PM you.
 
Good post, thanks. Still looks like residency is the big hurdle, and we have that. Driving license not an issue, as we will not be driving in Portugal (maybe very occasional hire car as a tourist)

May get an S1, but would not necessarily tell my GP in Scotland.

My Portuguese DIL says we should wait until we are in the Algarve, change our Residency address and go dh or a health number there. Any comments?

- W
 
webcraft said:
Good post, thanks. Still looks like residency is the big hurdle, and we have that. Driving license not an issue, as we will not be driving in Portugal (maybe very occasional hire car as a tourist)

May get an S1, but would not necessarily tell my GP in Scotland.

My Portuguese DIL says we should wait until we are in the Algarve, change our Residency address and go dh or a health number there. Any comments?

- W
Click to expand...
That's what I would do I think. You can change the address a the "new" Camera. Have an S1 in your pocket ready for if when you need it.
The only slight niggle I would have is the driving license. There have been rumours that if you don't change the license within a certain time frame of becoming resident you may have to do the driving test again in Portugal after Brexit. These rumours were quite strong 6 months ago but seem to have died a death recently. Personally I didn't believe that they would have to do the test again as many countries come here and just get an exchange license when they go resident. Why, as a "third" country would UK be singled out? Just scaremongering I think.
 
greeny said:
....
The only slight niggle I would have is the driving license. There have been rumours that if you don't change the license within a certain time frame of becoming resident you may have to do the driving test again in Portugal after Brexit. These rumours were quite strong 6 months ago but seem to have died a death recently. Personally I didn't believe that they would have to do the test again as many countries come here and just get an exchange license when they go resident. Why, as a "third" country would UK be singled out? Just scaremongering I think.
Click to expand...
I don't think its a rumour, it's normal that becoming a resident means obeying the country's laws. - or not??
That includes exchanging driving licenses and registering motorized vehicles, getting suitable insurance, etc..
Granted in Portugal you may get away with all sorts, but if an accident were involved, maybe not so much.
Living in Portugal
Spain, different perhaps?
Living in Spain
 
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greeny said:
That's what I would do I think. You can change the address a the "new" Camera. Have an S1 in your pocket ready for if when you need it.
The only slight niggle I would have is the driving license. There have been rumours that if you don't change the license within a certain time frame of becoming resident you may have to do the driving test again in Portugal after Brexit. These rumours were quite strong 6 months ago but seem to have died a death recently. Personally I didn't believe that they would have to do the test again as many countries come here and just get an exchange license when they go resident. Why, as a "third" country would UK be singled out? Just scaremongering I think.
Click to expand...

Only drive hire cars in Portugal so am always ‘a visitor’ with passport and U.K. driving license (with international permit) on my person but no residency documentation with me.

My big area of interest is the implications of S1. Do not want to lose my U.K. GP or local hospital so idea of getting but only activating S1 in an emergency could be a solution.

Once SEF take over all aspects of residency from the camaras, as they are a nationwide agency, who use email as their primary means of communication, will it will still be necessary to notify a change of address?
 
RAI said:
I don't think its a rumour, it's normal that becoming a resident means obeying the country's laws. - or not??
That includes exchanging driving licenses and registering motorized vehicles, getting suitable insurance, etc..
Granted in Portugal you may get away with all sorts, but if an accident were involved, maybe not so much.
Living in Portugal
Spain, different perhaps?
Living in Spain
Click to expand...
A rumour is a rumour. Whether it's true or not. Whether it's the law or not. The rumour on the street was that people were maybe going to have to do their test again. That rumour has died a death in these parts. It may be the law and it may actually come to pass but for now the rumour has gone quiet.
I didn't mention motor vehicle registration or insurance. I don't get away with anything in Portugal and am far more law abiding than most. I object to your insinuations.
 
greeny said:
A rumour is a rumour. Whether it's true or not. Whether it's the law or not. The rumour on the street was that people were maybe going to have to do their test again. That rumour has died a death in these parts. It may be the law and it may actually come to pass but for now the rumour has gone quiet.
I didn't mention motor vehicle registration or insurance. I don't get away with anything in Portugal and am far more law abiding than most. I object to your insinuations.
Click to expand...
Sorry it was not my intent to insinuate anything. I think the rumour has its basis in the Portugal link I gave.

"Register your UK licence with the Instituto da Mobilidade e de Transportes (IMT) (in Portuguese) within 60 days of taking up residence, or face a fine.
You can exchange an expired UK licence for up to 2 years after the expiration date, but you will not be able to drive until you have a valid document. After 2 years, you will have to pass a Portuguese driving test."
 
RAI said:
I don't think its a rumour, it's normal that becoming a resident means obeying the country's laws. - or not??
That includes exchanging driving licenses and registering motorized vehicles, getting suitable insurance, etc..
Granted in Portugal you may get away with all sorts, but if an accident were involved, maybe not so much.
Living in Portugal
Spain, different perhaps?
Living in Spain
Click to expand...

As those of us who have been in Portugal for some time know, it is often nigh impossibly to establish ‘the law’ so rumour is often the only law?

Many of the Portuguese officials make the law up as they go along.?

It’s a national sport so why shouldn’t we all join in?

ps Think even non-residents have to obey the law.
 
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